3 Car Paint Types: Pros and Cons of Each

There are many different car paint types and there are many pros and cons to each type. Your needs and the look you are trying to achieve will dictate the best type of paint. Certain types are easy to apply while others may be more difficult. Some paints may be hazardous to the health and will require special equipment and ventilation. You should look into the different types of paints, how they are applied and the pros of cons of each.

• Pros of Urethane Car Paint: Urethane paint is a good choice as it can be sprayed over almost every kind of paint as it will not react. This paint can even be sprayed over lacquer. Urethane paints are also very affordable and will dry very quickly after it is applied. Urethane paints will last for a very long time and are very durable; they do not easily fade or chip.
• Cons of Urethane Car Paint: While this type of paint is affordable it is not the least expensive type available. While urethane paints do last along time they can sometimes have a plastic like appearance. You will need to wear proper protective gear as it is toxic. When handling urethane paint you will need to wear a painter’s suit, respirator with air pump and eye goggles. If you are using a spray gun you may find it tricky as sometimes there are flow problems.
• Pros of Metallic Car Paint: Metallic paint offers a very cool paint effect as it will make your car noticeable and looks great on sports and muscle cars. Metallic paint makes for a very eye catching car. Many times a metallic coat of paint can increase the resale value of your car. Metallic paints are a type of premium paint and it can hide dings and scratches because it is highly reflective.
• Cons of Metallic Car Paint: While this paint can hide scratches it can also make damage difficult to repair. This paint is hard to match if you should need to fix any spots.  You also do not have many color choices so if you are looking for a specific shade you can have difficulties. It is also a very expensive type of car paint.
• Pros of Acrylic Car Paint: This paint is very easy to apply and will produce a very nice glossy finish. In particular acrylic enamel paints will produce hard shell when it dries and when professionals apply they will actually bake it onto car. There is a single stage acrylic paint and a double stage system that will require a top clear coat.
• Cons of Acrylic Car Paints: While acrylic enamel paints are a type of car paint hardener, acrylic lacquer paints do not last very long and are described as “soft.” This paint will easily fade and wear when it is exposed to UV light or chemicals. They can also be very difficult to apply for those do it yourself painters and you will need to do a lot of finishing work. If you use acrylic urethane paint then once it is mixed you need to use it immediately.