Base Coat/Clear Coat VS Single Stage Urathene

[stephenbeardsley]

Hi All,
I hope you can help.  My 230SL is currently at the body shop being prepped for paint and I've heard both good and bad things about the subject of this post (base coat/clear coat looks like plastic or single stage urathene is not as durable as BC/CC).  Any thoughts on which to use as far as which is going to give me the closest appearance as to when the car was new,or which is best for the paint "WOW" factor?  Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated and thank you
Best,
Steve 

[thelews]

Single stage is closest to original because that's what original was (non-metallic).

Base/Clear is more WOW and glossier than original as well as easier to keep looking shiny.  Base/Clear also is easier to repair in the event of damage, the blends are almost indistinguishable vs. single stage.

If you're doing a Concours beauty queen, go single stage for original finish and look.  If you're doing a nice driver go Base/Clear for ease of maintenance and repair.

[stephenbeardsley]

Thanks for the reply.  Mine is going to be a nice driver and ease of keeping it shiny is a definite consideraion.
Best,
Steve