Single Stage Paint vs Two Stage?

[Cole]

Hello Fellows of the Pagoda Round Table,

Pardon me please if I missed an existing article regarding this subject on the site.
My understanding of this is that single stage combines the paint and clear coat and two stage separates them, i.e., base coat(s) of paint followed by the clear.

I've heard that the pagodas were done at the factory using single stage. Is that correct?
Also there seems to be different opinions on which method is better.
My pagoda is going to be painted again and I'm weighing which way to go. I'm not attempting pristine or even close concourse, rather a good looking driver without going nuts on the paint.
Is is true that single stage is cheaper and easier to maintain, such as a major chip or dent being touched up later?

Thanks!
Cole

[Cees Klumper]

I do believe our cars were originally painted with single stage paint. Base/clear may not 'look right' especially when 'overdone' and so my '68 Spitfire, '71 VW (paint just arrived today), '72 Lancia and '73 Datsun, will all get single stage. But a good, specialized paint shop should be able to get you a correct-looking finish, whether single stage or base/clear, I would think.
Single stage should last fine. Solid colors would normally be easier to repair than metallics. On base/clear, the base coat is not resilient, that comes from the clearcoat.

[mdsalemi]

I believe that the paint products available today--and I don't care if they are single or two stage, clear coat or not, metallic or plain flavor, are vastly different in formulation due to VOCs and the reduction of toxic compounds in the paint.

[MikeSimon]

I am not sure about this either, but in the late 60s, early 70s dual stage - base and clear, especially for metallic paint - was widely used. I wouldn't be surprised if the late 250s and the 280s were 2-stage.
Maybe someone with a car that still ahs original metallic paint can chime in.

[Cees Klumper]

The sources I've been able to find note that two-stage paints were introduced in the eighties. But I'm sure a veteran here knows for sure.

[mbpaul]

I think either could be acceptable if done properly.   And it is true that the paint the car came with is not available any more.  I think it would be best to use the advise of who is going to paint the car.  Use what he is comfortable with.  All sorts of opinions but he knows what he can do best.

[Shvegel]

If your goal isn't originality you are probably better off with Base / Clear paint. 

[mgmoore]

Hi,

Read your post. I've worked in classic car restoration for 25years- nowadays more as a hobby . Owned and have painted many Pagodas and literally hundreds of classic cars over the years.

In my humble opinion  single coat metallic had it's day a long time ago. It's hard to get a blotch free finish especially with lighter metallics such as silver or gold. The quality of finish ls lacking in depth, regardless of whether hand sanded & polished.

Other options, should you wish for the purist approach then cellulose is correct. However, although stunning when done correctly this kind of paint requires maintenance and in my opinion has had it's day too.

If i was after the absolute best method and the ultimate finish this is the route to take. (note, you can go one step further, but your labour/ materials bill will sky rocket) 


The very best quality paint - Glasurit, ici.

 2k medium solids basecoat for colour, slow thinner  - Do not use water based base coat.
 2k Laquer medium solids, ms hardener and slow thinner.

To finish i leave the newly painted car to air dry rather than baked in the booth. Hand flat body down with 1500 grit wet paper then 2500 grit. Machine polish with Farecla g3 and 3M hand finishing compound.
   
This i guarantee will give you a finish of Aston martin, Rolls-Royce standard.

Finally, the finish is only as good as the prep. 90% of the work is in the hand blocking of the panel work, flatting down of primer/re-priming and yet more fine sanding. My boss always told me as an apprentice  "If ain't straight it ain't great!

Good luck and enjoy the putting back together- the best bit.

Cheers,

Matt

[Cees Klumper]

Thanks Matt - to clarify, by 2K laquer you mean 2K clearcoat, right?

[johnk]

Matt
Also how many coats of clear would you recommend?

[mgmoore]

Hi Guys,

lacquer also known as clearcoat. Always a two coat system. First coat is the grip coat second the finish. If you want the very, very best out of automotive paint and a depth of finish to a concourse standard then paint the car twice. Complete with hand flat and machine polish.

On classic cars it's essential to use 2k medium solids opposed to 2k high solids - high solids paint is used on modern cars and in my opinion always looks a bit thick and plasticky. Medium solids looks fine & crisp quality. Always thin lacquer down with 15% thinner.

Cheers,

Matt     

[franjo_66]

Appreciate your insight Matt !!

Thanks
Franjo