Paint Job Types: Polyurethane, Acrylic, Enamel, Base & Clear

Different types of paint are used for different purposes, just as different tools are used to perform different jobs. Oil-based paint and water-based paint are the two primary categories of paint, but within these categories exist a world of different paints, many of which are used in the automotive refinish industry.

Polyurethane

Polyurethane paint is a predominant type of paint in the automotive refinishing industry, as well as the sealing of woodwork in furniture making. Polyurethane is divided into two categories. The first is called "1K." This type of paint reacts with the atmosphere to cure the paint in a process called "polymerization." The second is called "2K." The second type of paint is mixed with a hardener prior to application, creating a chemical curing process.

Polyurethane used for the automotive refinish industry includes a pigment in the paint, while polyurethane used in furniture making does not include a pigment. This leaves it clear and able to show off the grain of wood.

Acrylic

Acrylic is a type of paint that is suspended in what is called an "acrylic polymer emulsion." Acrylics are water-based paints, and thus can be thinned with ordinary water. When dry, they provide a measure of water resistance. While acrylic paint has traditionally been used by artists, its use has expanded to home painting and recently, auto painting. The primary reason for this is the relative lack of dangerous compounds in the paint when compared to other paints. This makes refinishing with acrylic paint an ideal choice for hobby restorers wishing to paint their vehicles at home.

Enamel

Enamel is a type of paint that does not depend on a mixed hardener in order to cure. Enamel paint uses only the surrounding air in order to dry. When it does, it forms an extremely hard shell surface that is resistant to scratches and chipping. Enamel may be either oil-based or water-based, and comes in a variety of finishes ranging from matte to gloss. Enamel paint is used in both the automotive painting industry as well as in home painting.

Base/Clear

Base/clear is not a type of paint, but rather a type of refinishing process. Base/clear uses a color coat applied first to the vehicle that is composed of oil-based or water-based paint. The base coat has a matte appearance that contributes to the adhesion of the clear top coat. The gloss is provided by the clear top coat applied over the base coat. Base/clear has come to be the predominant style of refinishing for cars, as opposed to single stage paint. Single stage paint simply omits the clear top coat, instead holding its gloss in the base coat.