Metallic Urethane Basecoat

Metallic Urethane Basecoat

Do you have a car or truck that runs great but looks horrible? (You can actually spot mine from outer space using Google Earth!) Would you like the looks of a newer vehicle without the new car price? If either is the case, then the answer may be to paint your ride!

But where do you start? What's involved? How can you do it without breaking your wallet?

Well, the answer to these questions will depend on a few factors. First off, is your vehicle worth investing in? For example, does it have a sound engine and transmission? Is it likely to continue running good for a while? Is the body still in decent condition? Or is it eaten away with rust? These are important questions to answer before deciding to invest more money into your vehicle.

Next, what do you want it to look like when it is all done? And how long do you want it to last? These two questions will help you figure out a lot. If you are looking for a high quality paint job with panels straighter than a ruler, then expect to pay. But if you just want it to look good and last a few years, then you may be able to get by with a cheaper paint job. Paint jobs can cost as low as a few hundred dollars (Maaco Special) and cost as high as 3 to 5 thousand dollars. So, really, the cost will depend on what kind of final results you are shooting for in the end. With this in mind, don't be fooled by auto body shops that promise much for very little. The truth is-you get what you pay for when it comes to a paint job. Keep yourself informed. And take the time to shop around. With the answers to these questions you should be in a better position to make a good decision.

What, though, makes one paint job so expensive and another so cheap? Why such a difference?

A big reason has to do with the type of paint materials that will be used. Acrylic enamels are the cheapest. But they may come only in certain colors and only last for two or three years. Urethane enamels can come in almost any color and be as durable as anything out there, but this will depend on the quality used. Urethane enamels are more durable than acrylic enamels but will cost more. Both have the shine and color built into one. Both are economical. However, sometimes these can lack luster and depth. In addition, if you want a color with metallic or pearl flakes in it, then, as any experienced paint tech will tell you, enamels often are difficult to work with.

The most durable and widely used paint on most vehicles today are basecoat/clear coat systems. These come in every color imaginable, have a deep shine, and can often be sanded and buffed later in order to remove any light scratches. Also, they can last from 5 to 15 years; or even longer. However, basecoat/clear coat systems can cost significantly more; but may be well worth it depending on how you answered some of the questions posed earlier. Maaco offers to paint a car for a few hundred dollars but will use an acrylic enamel. Maaco can also paint a car with a basecoat/clear coat system, but last time I checked, even Maaco's base price for this is about $1500. Add to all this lots of body work, removing parts, and preparing panels and the price can go higher.

However, sometimes money can be saved by using a more economical basecoat/clearcoat system. For example, the Sherwin William's brand "ULTRA 7000" basecoat color can cost anywhere from $50 - $90 per pint. (It is great paint.) But Sherwin Williams also has an economical line of basecoat color that costs about $10 - $20 per pint; a significant savings. And, in my experience, it gives you many of the same benefits as other, more expensive, basecoat/clearcoat systems. The differences between the premium grade paint systems and more economical ones may well be seen in how well they resist fading and peeling as time goes on. So, again, what you decide in this regard depends on how you answered some of the questions that I posed earlier.

What's left to be said, then?

Be shrewd. When a shop offers to paint your car ask them some questions. "What type of paint will you use? How much care will you take with the body work? Will you take parts off so there is no danger of peeling later on? Will you wet-sand and polish out any dirt left in the paint when done? If I removed parts and did some of the prep myself could I get a discount?" Any reputable shop will be happy to let you know what is involved. And most will even work with you to come up with a plan for your car or truck that will fit your budget while giving you the look you want.

So, if painting your ride is something you would like to do, then give it some thought. And when you do, don't forget to ask others about your local, small-town body shops. Many of them do great work and care about the reputation they leave with their friends in the community.

For more information, please visit me at http://www.autoworxplus.com. Read other helpful articles, get tips and advice on common vehicle appearance, restoration questions. Browse our articles, our top how-to video picks, and shop at our online selection of stores that have great deals on auto parts, restoration supplies, and other items. Get recommendations on our favorite products for detailing, painting, repairing dents on all of your vehicle projects. Ask us a question if you'd like!

