Location

Location is an important factor to consider, as 2k paint contains isocyanates which can be dangerous to your health. It must be sprayed in a controlled environment, such as a spray booth, to ensure safety. If you don’t have access to a spray booth, you may want to consider acrylic lacquer or enamel as these paints do not contain isocyanates.

Colour

The color you want to paint your vehicle is also an important factor. Some colors may not be available in enamel and acrylic. If you are going for a late-model pearl or basecoat candy finish, you may be stuck with no choice other than 2 pack. However, there are still some great colour options available in acrylic lacquer.

Quality

In terms of quality, it’s hard to beat a 2k finish for gloss and longevity. 2k provides the best off-the-gun finish, requiring little cutting and polishing to finish. Acrylic lacquer, on the other hand, usually requires a full cut and polish to bring up the gloss. It does buff up to a beautiful gloss, but it takes more time and effort to get there. Enamel is cheaper, but it doesn’t offer the same high gloss level as 2k and acrylic. It can’t be buffed, and it tends to go chalky over time. If you choose to use enamel, make sure you use a quality automotive or performance enamel, as these enamels are usually acrylic-modified to help with gloss holdout and hardness.

Budget

2 pack tops the list for cost. However, while it may cost more upfront than other options like enamel or acrylic lacquer, 2 Pack provides a longer-lasting finish and achieves better results with less effort. The finish is hard-wearing and resistant to fading, making it a great choice for those who want a high-quality finish that will stand the test of time.
Acrylic lacquer is a still great option, particularly for those on a tighter budget. It’s a much more affordable option that can still produce excellent results. It’s also easy to apply and dries quickly, making it a great choice for those who want to get the job done fast.
Enamel is a cheap option that’s great for vehicle chassis and other underbody areas. It’s also a good option for machinery and equipment. However, it’s not recommended as an exterior car paint finish because it’s not as durable or long-lasting as other options.

Not sure what paint to use? Call (07) 5442 3197 and talk to one of or paint technicians. We have trade qualified staff who are more than happy to help you choose the right product for you situation.

The best type of primer to use before painting your car will depend on the condition of your car’s surface and the type of paint you plan to use.

For 2-Pack, if you are painting over a bare metal surface, it’s recommended to use an epoxy primer. This type of primer provides excellent adhesion, corrosion resistance, and promotes paint durability.

If you are painting over an existing paint surface, it’s recommended to use a polyurethane primer. This type of primer is a high-build primer that fills in small imperfections and helps to create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to.

If you are painting over plastic, it’s recommended to use a specialised plastic primer. This type of primer is specially formulated to adhere to plastic surfaces.

It’s always recommended to consult with a professional or the paint manufacturer product datasheet to make sure that you’re using the right primer for your car’s surface, conditions, and paint type.

There are many tools and equipment that may be needed for car restoration, depending on the extent of the work and the specific make and model of the car. Some common tools and equipment that may be needed include: 

1. Sandpaper: You will need various grits of sandpaper to remove old paint, rust, and other surface imperfections.
2. Body filler: Used to fill in dents, dings, and other imperfections in the body of your car.
3. Spray gun: Used to apply paint and primer to your car’s surface.
4. Auto body tools: such as hammers, dollies, and body filler spreaders.
5. Pneumatic tools such as an air compressor and air sander.
6. An angle grinder or drill  with suitable attachements (e.g grinding disc, flapper disc or clean & strip disc) can be useful for removing rust and other surface imperfections.
7. Paint stripper: You may need a paint stripper to remove old paint from your car’s surface.
8. Sanding blocks and sponges/pads: for sanding and smoothing surfaces.
9. Paints and primers: You will need to purchase the appropriate type of paint and primer for your car’s surface and paint type.
10. Solvents such as paint thinner, wax and grease remover and gunwash.
11. Masking tape and paper: Used to cover areas that you don’t want to paint.
12. Safety equipment: You will need safety equipment such as overalls, a respirator, ear protection and gloves to protect yourself while working.
13. A paint booth or a dedicated area to paint your car in.

It’s always recommended to consult with a professional or the paint manufacturer to make sure that you’re using the right tools and equipment for your car’s restoration process.

Carrying out an automotive touch up paint repair using a spray can can be a quick and convenient way to restore the original colour and shine of your car’s paint. However, achieving a seamless blend between the touch up paint and the surrounding areas can be challenging. Here are some tips to help you achieve a professional-looking blend when carrying out an automotive touch up paint repair using a spray can:

1. Start by cleaning the area to be painted with wax and grease remover and a clean lint-free cloth. This will ensure that the touch up paint adheres properly and blends smoothly.
2. Sand the area: Use a fine-grit sandpaper (such as 600 or 800 grit) to lightly sand the area to be painted. This will help to create a smooth surface for the touch-up paint to adhere to, and will also remove any glossy surface that could prevent the paint from bonding properly. Sand the area until it is smooth to the touch and there are no glossy areas of paint left.
3. Use masking tape and paper to cover any areas that you don’t want to paint. This will help to prevent overspray and will also make it easier to achieve a clean, precise edge around the area to be painted.
4. Clean the area again.
5. Hold the spray can approximately 6-8 inches away from the surface and spray in a sweeping motion, moving the can from left to right or vice versa. This will help to achieve a more natural blend between the touch up paint and the surrounding areas. Apply the paint in light, misting coats. It’s important to build up the colour gradually, rather than trying to achieve full coverage in one coat. This will help to achieve a more natural blend between the touch up paint and the surrounding areas. Allow each coat of paint to dry completely before applying the next one. The drying time will vary depending on the type of paint and the environmental conditions, so be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
6. Use a tack-rag to gently wipe the area after the final coat of paint has dried. This will help to remove any dry spray and will also help to remove any dust or debris that may have settled on the surface during the painting process.
7. Finally, use a clear coat to seal and protect the touch up paint. A clear coat will help to blend the colour in with the rest of the car’s paint, and will also help to protect the paint from UV rays and other environmental factors that can cause fading or discoloration over time.

In terms of materials, you will need a wax and grease remover, tack cloths, clean lint-free cloths, masking tape and paper, sandpaper (600 or 800 grit), primer, touch-up paint and clear coat. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all the products you are using. By following these tips, you can achieve a professional-looking blend when carrying out an automotive touch up paint repair using a spray can.  Remember to be patient and take your time, as blending paint can be a delicate process that requires a steady hand and a keen eye.

Yes, our team has extensive knowledge of the paint products we sell and can provide technical advice on how to use the paint, mixing ratios, application techniques, safety precautions and more.