single stage or basecoat/clearcoat

[justasquid]

I know the advantages of the clear coat, but was wondering what people thought of the single stage versus 2 stage paint. I am planning on black, and have read several post on other forums that people prefer single stage when it comes to dark solid colors.

Any one here prefer one over the other. I've sprayed both and have had good luck with both, but I personaly prefer bc/cc. Is there is any reason I should consider a single stage?

thanks,

[MR_RX87]

If you want depth and longevity then clear over base is the way to go. I use this method on the flasher cars but not on the cheaper ones.

[PRRC]

We use single stage for only 2 solid colors. Black/ Red We feel the clarity in the paint is better with out a top coat.

[kmcanally]

single stage is easier to repair...

[justasquid]

Thanks for the reply's.

I really thought hard about this one after I saw Chip Foose's own truck get painted with a single stage black. And the reasoning behind was the clarity and depth would be better like PRRC said.

Its kind of a toss up. On one hand, the single stage will be cheaper, clarity and depth should be better. the cleared over would have durability, and in my opinion, easier to buff out and get smooth. I've been spraying 2 stage for a long time and like the results. But the single stage really intrigues's me for the black paint.

Does anyone know what the upkeep on the single stage would be compared to a 2 stage? The car will only be driven in the summer and stored inside. Its exposure to the sun will only be while its being driven. If I will have to wheel out the single stage every year, I may just go ahead and 2 stage it.

[T_Raven]

I think I read once that 2 stage is better for beginning painters because it's easier to fix flaws. Is that true? I haven't painted anything yet but plan to paint a few of my cars eventually.

[manicmechanic]

Well, I have never shot a single stage on a car body (engine blocks yes) but I can say that there is some ability to rework 2 stage paint till your happy with the outcome.

[Zanie]

I'd say single stage with red or black too. I painted my buddies 67 camaro in 1990 with single stage centari in Porsche Gaurds Red (no clear). The only time that car has seen a buffer was a month after we shot the paint. It might not look so great if he didn't hand glaze it a bunch of times every summer. I'd brag about how good it looks now, but I can't find any pics and I'll get called out. Lets just say you wouldn't think it was painted 19 years ago. Its only seen rain twice in those 19 years.

For black, I wouldn't go any way but single stage.

Dan

[JRouche]

Does anyone know what the upkeep on the single stage would be compared to a 2 stage? The car will only be driven in the summer and stored inside.

And really thats the question, up keep. Not much with the C/B.. But a single stage is gonna need some buffing, light of course but still, its there. And a SS black WILL show swirls. Where a CC is a lil more forgiving with the swirl marks. But for the deep down BLACK a single stage still wins. JR

[jonnyc]

what company would you guys recommend for the ss black?

[tellyv]

My shop uses basf now but for single stage I love chroma one from dupont

[JRouche]

what company would you guys recommend for the ss black?

I have heard really good stuff with SPI single stage black. Dont know if they still have it. JR

http://www.southernpolyurethanes.com/Product%20lines.htm
http://spi.forumup.org/about2402-spi.html