Repainting Your Vehicle: Picking the Best Car Paint Color and Finish for You

Automotive paints are one of the best ways to personalize and make a vehicle your own. There are many factors to consider when painting your car, like how to do the job and what type of paint and finish to use.

How Are Vehicles Paint Jobs Done?

Whether you want to know how to paint vehicles yourself or simply want to learn how professionals in auto paint shops do it, it pays to know how the process goes. The steps usually involve the following:

1. Sanding away the old paint and rusted spots of the vehicle
2. Cleaning and wiping down the vehicle to remove dust and debris
3. Covering the exterior in primer to prepare it for painting
4. Sanding the vehicle again without avoid removing the primer
5. Applying 3-4 layers of paint to the primed parts
6. Applying the finish or the final layer of paint
7. Cutting and buffing the vehicle to remove blemishes

Vehicle Repainting Tips and Tricks

Interested in learning how to repaint your vehicle at home? Here are some handy tips and tricks for a hassle-free paint job.

• Clean your vehicle thoroughly before painting it.
• Wear safety equipment like goggles, masks, and gloves when painting your vehicle.
• Remove as much trim from the vehicle as possible before repainting.
• Sand down lightly rusted areas to remove the spots.
• Start from the top and work your way down when painting.

Types of Car Paint Colors and Finishes

Picking out the best paint for your vehicle can be tricky, but familiarizing yourself with the different paint types should help you narrow down what you want for your vehicle.

Acrylic Paint

One of the most popular and iconic automotive paint types, acrylic paint isn’t as toxic as other paint types. It also doesn’t gather as much dirt and dust.

Pros

• Less toxic than other paints
• Has a glossy finish
• More affordable than other car paint types

Cons

• Takes a long time to apply and dry
• Doesn’t last as long as other paint types
• Fades quickly if left in direct sunlight

Lacquer Paint

Lacquer paint gives wooden furniture glossy finishes, and it gives the same effect to vehicles. This finish reached the heights of its popularity in the early-mid 20th century, though its style still holds up to this day.

Pros

• Cheap and easier to apply than other paints
• Dries faster than other paints
• Shiny and eye-catching

Cons

• Takes a long time to apply because it requires several coats
• Not as durable and protective as other paint types
• Requires a lot of maintenance to look good

Urethane Paint

As one of the most durable types of automotive paints in the industry, urethane paint is used by manufacturers all over the world. Its’ resistant to harsh sunlight, meaning you won’t need to protect your vehicle with a tarp or park it inside a roofed and shaded area.

Pros

• Durable and doesn’t chip easily
• Resistant to sunlight, rocks, salt, and other harmful elements
• Dries very quickly

Cons

• Incredibly toxic due to chemical hardeners
• Difficult to apply and work with
• Costly and often requires the help of professionals to apply

Matte Car Paint

A matte look might suit you if you’re not a fan of shiny vehicles. This paint finish gives vehicles a flatter finish as opposed to the shinier, glossier looks metallic and pearlescent finishes offer. There’s a high demand for matte paints in luxury cars due to their low-key looks.

Pros

• Smooth, flat colors for your vehicle
• Inexpensive to apply and lasts a long time
• Resists harmful elements like sunlight, snow, and other contaminants

Cons

• Difficult to clean and maintain
• Defects and damage are easier to notice
• Taking care of matte paint is expensive

Metallic Car Paint

If you want a shinier finish with a look reminiscent of glossy steel, a metallic finish might be right up your alley. This look is accomplished by combining paint with powdered metal and aluminum, though the ratios and overall look will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Pros

• Glossy, sparkly finish that’s eye-catching
• Holds up better than standard car finishes
• Attractive and gives vehicles higher resale values

Cons

• Scratches and dents are difficult to fix
• Costly compared to other paint finishes
• Metallic car paint colors are limited in variety

Pearlescent Car Paint

If you want something with a little more flair than a metallic finish, your best bet would be a pearlescent finish. It’s made up of paint mixed with microscopic ceramic particles that refract light, giving vehicles a multi-colored appearance. This creates the illusion of it being a color-changing car paint.

Pros

• Rich and glossy color variations make it eye-catching
• Difficult to notice defects and blemishes in the paint
• Attractive and gives vehicles higher resale values

Cons

• Expensive to apply and maintain compared to other paint finish types
• Difficult to find, making it hard to repair
• Rarely available in auto shops

Standard or Solid Car Paint

Available in a wide variety of colors, non-metallic standard or solid finishes are the most common of all the vehicle finishes available. Many cars feature this sort of finish because it’s iconic, affordable, and practical.

Pros

• Easy to apply and refinish
• Available in most auto shops
• Affordable and reliable given how common it is

Cons

• Doesn’t increase resale value at all
• Tends to peel if applied improperly
• Not eye-catching and doesn’t stand out