Pros and Cons of Using Enamel Car Paint

Enamel car paint is applied to cars, trucks, and other vehicles because its hardness withstands many elements. Enamel car paint will also give your vehicles a finished and very clean look. Enamel car paint is just one kind you can choose from and when deciding if it's right for you, you will want to know all of the pros and cons first. Here are some of the pros and cons of using enamel car paint.

Pro: Changing Car Color

When you want to change the color of your car enamel paint may be a good choice. You can have the body of your car wet sanded. This can then be used to determine if the previous layer of paint had hardener in it. This is important because a paint with a hardener in it is the best paint to cover. Enamel car paint will be able to adhere better to this type of surface.

Pro: Acrylic Lacquer

If you do not want to bother with all of the hard work involved with painting your car, then enamel car paint with acrylic lacquer in it will suit your needs. With most car paints you will need to remove the top coat of paint to the metal, and then paint it with primer. If your vehicle was previously painted this type of enamel, car paint will adhere to the prior layer of paint. Other paint will slide off the body and the job would have to be done all over again.

Pro: Clear Coating

Enamel car paint will accept a clear coat without an issue, as it will adhere to nearly every surface. Some enamel car paints are below standards and clear coat will not properly adhere. If this is your situation, you can wet sand the surface and then add a clear coat.

Con: Mixing Clear Coat With Enamel Car Paint

All enamel car paint is not created equal and some brands will not accept a clear coat. If your car needs a new coat of paint you will have to have the car prepped. It is a good idea to check with the manufacturer of the enamel car paint you plan to use to make sure it can accept clear coat. This also applies to adding an acrylic enamel for an extra shine. You should also look for an enamel car paint with a hardener in it.

Con: Cost

There are many paint alternatives to enamel car paint that are cheaper to use. Enamel car paint on the lowest scale is inexpensive, but once hardener and other additives are added to it the price jumps higher.

Con: Drying Period

Enamel car paint, unlike most other car paint, does not dry well on its own. Enamel car paint needs to be baked onto the car.

Choosing whether or not to use enamel car paint just got easier. Now the real question is what color should you choose for your ride!