The purpose of auto paint not only is to make a car look good, but to also protect the underlying body panels from environmental hazards. When repairing or restoring a vehicle different types of paint may be considered. Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is the automotive paint that paint manufacturers supply directly to an automaker. Aftermarket paints are those used to repair and refurbish vehicles.
One-Part Enamels
When mixed for spraying, enamels tend to be thicker than lacquers and are applied with fewer, thicker coats. There are several advantages to enamels, including the cost. Regular one-part enamels are among the cheapest paints to apply, and the labor also is cost-effective because enamels don't require buffing and wet sanding. Enamels, which dry glossy, are also durable, especially alkyd enamels. Alkyd enamels are commonly called synthetic enamels because they were the first enamels to have resin, which was modified by synthesizing with petroleum products. There are also acrylic enamels, which are especially durable when used with hardeners. Disadvantages of enamels are that they can be more difficult to apply than lacquers and some value-priced enamels can be short-lived in the sun.
Two-Part Enamels
Two-part enamels can be placed in a league of their own. They are extremely durable and require the addition of a second component, i.e. a hardener or activator. Without a hardener, the paint won't dry. Because of the durability, some custom shops have switched from painting with lacquer to two-part enamels. Two-part enamels are known to have a fast drying time and can often be buffed the next day. They also retain their gloss for years. A major drawbacks however, is price. Two-part enamels tend to be expensive.
Lacquers
Lacquers, which dry mainly through evaporation, tend to be more susceptible to damage by solvents. Lacquers became popular in the 1950s when a more durable acrylic lacquer was used. However, environmental concerns and the high quality of two-part enamels have negatively impacted the market for lacquers. While its popularity has waned, there are some advantages. It has a fast drying time, it's the easiest paint to spray, and it can make blending and spot repairs easier. A major disadvantage is that lacquers go into the atmosphere more than any other kind of paint and are actually banned in several states.
Equipment and Applications
Regardless of the type of paint you are using, proper ventilation of the booth or room is important. However, be sure that any fans have fire-safe motors that don't throw sparks. Wearing a mask with a charcoal filter is ideal. When using enamels, overspray is difficult to remove so be sure to cover up anything you don't want to be painted and thoroughly mask to avoid damaging parts or finishes. When using two-part enamels, a special breathing apparatus is required, such as a fresh air system that pumps fresh air into the painter's hood via a hose.
Picking Paint Colors
When you are determining which color to paint a vehicle, some things should be considered, such as the resale value. Colors selected from a chip book can be deceiving so this might not be the best route. Different colors can have different impacts on vehicles. For example, black can be great for hiding some features but it also can make a car look smaller.
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