News & Advice

Professional car painters use a variety of high-quality automotive paints, each tailored to specific aspects of the painting process and the desired finish. These paints are designed to provide durability, a high-quality finish, and resistance to environmental factors such as UV light, weather, and chemicals.

Here’s an overview of the types of paint commonly used by professionals…

1. Urethane Paints – Urethane-based paints are widely used in the automotive industry due to their durability and resistance to chipping and fading. They provide a high-gloss finish and are available in a wide range of colors. Urethane paints can be applied over most old paints without lifting or reacting, making them suitable for repaint jobs. They’re also relatively fast-drying, which is beneficial in a professional setting.
2. Acrylic Urethane Paints – A subset of urethane paints, acrylic urethane offers a good combination of easy application and long-lasting durability. It’s known for its excellent finish, color retention, and resistance to UV exposure, making it a popular choice for both new car finishes and restoration projects.
3. Acrylic Lacquer Paints – Once the standard in the automotive industry, acrylic lacquer paints are less commonly used today but are still favored for some restoration work, particularly on classic cars. They dry quickly to a high-gloss finish and are easy to polish, but they don’t offer the same level of durability and chemical resistance as urethane-based paints.
4. Basecoat/Clearcoat Systems – This is a two-step process that involves applying a base coat of color followed by a clear coat. The base coat provides the color and aesthetic appearance, while the clear coat offers protection against the elements, UV rays, and adds a glossy finish. This system is the industry standard for most new cars and high-quality repaint jobs because it provides depth, shine, and improved protection.
5. Waterborne Paints – Increasingly popular due to environmental regulations, waterborne paints use water as the primary solvent, which significantly reduces the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). While still providing high-quality finish and color accuracy, waterborne paints are more environmentally friendly. They require specific handling and drying techniques, so professional paint booths equipped with air movement systems are often used.

Professional car painters also use various primers, sealers, and fillers as part of the preparation process to ensure the paint adheres well and the surface is smooth and free of imperfections. The choice of paint type often depends on the specific requirements of the job, including the desired finish, durability needs, and environmental considerations.

It’s also worth noting that professional car painting involves not just the choice of paint but also the application technique, including the use of professional spray guns and painting booths to control the environment and achieve a flawless finish.