Danny Leary
http://www.autoworxplus.com

Danny Leary has been in the auto body repair field for many years. He enjoys sharing his knowledge and resources to help others with their auto restoration projects. He also has experience in Paintless Dent Repair, Windshield Chip Repair, Headlight Restoration, Vehicle Graphic Wrap Design, and Website Design.

Gerson Company GRS20001B 2000 Basecoat / Clearcoat Tack Cloth $80.58 Features and Benefits Compatible with all paints including lacquers acrylic enamels urethane epoxies and waterborne Wax/silicone free Full 18 x 36 per cloth Non toxic works on all metal wood plastic and fiberglass Made from surgical grade bleached gauzeLow dry tack designed for multicoat automotive paint systems. Manufactured from the finest heatset resins to assure complete removal of particulates without leaving harmful residue. Approved by leading OEM s.nbsp; 12 cloths per box/ 12 boxes per case.

X-Metals basecoat $6.46 Add style to a bike, scooter, wagon, metal basket, or skateboard with X metals. Turn ordinary metal into the coolest metal colors. Anodized colors formulated to work over shiny, bar chrome. Resists heat up to 500 degrees F intermittent. Use basecoat first over painted surfaces.X-Metals come in 11 oz. spray cans.

Iwata IWA5662 LPH400134LVX Extreme Basecoat Spray Gun With 700 ML Cup $897.09 The LVX eXtreme basecoat technology was developed for use with 9095 percent of basecoat colors and engineered to provide increased productivity in application with solvent or waterborne basecoats. The LPH400LVX is much faster than the competition and has an ultra smooth application with no technique change. This model is shipped with 700ml cup. LV technology for a 11.8 inch tulip pattern thus more material in pattern and less overspray. Applicable in solvent or waterborne products. Low air consumption. Superior atomization. Center post gravity HVLP spray gun.

Iwata IWA5673 LPH400144LVX Extreme Basecoat Spray Gun With 1000ML Cup $897.09 The LVX eXtreme basecoat technology was developed for use with 9095 percent of basecoat colors and engineered to provide increased productivity in application with solvent or waterborne basecoats. The LPH400LVX is much faster than the competition and has an ultra smooth application with no technique change. This model is shipped with the gun and 1000ml cup and has a 1.4 nozzle size. LV Technology for less overspray and fine atomization. LVX air cap designed for 95 percent of all base coats where productivity and speed are a must. Applicable in clear coat solvent and waterborne products. Low air consumption operates on 9.5 CFM. Ultra smooth application with no technique change.

Iwata IWA5672 LPH400144LVX Extreme Basecoat Spray Gun With 700ML Cup $897.09 The LVX eXtreme basecoat technology was developed for use with 9095 percent of basecoat colors and engineered to provide increased productivity in application with solvent or waterborne basecoats. The LPH400LVX is much faster than the competition and has an ultra smooth application with no technique change. This model is shipped with the gun and 700ml cup and has a 1.4 nozzle size. LV technology for less overspray and fine atomization. LVX cap designed for 95 percent of mid range base coats where productivity and speed are a must. Applicable in clear coat all solvent and waterborne products. Low air consumption operates on 9.5 CFM. Ultra smooth application with no technique change.

Iwata IWA5660 LPH400134LVX Extreme Basecoat Gun Only 1.3MM $805.14 The LVX eXtreme basecoat technology was developed for use with 9095 percent of basecoat colors and engineered to provide increased productivity in application with solvent or waterborne basecoats. The LPH400LVX is much faster than the competition and has an ultra smooth application with no technique change. This model is shipped with the gun only. LV technology for a 11.8 inch tulip pattern thus more material in pattern and less overspray. Applicable in solvent or waterborne products. LVX air cap designed for all midrange colors where productivity and speed are a must. Allows for no technique change. Low air consumption.

