How to mix auto paint with a base coat and clear coat.

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Do you want to get a fresh coat of paint on your Trans-Am because it's no longer as good as it used to be?It was wonderful!You are overwhelmed by the variety of paints available and how to mix them.You have come to the right place.

Major paint types are made up of lacquers, enamels and urethanes.Modern formulas are more susceptible to fading than older ones, but they are easy to apply and period-correct for classic cars like that Trans Am.Modern urethane formulas require specific mixing and application steps that may be difficult for do-it-yourselfers.

Your car's paint affects its value.If you are willing to do it yourself, you can save money.The How-To team at the Drive is here to help.Stirrers ready!

It's messy to work on your car.It can be dangerous.Chemicals can cause irritation to the skin.You need to make sure you keep your jeans, shirt, and skin clean.

If you organize your tools and gear so they are easy to reach, you will not have to wait for your handy-dandy child or four-legged friend to bring you the blowtorch.You don't need a blowtorch for this job.Please don't let your kid use a blowtorch.

You need a well-ventilated, enclosed workspace as well as a flat workspace.The key is to prevent particulates from getting into the paint, which will ruin your dreams and keep you upright.

We aren't psychic, nor are we snooping through your garage, so here's what you'll need to get the job done.

There are four basic categories of automotive paint.You should consult your owner's manual or your local dealership to determine the right paint for your car, because each type requires a slightly different recipe and mixing method.

By the 1980s, acryllic lacquer was phased out.acrylic lacquer paints are illegal in states that regulate the use of harmful volatile organic compounds.Modern urethane-based paint-and-clearcoat treatment is more resistant to damage from UV rays than the easy to use and glossy lacquer paints.Some classic-car restorers still use lacquers to maintain a factory-correct look on vintage cars that aren't used as daily drivers.

A hard exterior shell-like acrylic lacquer is created, but lasts longer and provides better UV protection.

There is a base layer of paint and a separate clear coat in the two-stage category.Extra protection is added to the clear coat.

The two-stage mixing is done with a base coat ratio of 1: Paint/Thinner and 4:1 paint/hardener.

When applied correctly, urethane paint is very resistant to rock chips and fading, but it comes at a cost, which is higher than other automotive paints.

It is difficult to mix and apply urethane as ambient temperatures will determine which type is needed.It isn't usually recommended for weekend warriors to use paint thinner because of humidity, airflow, and total wanted paint thickness.

The mixing of urethane multi-stage has a base coat ratio of 4:1.

It is now the standard in the industry as it provides long- lasting UV protection, excellent resistance to chips and ding, and is cheaper.

Ambient temperatures, humidity, and total wanted paint thickness can affect how fast, medium, or slow it is used.This is not recommended for weekend warriors.

Depending on how much paint is required, type of paint used, and whether or not you are doing it yourself or using a professional, paint pricing can vary.If you have the time and tools to complete a small paint job, it can cost as little as a few hundred dollars.Depending on a number of factors, a certified professional can cost thousands of dollars.