Single stage paint vs. base coat-clear coat paint

[ERA Tom]

I wanted to get opinions on the pros & cons of using a single-stage, poly urethane enamel paint, probably a solid black or red, vs. doing the same colors in a two stage, base coat, clear coat poly urethane finish. I began my Cobra project pretty much set on using a two stage paint, probably PPG. After talking with several painters, I am beginning to have second thoughts. A couple of the "Pros" felt that a well buffed-out single stage paint job creates a more classic look on a Cobra. What do you Cobra lovers think?

[CulRad]

You will enjoy the Base Coat Clear Coat system best. A dark color loves the clear coat. You can do so much with clear coat, 3M has amazing products that your painter can use to work out the finnished clear coat. They have a system that the painter will use to sand it out, one grit is 1500 and then 3000. Then anytime a scratch gets in the clear coat, it is a simple fix. Clear adds a depth to the paint, have a few extra coats added for good measure.

[RENEW1]

With a Cobra, basecoat/clearcoat is the way to go. You need something that is not so prone to chipping. I have been using PPG coatings for many years and find the poly/single stage paint chips easily and is not so easy to repair. The single stage paints generaly don't give quite the same shine as two stage paints and are more 60's appearing.

[clayfoushee]

I agree the clear coat has huge advantages. My car was backed into at low speed, and there were scrapes over about half the door. I was actually able to wet sand the clear coat and after polishing and buffing, you cannot tell anything happened there. But, I did have the advantage of clear over silver.

You'd be repainting with single-stage.

[PatBuckley]

I much prefer the classic single stage look - even with all its drawbacks vs. 3 stage.

[REAL 1]

I prefer single stage. I have glaserit. I can't speak to ease of repairs but I can tell you in black the base coat clear coat looks more like black patent leather. Too glossy IMHO.

The single stage is what they used in the 60's. If you want an accurate looking paint job single stage is the only way to go. It has a nice shine but its not too glossy like two stage.

[AK1063]

SINGLE STAGE PAINTS WERE GREAT IN THE 60'S WHEN YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT CHEMICAL FALLOUT ACID RAIN AND ALL THE OTHER CRAP THATS FALLING ON OUR CARS NOW.
I'VE BEEN PAINTING CARS FOR OVER 30 YEARS I EVEN REMEMBER HAND RUBBED LACQUER , NOW DAYS THE ONLY WAY TO GO IS BASE CLEAR, I'VE BEEN USING PPG IN MY SHOP FOR OVER 20 YEARS AND HAVE USED ALL OF THEIR SYSTEMS.
THE REASON THE "CLASSIC 60'S LOOK" WAS THAT WAY IS BECAUSE THE OLD PAINTS COULDN'T HOLD A SHINE WHEN PUT OUT IN THE ELEMENTS, AS FAR AS BLACK LOOKING LIKE "PATENT
LEATHER" SUPER!! THE MORE GLOSS ON BLACK THE BETTER IMHO

[REAL 1]

To each his own. I don't like the patent leather look.

Not many of these cars are exposed to the "elements". I've had no problem with my single stage and it looks great.

[CSX 4027]

IMO

Solid Colors - Single Stage Imron (Stronger and more Durable than base-coat clear-coat)

Metallic Colors - Base/Clear. Single Stage doesn't look evenly spread with flake in it.