Time to choose a paint

[Ron H]

Hey everybody, I have finally finished all the mechanical on my chassis and am ready to put the body back on. Then starts the body work. Before I do I need to paint the firewall. We have chosen to paint the car in cashmere blue and white. The color is a sort of powder blue from the 55 chevy. I am undecided as whether to use a single stage or bc/cc on the car. The car should be inside most if not all the time. I am most concerned with flattening the surface, ease of repair, and durability/protection from weather and aging.
Any recommendations, advice and insight would be appreciated. I really like the color of the single stage paints, but don't want to give up anything as far as maintenance, durability, etc. are concerned. Thanks Ron

[88GT]

I say BC/CC. The savings on paint is miniscule on a resto. I dont think you will regret it.

[Ron H]

If it makes any difference the car is going to be done in an original style. Meaning wide whites, body color steel wheels, etc. Regards Ron

[dave_demented]

it depends on if the paint is a metallic or not. if its metallic, the claer will add better protection and make it easier to spray. if its a solid color, use ss. it gives you a little more depth, etc

[Ron H]

Is there any advantage to single stage i.e. easier repair, more durable, cut and buff etc. over a bc/cc?
Cashmere blue is a solid color. Thanks Ron

[Len]

Hi Ron
The considerations are many when choosing a paint type but the one of the most important will be keeping the vehicle looking original.

Depending on the paint quality you'll find that most bc/cc is more durable and easier to repair properly because the base can be blended then the clear can be panel painted so the repair is invisible. However if you save some of the original ss color you can panel paint and still have a perfect match.

The one thing I like about single stage is that it looks original while bc/cc can give the surface a shine or depth that the car didn't have from the factory.

If I were doing the entire car (jambs, engine compartment, trunk etc.) all the same color using ss paint I'd probably purchase 6 quarts and use the first two quarts for everything but the exterior. After the hidden parts are painted I would use most of the remaining paint on the exterior and have a quart or more left. Pour it into a smaller container and label it so that you're prepared for future repairs. I also do the same with base coat colors.

[Ron H]

Thanks Len, I didn't realize what a big decision this is going to be. I have alot of time in this car in the last 1 1/2 years, I want to make sure and choose wisely. It will determine the overall appearance of the project. I had previously thought bc/cc would be the 'only way to go'. I like the appearance of a single stage on the older cars. It seems like the colors are more vivid and closer to the original appearance. Although it won't be the original color, it will be an original style resto. I don't want to sacrifice any more protection than I have to. I've read in previous posts about the difference in UV protection in clear, and it sounds as though repairs could be easier. Of course I only anticipate rock chips dings etc.
Are there any more advantages to a bc/cc system? What about cutting and buffing, repairing runs etc. Robert are you out there?

[dcrog]

Well you won't have to spray the entire outside 4 to 6 times. Only 2 to three with single stage. Cutting, buffing, run repair shouldn't be any problem since there is no metallic.

Rock chips, if you are simply wanting to do a quick fix for whatever reason, will just use your original SS paint. And you won't need to clear the whole panel, or get a halo from trying to spot in the clear.

One other thing, I'm sure you are talking single stage urethane, just to clarify for anyone in the future reading this thread.