Arguments between Single stage and Base Coat Clear Coat.

[Clewisiii]

All.

I was only planning to do Base Coat Clear Coat.

But one of the paint suppliers gave me a quote for both products.

Single stage would be easier on the stainless trim and wheel Disc's that need to be painted.

What are your thoughts either way.

[billyoung]

Most quote on quote current improvements are not so much however I am sold on basecoat clearcoat paint. It is not brittle and therefor does not chip easily and also does not fade as easily. My opinion.

[Mike Josephic CLC #3877]

My advice is to go with basecoat / clearcoat.  Even if you
plan to show the finished car at the national level, it's
accepted without any issues by judges.  That fact, together
with the greater ease of upkeep, increased durability,
and depth of finish makes it a no-brainer.

My '55 Eldorado was done in base/clear and I don't regret it.

Mike

[Bryan J Moran]

I'm going to ask a dumb question but - can someone explain "base coat clear coat"?  Is it a 'base' of the original color in enamel? Lacquer? And is it already shiny or does it need the clear to add 'gloss'?

I'm not even sure what "metallic" paint is and how the old paint from the 1970's achieved "gloss and shine".

[Clewisiii]

Single stage is just that. A paint that is both the color and gloss. The paint itself is polished and buffed for a shine.

Base Coat Clear Coat is a base of the color, then a clear top coat that provides the gloss and UV protection. When you polish you are only cutting into the clear, not the base color coat.

Metallic paint as we use it is a very fine metal flake suspended in the paint. Metallic can be difficult. The way you spray down the paint can affect how the metal flack lays down. If you spray it inconsistently you can see the difference in the reflection in the metal flake.