Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Easily Removable Paint for a Car

I'm looking for a type of finish that can be applied to an older automobile that can be removed without harming the original finish. I'm working on an independent film that requires me to change the appearance of this car(67 Imperial) to make it look like it's been pieced together over the years. I'm thinking, a body panel here, a bumper there. My dilemma is the car is white and has to be returned to the owner in the same condition we received it in. It probably sounds like an odd request but, if anyone out there has ever worked on an "indy" film, you probably know where I'm coming from. Any suggestions would very helpful.

Thanks,

Steve Riggs
- Seattle, Washington
2003

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2003

Hi Steve,

When I first saw your inquiry, I said to myself, why doesn't he go to a film studio who surely would KNOW IT ALL.

Ah, well, go then to a body shop because they sure don't like the silicon polishes that some people use ... and ask them for advice, ie. preferably get it from the Horse's Mouth.

At a guess, thoroughly double coat with silicon and then use a latex paint ... but I'm just guessing ... but I ask you why is it that when one sees 'old cars' on the TV, they all have super finishes whereas in the past those cars had grotty low grade orange peel finishes and the only decent finishes in the late 50's were for Cads, Lincolns and Volvos ! (obviously Rolls Royce, too, for ultra perfection).

Freeman Newton [deceased]
(It is our sad duty to advise that Freeman passed away
April 21, 2012. R.I.P. old friend).

Your best bet would be to use a tinted lacquer. When finished just use a spray can of quick start (ether) to remove. Lacquers do not cure so all that is required to remove them is re-introducing solvent. The ether would not be aggressive enough to harm the original finish.

Ronald Zeeman
- Brampton, ON, Canada
2003

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Do a search for "removable paint". I want to paint a bike some alternative color and then bring it back to original when I sell it.

Jim Keersemaker
- Boone, North Carolina
2003

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Ed. note: Thanks, Jim. Putting "removable paint" into a search engine does indeed point us to a few vendors offering easily removable paint.

For a removable paint try Magic Colors.

Richard Hill
- Biloxi, Mississippi
2005

I think you should try Mobile Colors. Just what I observed from use...

John Taylor
- Alpine, Alabama
2005