Single stage paint vs. two stage

John, I have some very strong opinions regarding this subject.
I have spent months researching paint. My 330gts is at Juniors ready for color. I personally cannot stand the look of two stage paint. In my opinion you are looking at the clear coat which is too glarey(sp) for me. The only reason to go two stage paint is if you want a metalic color. If you want a non-metalic color, such as red, single stage paint is far superior in look. I currently have my 275gtb painted in lacquer. I cannot count the number of compliments on the paint. If you were at the Quail last year you would have seen it.
Single stage paint is the only way to come close to the luster of lacquer.
My .02.
Morris

 

I respect your position regarding a clearcoat for cars not originally painted that way, and I agree that it doesn't look correct.

Maybe it's a regional thing, but two-stage paint doesn't make me think basecoat-clearcoat, but rather a paint product that uses a catalyst for a more durable surface finish.

PPG/Ditzler makes some xlnt (I'll call them) Two-Pack paints that do not require a clear on top of the color coat, as it has all the gloss of a lacquer. That would be their Delstar line of Acrylic Enamels that have an optional DXR-80 polyurethane hardener. This can be mixed in non-metalic colors.

Delstar when combined with DXR-80 (the catalyst) is resistant to fuels and brake fluid, and I certainly view that as a plus.

Just thought I'd throw that into the mix, as I'm far from being an expert on Ferrari paint tactics.

 

I assumed that the question was one of clearcoat, not of hardener.

I say definitely use a paint that needs a hardener. And definitely do not use a clearcoat.

Matt

 

I agree. that is what I meant also. To my eye it is the clearcoat/basecoat system that looks bad.
Additionally, my painter informs me that matching paint with a basecoat/clearcoat system is more dificult in the rare instance of touch-up.

I am also trying to stick with a product or system that has been around for a while. I know that the formulas and contents of paint are constantly changing due to environmental issues.
BUT, I have heard and seen many problems caused by experimentation with new products that have been recently developed to solve the EPA concerns. I will try on my car to stick with a current evolution of a tried and true product. Don't know what that is yet but I'm on to it soon.
Morris

 

can we assume that we shall soon be treated to freshly-painted Lusso pics???!?!?

bring it on

 

Could you share with us what color you chose, John, or will it be a secret?

 

John, is that a non-metalic blue?
What kind of paint will you use?
I know this may sound boring but I decided to go with red. What is worse for the "silver is a beautiful color" set is that I'm going with exactly the same red as is on my 275gtb (see picture) which was originally mixed by Junior.
I love it as much every time I see it as I did the first time I saw it. I wish I could say the same about everything else in life.
Morris

 

I really have to support the single stage decision as well.

Not only will the paint have a lot more depth, but single stage is much easier to have a perfect finish with than a clearcoated paint. Because there is only one layer of material over the primer, the car can easily be sanded to an orangepeel free finish, something that is significantly more difficult on a clearcoated car.

 

I recently started painting cars/parts...for fun. I love the single stage OMNI stuff. No matter how badly you screw up, you are just some 1000 grit and a buffer away from making it look great...