Why not to spray your car with an Aerosol

A very popular choice among the unknowing amateur painter is pondering the option of picking up some spray paint from there local hardware / jobber store to give there ride a custom look. I don't want to discourage people from choosing an economical job suited to the budget, but you should be aware of what level of quality to expect. This is directed at the 1k cans for the most part, the 2 part cans can deliver descent results but it is more work as the can will not atomize the paint as well as a gun.

With modern basecoat / clear coat finishes the basecoat is applied first and topped with a high quality 2 component clear coat that provides shine, but more importantly protection for the basecoat. Do not let yourself think for a second that the stuff they call clear coat sitting on the shelf at your local jobber compares to proper clear coat in any way, shape or form. Why do you ask?

It does not cross link for starters! cross linking allows the clear coat to react with an isocynate that causes the clear coat to bond together forming one big molecule. This creates the durability of the clear, resistance to stone chipping...etc. Cross linking also gives the clear coat the ability to resist it's original solvent making it chemically resistant. Non cross linked clears will re-dissolve in the thinner that was used for its delivery.

Second, the UV protection is next to nothing! This will cause your basecoat to fade quickly and break down, not to mention the shine you will get from this clear coat does not compare to good urethane gloss.

So we've covered the clear, what about the rest eh?

The primers share a similar tale as the clear coats. They don't cross link and don't offer the same level of durability. They are also more prone to wrinkling/lifting during the paint stages. As for the basecoat, you can get comparable basecoats but without the primer & clear you will not turn out a good job. The basecoats will be more difficult to blend & control compared to using a gun.

So now that you know to avoid the rattle can, what can you do?

Pick up a gun, read, watch some video's and learn the proper procedure. There is economically priced products out that compare with the high end products. Look for cross-linking 2k primers & clear coats. Companies such as southern polyurethanes cater to the hobbiest and offers great products at affordable prices. You can turn out a descent job that is meant to last!

One more thing..........stay away from the rattle cans!!!