Iv painted a few cars now myself and so i'm well aware of how expensive paint can be. One thing iv noticed as im painting cars is that the Base coat, at least for me, seems to be a lot less picky than the clear coat. I just recently painted part of my T tops with Cheap $1.59 a can black paint and then used my HVLP Spray gun with quality Dupont Clear over that and I dont think You could ever tell a difference if someone would have used Dupont Basecoat vs. The Cheap Aerosol Can spray paint.

Has anyone Ever Spray painted their whole basecoat with an Aerosol Can and then used a HVLP spray gun with good clear to do the rest? Im quite tempted to try, would cut down a lot of cost on Basecoat, Reducer and Lacquer thinner for cleaning.

 

That is the exact method I used to paint my C4 vette centerbolt valve covers. I smoothed out the pits in the magnesiom with glazing putty then I didn't want to wait around for primer to dry and have to wetsand so I sprayed non sanding sealer out of a hvlp gun then I srayed argent silver spray paint and then used left over ppg concept2021 clear out of a hvlp and slap a new emblem on it and volia! The look awsome and withstand the heat of the engine.

 

With any paint always remember its not the topcoat that matters, its the undercoat. Sure it might look great for awhile. But paint from an aerosol can is cheap for a reason. It will never last as long as a real quality basecoat system especially in the sun or in everyday weather conditions, maybe a 2-3 year lifespan. A quality paint job will last for decades if taken care of. But its your car and if you arent looking for a show quality long lasting finish, I say go for it. But you can get a quart of PPG basecoat for like $15 so your not really saving any money or time. Lol.

 

I'd say don't do it, it's not quality paint and it damages the environment more than the exhaust from the worn out engines we have does, because you use a lot more of it to paint the whole car.

 

paint systems are designed by chemists. They are expensive for a reason, they work and they last. Sure you can clear over a enamel spray can but to spray a whole car and use quality clear for your top coat is silly. time will certainly tell how the adhesion of your top dollar clear will last. As for the cost of a quart of basecoat of chromabase or Dbu from dupont or ppg 15 dollars a quart is not possible. On average 1 PINT would be 40 to 80 dollars depending on color. Thats without basemaker or reducer. point is dont spray your whole car with a spray bomb. Use quality products and feel confident with the end result. Use the other method for small parts that are not as important.