Urethane Transmission Mount by Rubicon Express $49.99 Transmission Mount; Urethane;

Extreme Dimensions Urethane Win Body Kits - Urethane Sideskirts [2003-2006 Infiniti G35 2dr] $325 Urethane WinSideskirts

Iwata LPH400-134LVX eXtreme Basecoat Spray Gun. Each $585.94 Manufacturer: Iwata. Each. Features and Benefits: LV technology for a 11.8 inch tulip pattern thus more material in pattern and less overspray Applicable in solvent or waterborne products LVX air cap designed for all midrange colors where productivity an

Iwata LPH400-144LVX eXtreme Basecoat Spray Gun. Each $571.49 Manufacturer: Iwata. Each. Features and Benefits: LV Technology for less overspray and fine atomization LVX cap designed for 95% of mid range colors where productivity and speed are a must Low air consumption Applicable in solvent or waterborne products

Urethane C Bushing $151.99 Urethane C Bushing; 6 Deg.; Tracking Arm And Strut Arm;

Extreme Dimensions Standard Urethane Rollpan [97-03 F150] $169 Urethane Roll Pan

Sarona Eyebrows - Urethane [97-02 Ford Expedition] $71 Sarona Eyebrows - Urethane

KBD Wiper Cowls - Urethane [99-02 Chevrolet Silverado] $88 KBD Wiper Cowls - Urethane

KBD Roll Pans - Urethane [97-02 Ford F150] $104 KBD Roll Pans - Urethane

KBD Roll Pans - Urethane [94-99 Chevrolet S10] $104 KBD Roll Pans - Urethane

KBD Wiper Cowls - Urethane [94-99 Chevrolet S10] $88 KBD Wiper Cowls - Urethane

KBD Roll Pans - Urethane [99-02 Chevrolet Silverado] $104 KBD Roll Pans - Urethane

Gold Small Metallic Jar with Lid $62 -Metallic

Extreme Dimensions Urethane Colt Body Kits - Urethane Side Skirt [1999-2004 Ford Mustang] $349 Urethane Colt Side Skirt

Extreme Dimensions Urethane Colt Body Kits - Urethane Front Bumper [1999-2004 Ford Mustang] $349 Urethane Colt Front Bumper

Extreme Dimensions Urethane M-1 Speed Body Kits - Urethane Sideskirts [2004-2008 Mazda Rx-8] $349 Urethane M-1 Speed Sideskirts

Extreme Dimensions Urethane Win Body Kits - Urethane Rear Lip [2003-2006 Infiniti G35 2dr] $349 Urethane WinRear Lip

Extreme Dimensions Urethane Win Body Kits - Urethane Front Lip [2003-2006 Infiniti G35 2dr] $349 Urethane WinFront Lip

Extreme Dimensions Urethane Win Body Kits - Urethane Front Lip [2005-2006 Infiniti G35 4dr] $349 Urethane WinFront lip

Extreme Dimensions Urethane Colt Body Kits - Urethane Rear Bumper [1999-2004 Ford Mustang] $349 Urethane Colt Rear Bumper

Extreme Dimensions Urethane Colt Body Kits - Urethane Full Kit [1999-2004 Ford Mustang] $949 Urethane Colt Body Kit

Extreme Dimensions Urethane RS Body Kits - Urethane Front Lip [1992-1995 Honda Civic 2dr/HB] $199 Urethane RS Front Lip

Extreme Dimensions Urethane Spoone Body Kits - Urethane Front Lip [1992-1995 Honda Civic 2dr/HB] $249 Urethane Spoone Front Lip

Urethane Wheel Spacers $99.95 Moose Racing Urethane Wheel Spacers Made from Urethane elastomer with titanium and graphite for added strength Wheel spacers will give your ATV more stability and better handling Sold in pairs Made in the USA

Urethane Bushings; Body Bushing $87.29 Fits 2002 TJ Wrangler;Black;Urethane body bushing JEEP WRANGLER (97-06TJ) SAHARA SE SPORT X 2002 2.5L (150) 4L Power Tech (242) GAS Urethane Bushings; Body Bushing

Pro-Style Urethane Dumbbells $711.04 Hampton's New Pro-Style Urethane Dumbbell is backed by a Five Year Commercial Warranty; A new twist on the classic pro-style fixed dumbbell, which is extremely efficient and effective for any health club environment. The Urethane Plates are secured by our patented DURA-LOCK end cap system, therefore, virtually Maintenance-free. The Pro-Style Urethane Dumbbell is equipped with three handle options: the Urethane Coated Snug-Grip, Contoured Steel, and Straight Steel. Sizes available from 5-lbs. to 130-lbs.