repainting a car?

oceanman

hi guys, restoring an old car, 1990 mr2, nearly ready for paint now. are all auto paints water based now or can you still get the old two pack paints?

thanks for any help.

Daved_XB

You can still get Two Pack or 2K paint, the difference between 2k & 1K paint is normally the need to add a hardener with the 2K paint. Sadly for your paint finish but happily for the environment what you cannot get anymore is a lead based paint.

oceanman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120113853#Comment_120113853

would i get a good finish with lead free paint though?

Daved_XB

Yes, all modern cars are painted with lead free paint.

This was my car that I painted last year, this finish is just off gun.. meaning that it hasn't been polished in any way

Here's a classic Porsche my painter also was doing at the same time

There is nothing wrong with modern paint, it's just harder to work with than the old lead paint was.

Plus, what's your other option... not paint the car?

oceanman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120117893#Comment_120117893

looks very good, can i ask in what way do you mean harder to work with?

Daved_XB

It laid down on the car better out of the gun & it was more consistent in how it dried so even someone who was just an ok painter could get a great finish as the paint was just more forgiving to work with. There is NOTHING wrong with modern water based paint, pick a good painter & so long as the body prep work is done right (a paint finish is 90% the prep & 10% the paint) your car will look amazing when done.

oceanman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120122441#Comment_120122441

thanks for all your help....im going to jump in and give it a go👍️