Re: Repainting Red/Red
ZMann said:
Do most people apply a clear coat when they repaint their syty's or keep it like it came without a clearcoat? I would assume you'd want to have a clearcoat the second time around.
Thanks
Depends on what you want, and what the painter is acustomed to using.
Single stage paint is still available for solid colors. [Red is 'solid']. Metalics are now 2-stage only. [Must use clear coat].
My opinion is that most two stage are too glossy, compared to original finishes. If you don't want it to look like it's been repainted from 20 feet away, I suggest using single stage.
Having said that, I can make two cases where 2-stage makes sense:
If you are painting it yourself, in a 'garage' enviroment that will be a little dirty, it's easier to sand and buff clear coat, than color coat. It's also easier to 'spot repair' 2-stage, if you really have a problem.
RED CARS! Red oxidizes quickly. It is just a royal pain to keep glossy and nice. Clear coat seems like it's less hassle to keep looking nice.
I know about these issues. I have two red cars that I painted myself. The Typhoon is single stage, I like the way it looks, but has deteriorated greatly over the eight years since it was painted, even with garages, covers, and maintaince. I feel a lot of this is because of the color sanding and buffing that was required to get the paint smooth in the beginning.
My DD pick-up was painted with Linear Polyurethane. Aircraft finish. $500.00 for 5 qts ready to spray. I had trouble with dirt. Can't really color sand LP. Now 2 years old, it is starting to oxidise. I didn't expect this from LP. I try to maintain it with polish / wax about every 6 months, but this is my DD.
Because of my experiences above, I will probably try 2-stage on my next solid-color paint project.
If 'stock' appearance is important, there are techniques and clear-coats that can get really close to the desired result. Experiment, if you're doing it yourself. Or have a chat with the painter. Perhaps have him shoot some 'test panels' for your evaluation.
No surprises that way.
Good Luck with your repaint.
Dave