subject: Car Paint Types [print this page] Car Paint Types Car Paint Types
The paint on your car is not only the thing that makes it shiny and pretty, it is also what protects the structure of the car from damage like the weather, scratches and dings, and dirt and bird poo. Different types of paint have different qualities. Here is your guide to the different types of paint you can have on your car.
Acrylic Lacquer
This type of paint has many benefits. It is easy to apply, which means that a novice can conceivably paint a car without it looking like a child did it. It also makes the car nice and glossy, which is a desirable quality in car paint. There are some bad things about it, however. UV rays, chemicals, and chips weaken it easily, so a car painted with acrylic lacquer would need to be repainted often. Which brings us to the worst thing about it - it would be bad to have to use it often, because it is very bad for the environment. In fact, it has been banned in many states.
Acrylic Enamel
Acrylic enamel is much harder than lacquer, so it stands up to the elements better. Car manufacturers and professional car painters bake on the enamel. Acrylic enamel also comes in spray cans, but because the paint is not as easy to apply. If you try to do it yourself, you might end up with a drippy, streaky car. Also, many enamels require a topcoat, so that's a lot to do on your own.
Acrylic Urethane
Acrylic urethane combines the best of both the acrylic lacquer and acrylic enamel worlds. It is easier to apply like lacquer, yet tougher and more durable like enamel. It is also a bit more complicated. It comes in three different, separate products. First is the color, then the reducer that makes the color the right consistency, or viscosity, and finally a product that makes the drying time faster. Once you mix all three components together, you have to use it quickly, and throw away any paint that is left over. The paint is pretty toxic, so if you work with it you'll need gloves, a respirator, and eye protection to make sure you don't get it on or in you.
