The paint on your car is not for the purpose of giving it a good-looking shiny exterior. Primary function of paint is to protect your car from damages likely to be caused by weather. It further helps avoiding minor scratches and prevents the surface from getting damaged due dirt and pockmarks of birds. There are different types of paints to be applied on the body of the car and these have different characteristics. Here is a description of different types of paints and their qualities.
Acrylic Lacquer
There are many advantages to this kind of paint. Its application is so easy that even a novice can possibly paint a car reasonably well. Another quality of this paint is that it gives the car a fine glossy look, which most car owners like to have. Nevertheless, this kind of paint has some limitations too. Chemicals and UV rays easily weaken it. That means a car with this kind of paint would need to be painted more frequently, and that adds to its maintenance cost. The worst thing about lacquer paint is that it’s harmful for the environments, as a result of which its use has already been banned by many states.
Acrylic Enamel
Compared to lacquer, acrylic enamel is a lot harder, so it can withstand natural elements better. Manufacturers of cars and professional car painters bake the enamel. Though acrylic enamel is also available in spray cans, its application is very difficult. If ever you try handling this paint yourself, you are sure to be disappointed with a drippy, streaky car at the end. Moreover, many types of enamel necessitate a topcoat, so that becomes too much to do on your own.
Acrylic Urethane
Acrylic urethane brings together the best of both, the acrylic lacquer and acrylic enamel paints. Its application is convenient like lacquer, but remains tough and more durable like enamel. However, its application is a bit problematic. You get it in three different, separate items. First of all is the color, then a reducer to get the color in its right consistency, or viscosity, and at the end another item to make the process of drying faster. If you decide to use the color of your own, mind you it’s very toxic and you would better take all precautionary measures like using gloves and respirator along with a protective gear for your eyes to ensure your personal safety.
Water-Based Paint
As a majority of the paints used for autos are quite toxic, they have introduced a new paint. This is water-based, and not toxic. The best feature of this paint is that it can be applied on existing paint, directly on the primer, and even to the metal of the car itself. As yet, it’s available in a few selected shades, but more are being developed as this form of paint gains popularity. Since long water-based paint has been used to have graphics or designs on a painted car, but now it has been realized that it can really be used for complete painting of car.
With developing paint technology we could expect more options, but for the time being these are the options. Though it’s possible to paint the car yourself, it’s not worth taking the trouble, as the results are most likely to remain unsatisfactory. Let it remain for the professionals. They know the techniques, have the required tools and know the materials to be used for getting the best results. Though it remains important and in your interest to keep it covered for the paint to remain looking shining and good.