Topic: Single Stage vs Base/Clear coat

[evantugby]

Gents,
I need help deciding on shooting my kar with a single stage or a base/clear coat.  It is my understanding that in 1966 these kars received a laquer single stage paint.  Please correct me if I'm wrong.  What are the pros and cons of each type of paint application?  Also what would you do for your restored kar? 

Thanks!

[midlife]

I believe the single stage paint type back then was enamel, not lacquer.

[evantugby]

I believe the single stage paint type back then was enamel, not lacquer.

Or was it urethane? 

[Bob Gaines]

I believe the single stage paint type back then was enamel, not lacquer.

+1. Ford used enamel . Repair shops of the time commonly used lacquer and so did other car manufacturers.

[196667Bob]

Actually, it was Acrylic Enamel, thus Ford's "AE" paint designation.

Bob

[196667Bob]

Attached is Ford's "Official" Color Chart for 1966.

Bob

[evantugby]

Gents,
All great information but for restoration, should I use acrylic enamel or urethane? 

[RoyceP]

It’s a choice you have to make. Base coat / clear coat looks fantastic and lasts a long time. Single stage acrylic enamel is authentic but does not look as good or last as long. Acrylic paint is much less expensive.

[CharlesTurner]

Single stage urethane is a common choice.  It can be sprayed with proper orange peel texture.

[woolshire]

Here’s what I think is a great choice. Obviously, this was made for touch-up in a rattle can, but it’s single stage Acrylic Enamel with Hardener. (PPG MAE). Makes blending easy. My car was repainted once, in 2002, and the paint is spectacular. Good luck!

[evantugby]

Single stage urethane is a common choice.  It can be sprayed with proper orange peel texture.

Thanks Charlies and everyone!

Here is what I decide:  I want to do a single stage urethane paint.  Originally the paint was a single stage paint but was not wet sanded or buffed. It had a orange peel to a minor degree.  Because I’m trying to do a concourse correct car I do want to sort of replicate that slight orange peel in the original finish.  Base coat / clear coat, for me, is a no go.  I want to avoid the look that a basecoat clearcoat can provide which is a fake plastic, overly glossy appearance. A glass finish is not original in appearance for my 66 kar.  In addition, the single stage has an advantage in the trunk interior and other areas. With a single stage you can do as the factory did and simply mist the paint lightly over the primer like the painter was in a bit of a hurry.

Thank you for talking me through some of this decision-making process.  I'll post pictures soon.   

[J_Speegle]

It's a choice you have to make. Base coat / clear coat looks fantastic and lasts a long time. Single stage acrylic enamel is authentic but does not look as good or last as long. Acrylic paint is much less expensive.

I've had the opposite experience. Single (not cut and buffed have lasted for decades where base coat/clear last about 5-7 years. Both factory and resprays. Have two base clear painted cars currently with 10-60% of the clear coat gone (peeling or turning to dust) while the single stage just chalks. Really hate BC/CC though keeping one inside covered all the time helps allot but often its applied so thick (so it can be cut and buffed) can lead to the "dipped in plastic" look IMHO

[RoyceP]

Sorry that you had that experience. My own experience has been the opposite - my green GT-E for example was painted in 1994 (I finished the restoration in 1995) and still looks excellent as far as the paint goes. The paint was DuPont 2000 series basecoat / clearcoat in Augusta Green with Sheffield Silver lower body. The green color is the same as Highland Green in a Ford product. Yes it is much shinier than stock but here I am many years later with a paint job that looks fantastic still.

I need to re - restore the undercarriage and engine compartment. 30,000 miles driving and several seasons of Pure Stock drag racing takes its toll. And I know more now especially due to things found on this website.

I've had the opposite experience. Single (not cut and buffed have lasted for decades where base coat/clear last about 5-7 years. Both factory and resprays. Have two base clear painted cars currently with 10-60% of the clear coat gone (peeling or turning to dust) while the single stage just chalks. Really hate BC/CC though keeping one inside covered all the time helps allot but often its applied so thick (so it can be cut and buffed) can lead to the "dipped in plastic" look IMHO

[rrenz]

I paint for a living so ill give my two cents. if your going single stage go with a full urethane. that will be the most durable and expensive. Acrylic urethanes are on the cheaper side but you may sacrifice some durability. when I say durability its going to be against UV Rays from the sun.lastly with single stage you'll have a more authentic appearance. With BC/CC you'll have great durability and is easily repaired. while you can do a blend to urethane its tricky and takes some talent. if a door were to get damaged with BC/CC it could easily be blended in and then the whole panel re cleared. but in the end its ultimately your decision. Not everyone has such a keen eye for paint so it depends on how picky you want to be with authenticity. my 66 is single stage and it looks the part so I'm happy with it.

[evantugby]

Gents,Last minute I decided to switch to BC/CC for repair-ability purposes.  I didn’t want that shiny clear coat look either so I did a matte finish.  Have a look!