Car paints, especially water-based paint, are used by professional car paint specialists to produce the perfect look for each vehicle. Car paints, like other automotive products, come in a variety of colors and textures, and can be purchased in store, online, and through catalogs. Car paint, in particular, comes in two basic types: water-based and oil-based. The lowdown on Water-based Car Paint for Students in Auto Painting Classes. There are literally hundreds of different paint products used by professional car paint technicians.
Oil-based, or mineral-based, car paints contain synthetic materials that mimic the natural properties of oil or wax. Oil-based car paint, usually referred to as “clear”impasto”, is a highly refined form of oil and is applied with a brush. There are also paint products available with synthetic oil additives, which are called “clear” as well but are not as refined as oil-based products.
Auto body work, or car detailing, typically involves removing dirt from the paint by using a rotary tool, which is very similar to a squeegee or microfiber towel. Dirt particles get caught in the brush and the rotary tool pulls it out. After the dirt has been removed, a layer of clear coat is applied to protect the paint from the elements. This “clear” layer, also known as top coat, is usually made up of polyurethane-based products like polyurethane foam and silicone-based products like epoxy resins.
After the top coat of paint has been applied, the car’s interior finish (called paint coat) is then applied using a sprayer or spray gun. The paint color can then be buffed down to remove any imperfections or areas of light color.
Colors can be purchased in various degrees of brilliance, ranging from very dull to very rich and vibrant. Some car paints even have a tint, which gives the vehicle a unique look that cannot be duplicated with any other type of paint. Some people prefer a more matte look, while others want the vehicle’s exterior to be shiny or showy.
Car paints can be purchased at most auto parts stores nationwide and in specialty stores such as AutoZone and Sam’s Club. Many local stores sell auto-related supplies and automotive products. In many cases, you can even purchase the paint and other auto-related products at a discount. When selecting the appropriate vehicle paint product for your vehicle, take the time to research the product thoroughly before you decide on which one to purchase.