There are several different types of paint commonly used to paint cars. All of these paints are available in a variety of colors, including black, and create different types of finishes.
Water-based paint is the type of paint most commonly used by professional body shops and car manufacturers today. It is environmentally friendly and requires a two-pack lacquer application in order to maintain and protect the finish.
Nitrocellulose paint is one of the oldest types of paint used on cars. Nitrocellulose paint can be applied with a paintbrush or a sprayer and it dries through evaporation rather than having to apply a second coat of a protectant or hardener. Applying nitrocellulose paint on a vehicle requires a significant amount of work and time because it does not form a glossy finish on its own and requires a significant amount of polishing.
Isocyante paint, which is also referred to as 2 pack paint, is a very durable type of automotive paint that was introduced in the 1970's. Isocyante paint has a relatively quick application that involves spraying the paint onto the vehicle with a spray gun and then applying a hardener, which dries the paint. This paint has a shiny finish without needing any extra polishing or effort.
Isocyante paint should be used with extreme caution because it is very poisionous and has been linked to fatal respiratory damage. Anyone who applies isocyante paint should wear a specially designed breathing mask.
Acrylic lacquer is commonly used by amateur auto painters because it has a fast drying time and can be repeatedly sanded down and reapplied in a relatively short period of time. It was commonly used on vehicles beginning in the 1950s and continuing through the 1980s. The paint is actually mixed with paint thinner, which evaporates quickly and leaves the paint pigments behind. Acrylic lacquer paint needs to be buffed regularly or it will lose its deep, glass-like finish.
Metallic and pearlescent finishes are created when flakes of material are added to colored paint and then covered with several layers of clear-coat. Metallic flakes are typically aluminum and pearlescent flakes usually contain small flakes of mica-type crystal. Pearlescent finishes often appear to change colors, depending on the angle from which you are viewing them.
