Automotive Paint Kits
Whether youre painting autos for friends and family as a hobby or starting an automotive body repair shop, youll need kits, cleaning solutions, and different types of paint. There are several finishes and methods, and youll want to be prepared for them. When youre ready to buy more supplies, take a look to find those items that meet your needs.
What are some of the more common auto paint types?
- Acrylic enamel - The enamel creates a hard "shell" on the outside of the car after completion. This type is used in both single-stage and double-stage jobs.
- Urethane - Used by most car repair shops, non-acrylic urethane is designed for durability.
- Acrylic urethane - When working with this auto paint, make sure you apply immediately after mixing. Acrylic urethane dries fast.
- Acrylic lacquer - Youll use this auto paint when working with antique and classic cars. It is applied to the cars body by hand, as most areas forbid spraying.
What types of automotive paint supplies will you need?
- Base coat kit - Once youve determined the type of auto paint youre using, a base coat is the first step. The foundation in this paint kit is mixed with an activator to firmly set the paint on the car.
- Paint kit - This is your actual paint for the job. Youll want the base coat and the auto paint to be the same type.
- Single-stage kit - Commonly used in cans of spray paint, a single-stage paint kit is meant to be a complete item. It has everything mixed together with no need for a clear finishing coat
- Touch-up kit - When you need to repair the occasional scratch or bit of oxidation on your auto, an automotive touch-up paint will do the job efficiently.
- Clear coat kit - Used in combination with the base coat, a clear finish adds a gloss and protects your autos paint from fading. Youll want to maintain the coat with wax to protect the coat.
How much automotive paint do you need for a car?
The amount of paint required will depend on the size of the vehicle. For a compact or midsized car, expect to use about a gallon of base coat, three gallons of topcoat, and as much as three gallons of clear coat -- two gallons of clear coat may suffice for smaller vehicles. For large vehicles, add an extra half gallon of base coat and an extra gallon each of topcoat and clear coat.