3 Car Paint Types: Pros And Cons Of Each

If you are planning on painting your car, here are the pros and cons of the popular types of car paints.

Urethane paints

The main benefit is that it can be sprayed over almost any type of paint as it does not react. It's also cheap and dries easily. Experts also say that it gives excellent finishes and it doesn't run lines.

It's resistant to chipping and doesn't fade easily. In fact, it you take good care of your car, the paint has the potential of lasting for more than 10 years.

While the paint has these advantages its main flaw is that it tends to give cars a plastic-like appearance which is usually unpleasant to look at. It's also toxic therefore, as a mechanic you have to wear protective gear such as eye goggles, air pump, painter's suit, and even an air respirator mast.

While the paint is usually considered superior in quality, it does not flow out easily from the spray gun which can make your painting job tedious.

Acrylic paint

There are usually two types of this paint: one that requires a clear topcoat (called a two stage system) and one that does not require the top coat (known as single stage system). The two stage system is the most recommended as it gives excellent results.

It's ideal for those with little or no painting experience. It's easy to apply and you tend to easily get a high gloss finish. When applied by a professional, it tends to form a hard shell.

The main disadvantage of it is that it tends to be soft and as a result it does not last for long. When exposed to chemicals or UV, it tends to wear out easily thus you have to keep on reapplying it every now and then.

The paint is also difficult to apply which tends to make your painting work difficult. In addition to this, it's usually toxic and you require personal protection equipment when applying it.