Glasurit v. PPG Paint

[Nate]

Hello All,

I'm in the initial stages of restoring my recently acquired '71 280SL, rust-free, accident-free, blue plate, pink slip California car, all matching numbers.  I'm having the entire car professionally stripped and repainted in it's factory color Arabian Grey (DB 124). I wanted to get member's input on the expensive Glasurit paint v. PPG.  I'm told that the non-metallic colors are very easy to match if you go the less expensive PPG route.  If I'm going to the expense of having the car professionally repainted, is it worth spending the extra $$$ for Glasurit paint?  Will I end up with a better finish than if I went with PPG-matched paint?

[mdsalemi]

Hello Nate,

As one who had his car repainted with color change, using Glasurit paint, I can say its remarkable stuff.  However, I'm also as convinced that the quality of application and finishing is as important as who makes the paint.  You can waste your money on Glasurit if it isn't done right, and you can get astounding results with PPG if done correctly with all the right pre-prep and after-spray finishing.

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[rwmastel]

quote:Originally posted by nate

Hello All,

I'm in the initial stages of restoring my recently acquired '71 280SL, rust-free, accident-free, blue plate, pink slip California car, all matching numbers.  I'm having the entire car professionally stripped and repainted in it's factory color Arabian Grey (DB 124).

Regardless of what you choose, I'd love to see it when done.  I have a 124G car (158H hard top) with tired old paint and would like to see it as it should be.

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[George Des]

See Len Stuart's Autobody website for the low down on paints. Len is a big proponent of Glasurit but I think even he would admit that high end PPG Concept, R&M, Sikkens, etc can also produce durable, quality results when properly applied, color sanded, and polished.

George Des

[paults1]

I had my '63 230SL painted with R-M Limco 2 paint in the DB124 Arab Gray original color. I know R-M has the formula for the color. BASF is the distributor for the R-M products. I believe BASF is also connected with the Glasurit products, hence the correct color formula.

[George Des]

This is Len Stuart's website for those interested.

http://www.autobodystore.com/

George Des

[Nate]

If the stars are in alignment, the restoration work should be completed by the end of April.  I will gladly share pictures of her once she's back from the "day spa"...

[Bob G ✝︎]

Just a though. Your talking about a single stage color right? Unless you can get the older style enamels is not a clear coat going to be part of the paint job? that  changes the way it looks doesn't it? Sorry for throughing in that wrench to the mix.

Bob Geco

[George Des]

Bob,

I know PPG Concept Single Stage, an acrylic urethane, can be cross referenced with the older DB synthetic enamels used on the MBs. I assume some of the other brands can be as well. Concept can be color sanded and left with enough orange peel in the final finish that it comes pretty close to the original look. Some of the two stage finishes I've seen just look too "wet", but this may also be a function of the final sanding and polishing work as well.

George Des