Duplicolor Paint Shop System, what's the Skinny?

[Bob E]

Hey Folks;

I’m new to the forum and new to painting cars in general. I’m doing a budget restoration of an 86 corvette. The car is a basket case. Someone tried to paint it. Looks horrible, can’t even tell what color it is. Engine runs poorly, interior is terrible. But, I’m having a blast working on it. I’m about done getting the engine back in running condition, just need to flush and fill the trans, rear end, brakes and shocks and It will be ready to run.

Now about the paint, I know little to nothing about painting a car other than if I have it done professionally, it will cost me more than I paid for the car, plus, I’d like to learn. I’ve read articles and 1 book. I’m ready to give it a try, but everything I read on line is very negative against the Duplicolor Paint shop system. I must say, I like the price, and like the ease of use, especially as a beginner. But I keep reading about how Duplicolor will loose it’s shine, scratch easily, it’s not durable, it’s crap, and so on. So here are the questions.

How does Duplicolor paint compare to PPG, House of Color etc? What are the pros and cons?

Will the duplicolor Paint Shop paint have a nice shine if it’s clear coated and NOT buffed out? I keep hearing that it looks dull and to get a shine you must do a 2 stage buff. Is this true?

Any recommendations on a gun? Again, I’m budget minded (have to paint interior panels, wheels, replace carpet, seats, so money is tight, unless I sell a kid…. Kidding….) I had read that the Harbor Freight HVLP is actually pretty good for a cheapy gun. Open to suggestion……

Lastly, any tips or tricks for a rooky? I don’t aspire to ever be a professional, but I do enjoy auto work and would like to never have to take a car to a pro body shop. I could almost buy a semi decent car for the cost of a pro job. Hmm… Maybe I do want to get into the business….

Thanks much

[Dupli-Color-Specialist]

Bob,

Thanks for joining the forum. I have answered your questions below.

1. How does Duplicolor paint compare to PPG, House of Color etc? What are the pros and cons?

A: PPG and House of Color are Urethane paints meaning they need reducer and a catalyst. Paint Shop is pre-reduced Lacquer. It is ready to spray out of the can with nothing else you need to do. There is a significant cost difference. There is a durability difference that goes with it. Urethane paint is certainly more durable however lacquer isn't as 'weak' as people make it out to be. Lacquer can be worked to look like urethane with minimal work. The key is to build up the clear coats then wet sand and buff. This is all explained through out the Paint Shop forum.

2. Will the duplicolor Paint Shop paint have a nice shine if it’s clear coated and NOT buffed out? I keep hearing that it looks dull and to get a shine you must do a 2 stage buff. Is this true?

A: I explained this a little above. It will shine but not as much as urethane does as is. All lacquer must be wet sanded and buffed out. This is how it was done back when lacquer was common. Even urethane must be wet sanded and buffed to get a glass mirror effect. There will always be some sort of orange peal or dirt in the finish.

3. Any recommendations on a gun? Again, I’m budget minded (have to paint interior panels, wheels, replace carpet, seats, so money is tight, unless I sell a kid…. Kidding….) I had read that the Harbor Freight HVLP is actually pretty good for a cheapy gun. Open to suggestion……

A: A Harbor Freight HVLP with a 1.3 or 1.4 tip will work fine.

4. Lastly, any tips or tricks for a rooky? I don’t aspire to ever be a professional, but I do enjoy auto work and would like to never have to take a car to a pro body shop. I could almost buy a semi decent car for the cost of a pro job. Hmm… Maybe I do want to get into the business….

A: Prep is key. The better the surface is the better any paint will shine. Take your time and let all coats dry before performing any wet sanding etc. The smoother the surface is prior to paint the better it will look. Use 800 grit for a final sanding prior to paint. Check out the Paint Shop threads in this forum. I explain some tips and tricks through out.

[Vitakik]

Thank you for*your post!*Very interesting!