Summary for basecoat clearcoat durability Discussion
Basecoat clearcoat durability is the main point of this thread: Robert Vivacqua asked whether urethane basecoat/clearcoat is much more durable than acrylic lacquer and whether lacquer would mean repainting in a year or so. Bill Miller answered that base/clear is pretty much state-of-the-art and is what almost all new car makers use. He said lacquer was a good product in its day because it dried quickly and could be sanded and buffed to a high luster, but it also tended to crack, check, and craze. He noted that catalysts improved both lacquer and enamel, and that some states now prohibit lacquer use by businesses because of solvents. His practical advice was that if period-correct appearance matters, Robert should consult someone familiar with the specific car, but for Bill, base/clear is the preferred choice.
Q. How much more durable is basecoat clearcoat paint which is a urethane compared to the acrylic lacquer paints. Can
I paint my car with a lacquer or am I asking for trouble with having to repaint it again in 1 year or so. Thanks
Robert Vivacqua
investments – Toronto, Ontario, Canada
2004
A. Hey Robert:
You can paint your car with latex and a roller if you want to–it’s your car! Just kidding. Base Coat/Clear Coat is pretty much State-Of-The-Art these days. Almost all new car manufacturers use a type of Base/Clear now. Lacquer was used a lot of years ago and was a good product for its’ time. In the “Old Days” some folks even sprayed Lacquer on by reversing the flow on the vacuum cleaner and giving their cars a new coat of color–some vacuum cleaner makers even made attachments for this purpose (dating myself aren’t I?).Lacquer dried quickly and could be sanded and buffed to a high luster but because it was hard it tended to crack, check and craze easily The along came the enamels. Much less tendency to crack or check but harder to spray and get a nice shine–lots of runs and sags. Then the paint folks developed catalysts for both paints which helped the durability of Lacquer and speeded the drying time for the Enamels. Some states now prohibit the use of Lacquers altogether (businesses only, I think) because of the solvents in the paint and reducers. You don’t say what type/year car you are painting so if period perfect is your goal then it might be wise to talk with someone in your area who is familiar with your model and make a suggestion. For my money it’s Base/Clear all the way. Hope this helped.
Bill Miller
– Shinnston, West Virginia, USA
2004