Want to give your car a fresh, new look or complete some auto body repairs? Finding the right car paint is crucial for a professional and lasting finish. But with so many options available, knowing Where To Buy Car Paint that meets your needs and budget can be overwhelming. At Eastwood Automotive Finishes, we understand this challenge. That’s why we offer a wide selection of high-quality automotive paints both online and in our stores, ensuring you can Do the Job Right without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your DIY auto painting journey, Eastwood is your go-to destination for all things car paint.
A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing and Buying Car Paint
If you’re new to the world of automotive paint, you probably have many questions. This guide will walk you through the basics of car paint types and help you understand where to buy car paint that’s perfect for your project. For in-depth information, be sure to check out our resources like which primer to use and how to mix custom paints. Eastwood is more than just an auto paint store; we’re your partner in achieving a flawless finish, offering expert knowledge and support every step of the way. Feel free to call us, explore our tech library, or visit one of our locations with any questions.
Understanding the Types of Automotive Paint Finishes
Automotive paint is more complex than house paint. It’s designed to withstand harsh conditions and requires a specific application process. Generally, car paint consists of pigment suspended in a solvent or water base, designed for spray application. Crucially, bare metal should never be painted directly. A primer is essential for surface preparation, followed by a clear coat to protect the color and add shine.
Automotive paints can be broadly categorized into several types, each with unique characteristics:
Acrylic Lacquer: Classic and Traditional
Acrylic lacquer was the original automotive finish, popular since the 1920s. While less common on modern vehicles, it remains a favorite for restoring classic cars to their original factory appearance. Acrylic lacquer offers a high gloss finish, but it’s less durable against UV rays and environmental damage compared to modern paints.
To use acrylic lacquer, it must be mixed with lacquer thinner, which evaporates after application, leaving the pigment on the surface. It’s applied in multiple thin coats using a spray gun and requires buffing to maintain its shine, a process familiar to classic car enthusiasts.
Urethane: Durable and DIY-Friendly
Urethane paints are a modern, popular choice, especially for DIYers. Urethane auto paint is significantly more durable and faster drying than lacquer. Its versatility is another advantage; urethane can be applied over almost any type of existing paint or primer, even acrylic lacquer. The main drawback for some is that urethane finishes can sometimes have a slightly “plastic” appearance, particularly when applied by less experienced painters.
Urethane paints are available in both single-stage and two-stage formulations. Single-stage urethane eliminates the need for a separate clear coat, simplifying the painting process. Two-stage urethane, on the other hand, provides a deeper, more noticeable shine, preferred by those seeking a show-quality finish.
Pearlescent and Metallic Paints: Modern and Eye-Catching
Pearlescent and metallic paints have been popular since the 1990s, though they were introduced earlier. These paints contain flakes of aluminum or mica within a colored base, creating a shimmering, multi-dimensional effect. While visually striking, these paints can be more challenging to apply. Achieving a seamless finish often requires painting entire body panels to avoid visible lines or variations in the metallic effect.
Alt text: Finished log splitter with a vibrant and protective Eastwood paint job.
Waterborne and Solvent-Based Paints: Environmental and Traditional Options
Beyond these main types, automotive paints also include:
- Waterborne Paints: Increasingly popular due to their lower solvent content, waterborne paints are a more environmentally friendly option.
- Solvent-Based Paints: These are more traditional and common, using solvents like lacquer, urethane, or enamel to dissolve the pigment.
Both waterborne and solvent-based systems are used to create solid, metallic, pearlescent, and matte finishes. For custom colors, learning about mixing auto paint is essential.
Essential Components for a Complete Car Paint Job
For a professional car paint job, you’ll need more than just colored paint. Several other products are crucial for achieving a durable and attractive finish:
Primer: The Foundation for Adhesion
Primer, often called undercoat, is essential for preparing the vehicle’s metal surface to properly bond with and hold the paint. Primer prevents adhesion problems like cracking, flaking, and chipping, and also protects against rust caused by oxidation. Sanding between primer coats is recommended to create a smooth base for the color coats.
Base Coat: Delivering the Color
The base coat is the layer that provides the car’s color. However, on its own, the base coat is vulnerable to wear and tear, especially moisture damage and rust.
Clear Coat: Protection and Shine
Clear coat, also known as finish or lacquer, is pigment-free and applied over the base coat. It protects the color from UV damage, moisture, scratches, and general wear. Typically made from urethane or polyurethane, clear coat creates the glossy, protective top layer.
Alt text: Restored aluminum wheels showcasing a smooth, reflective finish after refinishing.
Along with these paints and coatings, ensure you have all the necessary supplies to paint a car.
Do You Always Need to Prime Before Painting?
Generally, yes, priming is almost always necessary, especially when painting bare metal. Primer is critical for adhesion and rust prevention. It acts as a bonding layer between the metal and the paint.
However, there are exceptions. Some argue that primer may be skipped if you’re only lightly sanding down existing paint. Also, when painting plastic parts like bumpers, primer might not be required before the base coat.
Keep in mind that primer can sometimes create a textured surface. To avoid this, sand each primer coat smooth with fine-grit sandpaper before applying the next, until you’re ready for the base coat.
If you’re new to auto painting, check out these beginner tips to avoid common mistakes, and learn more about different primer types.
Achieving the Best Shine for Your Car
The “shine” of your car’s finish depends on paint quality, proper application, and ongoing maintenance.
Factors like paint quality and surface contaminants can reduce shine. Exposure to the elements—moisture, UV rays, bird droppings, road tar, and bugs—diminishes shine over time. Regular use of detailing clay can help remove surface contaminants and restore some shine.
Polishing is essential for removing scratches, swirl marks, and minor imperfections that dull the finish. Using a scratch remover or polish periodically helps maintain a smooth, reflective surface.
Sealants also enhance shine by protecting the paint from environmental damage. Apply sealant by hand with a microfiber cloth for best results.
Finally, waxing is crucial for both protecting the paint and maximizing shine. Waxing helps the paint last longer and preserves its glossy appearance. While some enthusiasts prefer carnauba waxes, regular seasonal waxing is a minimum for maintaining your car’s shine.
Where to Buy Car Paint: Finding the Right Supplier
Now that you understand car paint types and the painting process, where do you buy car paint? Here are some top options:
- Online Retailers: Online stores like Eastwood Automotive Finishes offer a vast selection of automotive paints, primers, clear coats, and related supplies. Shopping online provides convenience, wide selection, and often competitive pricing. Eastwood.com provides 24/7 access to products and expert resources.
- Local Auto Parts Stores: Local auto parts stores are readily accessible for immediate needs. They typically carry a range of popular car paint brands and basic supplies. However, selection may be limited compared to specialized suppliers.
- Specialty Automotive Paint Suppliers: For a wider range of high-quality paints, custom colors, and expert advice, specialty automotive paint suppliers are ideal. Eastwood falls into this category, offering not only a broad product range but also decades of experience and a commitment to helping customers achieve professional results. Eastwood also bridges the gap by offering both online convenience and physical store locations.
When choosing where to buy car paint, consider factors like product selection, paint quality, price, customer support, and convenience. For DIYers and professionals alike, Eastwood Automotive Finishes provides a comprehensive solution, combining quality products with expert knowledge to ensure you find the perfect car paint for your project.
Resources
Which primer is right for your job?
Homemade log splitter finished with Eastwood paints.
Refinish a turbo with Eastwood powder.
Auto painting tips and tricks.
What do I need to paint a car?
Easiest way to mix custom paint.
