Choose automotive paint for the surface and the size of the repair. For a panel, match the primer, color and any clear coat within a compatible system. For a small chip, verify the factory paint code, and use a specialty coating for trim, upholstery or calipers.
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automotive paint: specifications and practical limits
| Option | Published details and limits | Listing |
|---|---|---|
| Speedokote High Gloss Jet Black Acrylic Urethane | The SMR-9705 family is an activated single-stage acrylic urethane. Confirm the activator speed supplied with the linked kit. | Check Amazon availability |
| Dupli-Color Paint Shop BSP202 Brilliant Silver Metallic | A ready-to-spray lacquer color coat in the Paint Shop system. | Check Amazon availability |
| Restoration Shop Jet Black Gloss Acrylic Enamel | The linked listing identifies the single-stage acrylic enamel family. | Check Amazon availability |
| House of Kolor Brandywine Kandy Shimrin2 Basecoat | A specialty color basecoat that needs the manufacturer’s specified undercoat and compatible clear. | Check Amazon availability |
| VHT SP731 Real Red Caliper Paint | An aerosol coating for the brake components specified by VHT. | Check Amazon availability |
| Dupli-Color Vinyl & Fabric Spray HVP106 | A flat black coating for suitable interior vinyl, fabric and trim surfaces listed by the maker. | Check Amazon availability |
| SEM 39144 Trim Black | SEM identifies 39144 as the quart version of Trim Black. Its aerosol is 39143. | Check Amazon availability |
| Rust Bullet Automotive Rust Inhibitor | A coating for metal corrosion control. The linked listing describes a quart. | Check Amazon availability |
| ERA Paints Dodge PA4/DA4 Silver Steel Metallic | A color-code-specific touch-up option for Dodge paint code PA4 or DA4. | Check Amazon availability |
| Restoration Shop Fire Pearl Acrylic Urethane | The linked seller listing describes a single-stage acrylic urethane kit in a pearl red color. | Check Amazon availability |
Choose automotive paint by repair and surface
- Panel or full body: Pick a compatible primer and color system. Basecoat needs the specified clear. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for single-stage paint.
- Chip or scratch: Locate the vehicle paint code and verify the touch-up color and repair depth. Check the color on a test piece before touching the vehicle.
- Trim, upholstery, caliper or rust: Match the coating to the exact substrate and operating conditions. Keep specialty coatings out of places where the vehicle or coating maker restricts their use.
Speedokote High Gloss Jet Black Acrylic Urethane
2K single-stage body finish
Speedokote SMR-9705 product information.
Limit: Read the exact kit’s technical and safety sheets before use, including the activator sheet.
Dupli-Color Paint Shop BSP202 Brilliant Silver Metallic
Brilliant Silver Metallic, BSP202
Dupli-Color Paint Shop system directions.
Limit: Follow the maker’s primer, color and clear instructions. This packaged color is separate from factory paint-code matching.
Restoration Shop Jet Black Gloss Acrylic Enamel
Gloss black acrylic enamel kit
Restoration Shop Jet Black acrylic enamel kit.
Limit: Use the correct activator and technical sheet for the enamel kit. Restoration Shop also sells a separate urethane formulation.
House of Kolor Brandywine Kandy Shimrin2 Basecoat
Brandywine Kandy basecoat, C2C-KBC01 family
House of Kolor Shimrin2 Kandy basecoat technical sheet.
Limit: A spray-out card helps you see how the undercoat and film build affect the color.
VHT SP731 Real Red Caliper Paint
Real Red, SP731 aerosol
VHT SP731 application and cure directions.
Limit: Protect friction surfaces, rubber parts and mating surfaces. Follow the coating and vehicle service instructions.
Dupli-Color Vinyl & Fabric Spray HVP106
Flat Black, HVP106 aerosol
Dupli-Color HVP106 listed substrates.
Limit: Test an inconspicuous area. Keep coatings away from controls and safety equipment unless their manufacturer specifically permits use.
SEM 39144 Trim Black
Quart trim coating, part 39144
SEM 39144 exact format and documents.
Limit: Check the approved substrate, prep, reducer and spray method in the current sheet.
Rust Bullet Automotive Rust Inhibitor
Automotive rust-control coating
Rust Bullet Automotive technical information.
Limit: Remove loose corrosion and follow the surface-prep instructions. Structural damage requires repair.
ERA Paints Dodge PA4/DA4 Silver Steel Metallic
Silver Steel Metallic touch-up
ERA Paints color code and finish listing.
Limit: Confirm the kit contents and exact clear coat formulation. Aged or previously refinished panels may need a blended repair.
Restoration Shop Fire Pearl Acrylic Urethane
Listed as Fire Pearl acrylic urethane
Restoration Shop linked finish and kit listing.
Limit: Verify the exact color name and part number on the can and use its technical sheet. Check the finished color on a spray-out card.
Check compatibility and spray controls
- Read the technical data sheet for each layer and the safety data sheet for each component. Check the substrate, primer, reducer or activator, spray equipment and recoat window as a system.
- Find the required ventilation, fire controls, skin and eye protection and respirator. For isocyanate-containing spray coatings, use a suitable spray booth or room, extraction and air-fed breathing protection. Arrange professional refinishing if those controls are unavailable. HSE guidance on isocyanates in vehicle paint.
- Follow the manufacturer’s prep and application directions. Check the color, texture and layer compatibility on a spray-out card before working on a panel.
Related guides
- factory paint-code touch-up formats
- clear coat choices and label checks
- HVLP airflow and tip compatibility
- rust converters, removers and coatings
Recheck the exact listing
Confirm the selected model, seller, included items and current return terms before buying.
Speedokote High Gloss Jet Black Acrylic Urethane
Check Amazon availability
Dupli-Color Paint Shop BSP202 Brilliant Silver Metallic
Check Amazon availability
Restoration Shop Jet Black Gloss Acrylic Enamel
Check Amazon availability
House of Kolor Brandywine Kandy Shimrin2 Basecoat
Check Amazon availability
VHT SP731 Real Red Caliper Paint
Check Amazon availability
Dupli-Color Vinyl & Fabric Spray HVP106
Check Amazon availability
SEM 39144 Trim Black
Check Amazon availability
Rust Bullet Automotive Rust Inhibitor
Check Amazon availability
ERA Paints Dodge PA4/DA4 Silver Steel Metallic
Check Amazon availability
Restoration Shop Fire Pearl Acrylic Urethane
Check Amazon availability
Frequently asked questions
What automotive paint should I use for a whole panel?
Choose a compatible refinish system for the panel and substrate. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for primer, color and any required clear coat.
Does automotive basecoat need clear coat?
Apply the compatible clear specified by the basecoat manufacturer. Check the technical sheet for layer and timing requirements.
Does every 2K coating contain isocyanates?
2K indicates two components. Read the safety data sheet for the paint and activator to determine the ingredients and protective controls.
How do I match paint for a small chip?
Check the vehicle’s factory paint code, then compare the touch-up on a test piece. Fading and previous repairs can affect the visible match.
Is SEM 39144 a spray can?
SEM lists 39144 as the quart format and 39143 as the aerosol. Follow the technical sheet for the format you purchase.
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