Best Paint to Use on Over Vintage Car Paint

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A bad paint job will totally ruin everything that's gone before it and also be a waste of effort and money. Sadly, to do it right costs thousands!

There are no short cuts because the final job is only going to be as good as what lurks underneath. A typical professional prep can take up to 100 man hours.

Cellulose is the oldest and the most suitable finish for 'home use' due to the less dangerous fumes it gives off, although you still require a proper protective mask and a ventilated area. Alas, this type of paint is becoming harder and ever more expensive to obtain.

As there is no need for lacquer, you simply apply the coats you desire, cutting back with a compound and finishing with a polish. It takes more time and effort but many still prefer this traditional finish as it isn't over glossy and so perhaps more in keeping with the era of the classic vehicle being resprayed.

Furthermore, it's much easier to touch in for a good match. Two-pack paint offers top results straight 'from the gun' plus it requires little burnishing afterwards and the finish is much tougher than cellulose.

The downside is that it cannot be applied at home, safely and legally without special breathing apparatus (although naughty people have done it). It is also harmful to the environment as well as you so watch that you don't run the risk of prosecution – neighbour will be watching.

On the other hand water-based paints have taken over in the professional bodyshops because it offers similar standards of finish yet is kinder to the environment. Two-pack generally requires a lacquer which is where much of the 'danger' lies to you and the environment if you don't possess the right protective equipment.

An alternative for home use is a '2K' high gloss base paint that doesn't need a lacquer at all. It goes on like cellulose but has the gloss of two-pack – sounds the ideal solution in other words.

However, it requires flattening and polishing like good old cellulose (no bad thing we reckon) and some experts warn that, without that protective lacquer, is prone to fading unless regularly treated to compounding and polishing – again no bad thing. Speak to a paint expert for best advice before deciding.

One recent alternative is a plastic paint film which is safe and easy to apply as well as good value at around £200 – not the stuff for concours but it tidies up a cheap classic at minimal cost.

In theory, you can respray using simple aerosols, but if you do this, opt for the larger panel spray cans that bodyshops rely upon (contact one or a paint supplier for details). Like brush painting, the finished product is only as good as the preparation – but in the right hands, there's no reason why an aerosol can't achieve the same quality as an average respray: 10-15 cans does an average car. Autojumbles sell general coloured cans for just a few quid a go!

Best mods

New colour

If you're having a full respray, you'd be mad not to pick a colour that's in vogue for your model that could well enhance its residuals

Brush

Don't sneer; if you take your time and prepare the suface well, a quite acceptable finish can be achieved at low cost plus it's 'in period' for some oldies

Two tone

If you only need a part respray and worried about a colour match, consider a crafty two tone. On some 50's/60's classics it can look really classy

Top five tips

Prep work

You can save a fair wedge by doing as much of the prep and repair work yourself although bear in mind that a sprayer may not guarantee the finish as it didn't do the preparation, so it's swings and roundabouts

Budget

Obtain many quotes but, obviously, look for recommendations at the same time as a low price isn't the be all and end all. Typically, a bare metal respray can range from £3000 to over ten grand depending on if you carry out the prep work or let the bodyshop do it all. A simple flat and 'blow over' can cost £1000, again depending upon the level of work the sprayer needs to carry out

DIY

Respraying requires a good-sized garage or work area that needs to be clean, dust-free and properly vented; the latter a vital point when dealing with the likes of paint strippers and 'Etch-primers'

DIY(2)

Using over the counter DIY tools and materials, you can spray away for under £500

Fit

Before painting, offer up any new trim pieces etc for a dummy run fit because last thing you want is for the new parts to cause damage to that lovely new paint job

Best Paint to Use on Over Vintage Car Paint

Source: https://www.classiccars4sale.net/classic-car-how-to-guides/restoration/how-to-paint-your-classic-car

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