Lacquer vs. Urethane

[BlackHarley]

What is the difference between the two and how do I know what is on my 2001 Ford F-150?

On my tailgate there are some scratches some deep some just ugly. I want to repaint it. First:

At what temperature can I spray the tailgate

Do I fill in the scratch with bondo?
What are all the steps to repainting it and does it include priming.

Second:
My wife has a navigator. The entire driver side was repainted except the front fender. It hasnt been waxed in about a year and looks very dull. I would love to grab a can of urethane and just start spraying but I know that is not right. What are the necessary steps. Sorry so much but I am new and want to get into painting my trucks.

1 more thing - How important is the paint booth vs. just spraying in my driveway?

[Dupli-Color-Specialist]

BlackHarley,

It sounds like you have some major touch up to take care of that requires something more than just an aerosol can of our touch up paint.

Regarding your tailgate, you will need to sand all scratches down to feather them in with the remaining paint. Body filler is only needed for dents, scratches can be sanded out. Next you use a filler primer to then fill in all of your sanding marks. You will have to wet sand with 600 grit paper and repeat until all sanding marks are gone. You now have a prepped surface for your base coat. Contact your local Sherwin Williams Automotive Paint store for more information regarding urethane paints on your truck. Your 2001 Ford has urethane. The use of lacquer paint on OEM vehicles was phased out in the late 80's. SW Automotive can mix you up a quart of the correct color touch up for your truck. They will also guide you in the right direction regarding a clear coat as well.

For your wifes Navi, Try buffing out the dull paint first. If that doesn't work then consult SW Auto as well.

I hope this helps.