So one of the most common questions we get at Autofactors Waterford is if we do paint for cars. We have recently added to our wide range of automotive paints and we are now offering a range of industrial, commercial and budget paint ranges. In this blog I will give you a brief run down of the different paint types and applications that we offer in store.
We have a paint camera or a Spectrophotometer that is able to scan paint and provide the best match for your paint needs. This is very handy for when a colour of a paint may have faded or if you do not have a code of your paint colour. Often customers come in with petrol flaps or panels off agricultural machinery to get the best match with our paint camera.
First off we may go through the different types of paint finishes:
Now that we have discussed the different types of paints now we can go through the different paint systems and paint types we have to offer in our Waterford store.
Lesonal WB GT System
- Metallic: Metallic paints reflect light far better than other types of paints. They have a shinier finish and even on darker days you can see the shine come through in the paint. This usually achieved by the addition of aluminum powder mixed through the paint and can be noticed instantly.
- Solid: Solid paints are the standard flat kind of colours on cars. These are usually mixed using 2 pack paint systems which do not require lacquer but use a hardener in the paint instead. This means that solid paints are cheaper to mix which translates to cheaper repairs.
- Pearlescent: Pearlescent paints shine even deeper than their metallic counterparts. But more shine means more money unfortunately. Pearl paints are created using ceramic crystals that reflect and refract light. This gives a deeper level of shine and head turning finish.
- Matte: Matte paints are less common and are generally on silvers, greys and blacks. These are achieved by using a matting agent in lacquers or using a paint with a high PVC content.
The Lesonal WB GT paint system is our most popular paint system. This is a Waterbased paint and the beauty of it is unrivalled colour accuracy, smooth application and invisible blending. Water based paint is now the automotive industry standard of paint because its far safer for the environment and for the spray painter as opposed to older type solvent based paint.
Water based paints also provide a cleaner finish than solvent based paints. Water based paint go on in much thinner layers which leave a far more even and cleaner finish. Also the older type of solvent based paint sometimes released gases which can cause bubbles on paint jobs which is not an issue with water based paints.
This paint type requires a coat of clearcoat or lacquer to fully protect the coating. This ensures a long lasting, shinier finish to your paint. The Lesonal WB GT system is suitable for a wide range of paint types for example Metallic, Pearl, Non Metallic and solid colours alike.
Types of Finish:
- Metallic
- Non Metallic
- Pearls
- Solids
Benefits:
- Unbeatable colour accuracy
- Durable
- Most paint types catered for
- Less paint needed
Ideal Application:
- Cars
- Commercial
Lesonal 2K Topcoat HS 420
Lesonal 2K topcoat HS 420 is a two component (2 Pack) system that requires it to be mixed with hardener that is suitable for solid finished automotive paints. This is a perfect choice for refinishing cars and light commercial vehicles. Lesonal 2K Topcoat HS 420 is an Acyrlic Paint
The Lesonal topcoat HS 420 system is a paint that covers all modern solid colours. This paint can sometimes be more cost effective given the fact that it does not have to be lacquered over. It provides a high end durable alternative to its Lesonal WB GT cousin. The strength and durability in this paint is achieved by the addition of hardener which acts as a lacquer but is mixed directly with the paint as opposed to spraying lacquer over the base coat.
Types of Finish:
- Solids
Benefits:
- High end finish
- Cost effective
- Durable
Ideal Application:
- Cars
- Commercial
Masons SuperThane S2000 Topcoat
Similar to the Lesonal HS Topcoat 420 system above our Masons SuperThane S2000 system is a high quality 2 pack paint that is a cheaper alternative. It has been designed to give an excellent gloss finish and colour retention. As a 2 Pack paint Masons SuperThane does not have to be lacquer but instead mixed with hardener.
This paint is ideally used on cars, vans, Trucks and can be used industrially on timber products. This paint type is also commonly used when a customer has a RAL number and is looking for a cost effective paint.
Type of Finish:
- Solids
- Non Metallic
Benefits:
- Cost effective
- Durable
- High resistance to cleaning products
Ideal Application:
- Cars
- Vans
- Heavy Commercial
- New Build Trailers
HMG Paint System
Our HMG system is our budget industrial paint. The benefits of this paint is it is very cost effective and is an ideal paint to use on agricultural vehicles as well commercials and cars. The HMG range is very versatile and can be mixed for a wide range of Applications such as industrial, wood, decorative and vintage vehicles. This paint range is also a 2 pack paint so no need to lacquer.
This paint can also be mixed too create gloss or matt colours. It is available in a wide range of RAL and Automotive shades. This paint can also be mixed in enamel for brush on applications.
Types of Paints:
- Gloss
- Matt
- Satin
Benefits:
- Cost effective
- Ease of use
- Durable
Ideal Application:
- Agricultural
- Trailers
- Cars
- Commercial
- Marine Paint
- Industrial
- Wood Paint
Overview
Whatever your needs for paint we have the paint type to ensure you get the best result for your paint job. If you have any questions regarding paint or any panel beating related products in general you can contact our resident paint expert Michael on 051-873879 or email him directly at michael@autofactorswaterford.ie and he can give you the best advice or guidance in your project.