Anyone know a Good and Durable Satin Automotive Body Paint System? Not Hot Rod Black
 

My Volvo X project is getting close to the painting stage, and my body guy and I have been discussing the Satin Paint process I want to go with. He has added Egg Shell paint flatener to a black 55 Chevy he has, an it looks pretty good, but I am not sure about the durability for normal daily driver use? I have seen some of the Hot Rod Blacks turn bad, and start to look bad, just by people touching or leaning on it over time.

I am going with a Satin Gray color, so it probably wouldnt be as bad as black, but I would like to have the most durable option I can get.. From what I can find with Satin Finishes, you cannot really buff or do too much cleaning, because it will start to get more a gloss look in the more heavier cleaned area's. I dont want it to look like primer, and I dont want it to be affected by touching, common rubbing, or any waxes or tire products. Do anyone have a product they have experience in?

I have actually thought about body wrapping the car, because the wrap is suppose to be more durable, but I cant justify the cost of it over actually painting the car.. The other issue with body wrap is, that you cant do the actual door body jams affectively, unless you actually color matched and painted the jambs.. It is about 3200 dollars for the body wrap, but all the body work has to be perfect, so I can actually do final paint on the car for less.

Here is what I am going for.. I am running all Brushed/Satin Chrome on the car, because I am looking for a Raw (but clean) Machined look with everything, and I really think the paint needs to match the raw theme with a clean/unfinished look..


Satin Pencil Gray Body Wrap

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/l...encilRear2.jpg


Brushed/Satin Chrome Sample


http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/l...zon/014-19.jpg


The intended final result

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/l...itter_rev1.jpg

For flat finishes we have been using the Uno line from RM. They are super durable, hold up well to washing and cleaning, and are super simple to use. Single stage topcoat, no flattened clear.

I am not sure about availability in your area, but it is an R-M product

I dont mind ordering a good product from somewhere, but is there a U.S. based distributor, because I really the Grace of Grey color in the gallery, but it is showing a clear coat..

http://www.rmpaint.com/content/matt-clearcoats

I think the flat clear coats will be an issue. The more they are rubbed (like washing, removing road grime, etc.) the image changes, they start to get shiny. Makes them look uneven. I'd love to see how the flat paints without the flat clear hold up.

The Uno Matte single stages hold up really well. On one of our engine bays, it hasn't marked from tools, fuel splash, coolant, or repeated washing with soap etc and a sponge for car shows. It was only two med. coats on top of an epoxy primer.

Here is a link to the line. Your supplier will be able to tell you what colors etc they can mix. No metallics, solid colors only.

http://www.rmpaint.com/product_offer/uno-hd#1

And you are right Jody, flattened clears do NOT hold up well

Thanks for the info Tyler. I like the flat look but hated how uneven they looked after some wear and tear. :thumbsup: