How Many Ways to Paint Black...???
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: PNW
Car: 91 Black Formula KR
Engine: 305 TPI R69/G92
Transmission: Astro A5-Pro 5.0-McCleod
Axle/Gears: US Gear 3.42 Eaton True Trac
How Many Ways to Paint Black...???
I will be getting my bird repainted black in the future...
I've heard of black base, then a few coats of clear coat...
I heard of someone using a few coats of black, then equal parts of black & clear.... he said that the difference is first, looks like black with glass over it, latter looks like black glass... A camera man for Speed TV filmed his car & said it was the nicest looking black paint job he's seen...
Opinions??
Raf
I've heard of black base, then a few coats of clear coat...
I heard of someone using a few coats of black, then equal parts of black & clear.... he said that the difference is first, looks like black with glass over it, latter looks like black glass... A camera man for Speed TV filmed his car & said it was the nicest looking black paint job he's seen...
Opinions??
Raf
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From: Holland, MI
Car: '89 Black IROC 'vert
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700-R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73 posi
I've never heard of that myself, but I'm definatley interested in hearing more about this technique. My black IROC is due for a repaint in not too long.
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From: So.west IN
Car: 87 Formula/ 00 Xtreme
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Re: How Many Ways to Paint Black...???
Originally posted by luvofjah
I heard of someone using a few coats of black, then equal parts of black & clear....
I heard of someone using a few coats of black, then equal parts of black & clear....
Just my opinion though...
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Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: PNW
Car: 91 Black Formula KR
Engine: 305 TPI R69/G92
Transmission: Astro A5-Pro 5.0-McCleod
Axle/Gears: US Gear 3.42 Eaton True Trac
Nice pic, sweetride 45!
Anyone else care to share??
Raf
Anyone else care to share??
Raf
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From: Kelowna, B.C.
Car: 89 Camaro RS
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Here is mine. (First time painting). I did black base and clear (BASF). (paint code MY052.20) for the gold if anyone wants know.
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: PNW
Car: 91 Black Formula KR
Engine: 305 TPI R69/G92
Transmission: Astro A5-Pro 5.0-McCleod
Axle/Gears: US Gear 3.42 Eaton True Trac
The pic of your reflection with the bird in the bottom corner, now you're just showing off
Nice... When mine get's painted, look out!
Nice... When mine get's painted, look out!
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From: glenwood IL
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U have to be carefull on what u tint. Not all primmers /sealers are meant to be tinted. Talk to the people were u are buy the paint and make sure u can tint it. Goes for putting color in the clear. Like deadbird said u are defeated the purpose of useing bc/cc
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: PNW
Car: 91 Black Formula KR
Engine: 305 TPI R69/G92
Transmission: Astro A5-Pro 5.0-McCleod
Axle/Gears: US Gear 3.42 Eaton True Trac
84 CustomZ28, tight!
I know this is a little of topic, but what are you and SweetRide 45 hiding under those custom hoods?? I'm sure that question will make me even more envious?!?!?
Rafael
I know this is a little of topic, but what are you and SweetRide 45 hiding under those custom hoods?? I'm sure that question will make me even more envious?!?!?
Rafael
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From: Chesterfield, Indiana
Car: 1991 Z28 Camaro
Engine: 5.7
Transmission: Jasper 700R4 Stage II
Axle/Gears: 3.23 For Now
Originally posted by luvofjah
84 CustomZ28, tight!
I know this is a little of topic, but what are you and SweetRide 45 hiding under those custom hoods?? I'm sure that question will make me even more envious?!?!?
Rafael
84 CustomZ28, tight!
I know this is a little of topic, but what are you and SweetRide 45 hiding under those custom hoods?? I'm sure that question will make me even more envious?!?!?
Rafael
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Hawaii
Car: 89' Firebird / 87' Formula
Engine: 3.4 / 5.0
Transmission: 700-R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 / 3.42
Originally posted by SweetRide45
Ask and you shall receive...
Ask and you shall receive...

LOL LOOKING GREAT MAN! Where did you get those mud flaps from? Supreme Member
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From: Woodbury, NJ
Car: 87' Iroc
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700R4
Originally posted by 1989karr
MY EYES!!! TO SHINY!!!!!!!!
LOL LOOKING GREAT MAN!
MY EYES!!! TO SHINY!!!!!!!!
LOL LOOKING GREAT MAN! I'm hoping like hell my black paint comes out looking that good next month.
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From: North Carolina
Car: 1984 TRANS AM AERO (PAINT SO DEEP
Engine: 305 CARBED
Transmission: 700 R-4/Vette Servo mod
I've heard of guys putting down base, then clear, sand/buff the clear, then spray more clear on that to get a really deep look.
Everything but the buff.
Paint the car, base/clear, wetsand the entire vehicle, 1200 g Meguiar's. Re-clear, nice thin wet coats...don't puddle it up.
wetsand, 2000g or better, rub and polish. You'll wet yourself.
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From: Frankenmuth, MI
Car: 91z
Engine: 350 vortec
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o my my my, that black looks awesome. Sweetride, did you paint it yourself or did you have it done. Also if you had it done, how much did it cost you?
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From: Woodbury, NJ
Car: 87' Iroc
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700R4
Originally posted by KEVIN G.
Close Stealth...
Everything but the buff.
Paint the car, base/clear, wetsand the entire vehicle, 1200 g Meguiar's. Re-clear, nice thin wet coats...don't puddle it up.
wetsand, 2000g or better, rub and polish. You'll wet yourself.
Close Stealth...
Everything but the buff.
Paint the car, base/clear, wetsand the entire vehicle, 1200 g Meguiar's. Re-clear, nice thin wet coats...don't puddle it up.
wetsand, 2000g or better, rub and polish. You'll wet yourself.
Is there a term for that kind of paintjob?
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From: Frankenmuth, MI
Car: 91z
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Sweet...
I have to complement you on your work. Have you ever taken classes on painting or are you that dang good!. Also what kind of paint is it? thanks, brad
I have to complement you on your work. Have you ever taken classes on painting or are you that dang good!. Also what kind of paint is it? thanks, brad
black is black, i have yet to see any black ever that looked "deep" a good body prep and of course proper wet sanding techniques to get great image reflection like above is truly where it's at to have a nice paint job of any color.
the only time you would want to think about such things are with multi colored or candy designs. doing such adds depth to it by layering your tinted clear. even at which you'll still need proper technique to get a mirror/glass shine.
the only time you would want to think about such things are with multi colored or candy designs. doing such adds depth to it by layering your tinted clear. even at which you'll still need proper technique to get a mirror/glass shine.
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From: Woodbury, NJ
Car: 87' Iroc
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700R4
So wetsanding the clear then clearing again does nothing? Just a gimmick so a body shop can charge you for more labor?
Is there an ideal amount of coverage for both durability and looks? IE: How many coats of base and how many coats of clear.
Is there an ideal amount of coverage for both durability and looks? IE: How many coats of base and how many coats of clear.
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Hawaii
Car: 89' Firebird / 87' Formula
Engine: 3.4 / 5.0
Transmission: 700-R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 / 3.42
Originally posted by SweetRide45
Ask and you shall receive...
Ask and you shall receive...

...you know...i am CONVINCED that the second picture is merely a mirror with a bird emblem on it! lol j/k
I just wanted to say...again......BEAUTIFUL.......ah....now my paint job looks even WORSE than before thanks to these beautiful cars here....darn the former owners and their "make over" paint job! lol
Originally posted by StealthElephant
So wetsanding the clear then clearing again does nothing? Just a gimmick so a body shop can charge you for more labor?
Is there an ideal amount of coverage for both durability and looks? IE: How many coats of base and how many coats of clear.
So wetsanding the clear then clearing again does nothing? Just a gimmick so a body shop can charge you for more labor?
Is there an ideal amount of coverage for both durability and looks? IE: How many coats of base and how many coats of clear.
you need 3 key things.
1. a very smooth body prep with good coverage.
2. a good painter that can lay your color smooth and even with proper coverage.
3. a good quality clear, typically one or two more coats then necessary if you plan to do alot of sanding to get that perfect look.
now everyone has their own procedures and techniques but if you steer too far from this you'll just make it more difficult then it needs to be.
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From: Chesterfield, Indiana
Car: 1991 Z28 Camaro
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Transmission: Jasper 700R4 Stage II
Axle/Gears: 3.23 For Now
I mean...it depends what color you actually go with. You could take the exact steps....and paint a car white...and it will reflect nothing like a black paint job
there isn't a color out there that "reflects" like black. however you should paint your car for how the paint looks. the reflection is just a bonus. it's all a pretty standard formula, you add or take away to make it your own but follow the simple trail and you'll have great results. assuming you can paint.
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From: Woodbury, NJ
Car: 87' Iroc
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700R4
Well alot of times people think the way they do something is right just because it comes out "okay" even though when it comes down to the facts they are wrong or somewhere it between.
I had heard about the whole base/clear/wetsand/reclear again a couple of times. I mean, is it just an alternate way to paint that is more work but ends up just looking the same and is factually wrong in saying it looks better?
I had heard about the whole base/clear/wetsand/reclear again a couple of times. I mean, is it just an alternate way to paint that is more work but ends up just looking the same and is factually wrong in saying it looks better?
It's ALL in the prep work. Painting is the EASY part.
92lt1...no classes in painting. No special booth. No special tricks. Prepped it, painting it, color sanded it, buffed it, voila!
I used Dupont Chromabase and Chromaclear. I put down 3 base (just for color coverage, that's all), and 4 coats of clear (b/c you typically knock down 1-1.5 coats after color sanding and buffing)
Thanks again for the compliments. I appreciate it!
92lt1...no classes in painting. No special booth. No special tricks. Prepped it, painting it, color sanded it, buffed it, voila!
I used Dupont Chromabase and Chromaclear. I put down 3 base (just for color coverage, that's all), and 4 coats of clear (b/c you typically knock down 1-1.5 coats after color sanding and buffing)
Thanks again for the compliments. I appreciate it!
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From: Woodbury, NJ
Car: 87' Iroc
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700R4
How many hours did you invest into the paintjob when it was all said and done? (or a best guess)
That one picture thats just a mirror says it all, beautiful. You must have some natural talent with block sanding the way that picture looked.
That one picture thats just a mirror says it all, beautiful. You must have some natural talent with block sanding the way that picture looked.
Hard to say how many TOTAL hours in the paint...but as I was saying, if it's just PAINTING, that's only a few hours at MOST, if any. Good surface prep is the key...then colorsanding, use a bright spotlight and hold it next to the area. Wetsand w/ 1500-2000 until all the "dark" spots turn "light"...that's when you know you have a uniform finish. Once that's done, buff it out and you'll be surprised!
Here's a shot of the other other sail panel:
Here's a shot of the other other sail panel:
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: PNW
Car: 91 Black Formula KR
Engine: 305 TPI R69/G92
Transmission: Astro A5-Pro 5.0-McCleod
Axle/Gears: US Gear 3.42 Eaton True Trac
Ok SweetRide 45, that's enough! Anymore pictures that make me drool and I'm just gonna have to get in my car and take it up to you and you will have to paint it... 
Rafael

Rafael
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From: North Carolina
Car: 1984 TRANS AM AERO (PAINT SO DEEP
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Transmission: 700 R-4/Vette Servo mod
Ok guys I've been reading today's post's at work...catching up.
Here's the jist of it. These aren't tricks, or "making up for a poorly qualified painter", as these cars are a testament to. They look great day in and day out for long periods of time. Cutting corners is what gets one in trouble and shows lack of quality.
These "tricks" have been around forever. Ask all of the top names in the biz how much work goes into a "show" job. These guys used to wetsand between EVERY coat. And here's why: It's all about the surface... You need a flat surface to reflect the light. wetsanding between coats eliminates orange peel, which diffracts the light coming in and does not allow it to RE-flect back in a straight line. It is not " " I don't care how talented you painter is, (and I've worked with a few that have just out of the box, RAW TALENT, for spraying), you CANNOT spray without creating orange peel. It is the nature of the beast.
You can, however, have less orange peel than another sprayer. (that's where the talent comes in.)
Starting out with all your body work, keep it flat.
Block and prime, to keep it flat.
Finish with wetsanding your primer, to keep it flat. ( you could in effect take two panels side by side, prepped the same way, EXCEPT: wetsand before paint on one, and Da the other one with 400g to finish. The wetsanded panel will look nicer raw than the DA'd panel.)
A show paint job CAN be had by just painting the car. As one person said, it's in the prep. BUT, part of the job IS the finish work and it's all about the attention to detail.
Thank you. That's exactly right. Especially black.
Here's the jist of it. These aren't tricks, or "making up for a poorly qualified painter", as these cars are a testament to. They look great day in and day out for long periods of time. Cutting corners is what gets one in trouble and shows lack of quality.
These "tricks" have been around forever. Ask all of the top names in the biz how much work goes into a "show" job. These guys used to wetsand between EVERY coat. And here's why: It's all about the surface... You need a flat surface to reflect the light. wetsanding between coats eliminates orange peel, which diffracts the light coming in and does not allow it to RE-flect back in a straight line. It is not "
leg work and that's typically for bad painters.
You can, however, have less orange peel than another sprayer. (that's where the talent comes in.)
Starting out with all your body work, keep it flat.
Block and prime, to keep it flat.
Finish with wetsanding your primer, to keep it flat. ( you could in effect take two panels side by side, prepped the same way, EXCEPT: wetsand before paint on one, and Da the other one with 400g to finish. The wetsanded panel will look nicer raw than the DA'd panel.)
A show paint job CAN be had by just painting the car. As one person said, it's in the prep. BUT, part of the job IS the finish work and it's all about the attention to detail.
It's ALL in the prep work. Painting is the EASY part
Last edited by KEVIN G.; Apr 28, 2005 at 06:04 PM.
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From: Woodbury, NJ
Car: 87' Iroc
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Just got off the phone with my bodyguy
, hes gonna use Dupont Chromabase on my car. Gahhh, 3 more weeks, all this waiting is killing me esp. after looking at your cars!
, hes gonna use Dupont Chromabase on my car. Gahhh, 3 more weeks, all this waiting is killing me esp. after looking at your cars! Thread
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