[minibiker2258]

I recently joined this forum after reading many many threads regarding painting and other topics and have a question. Do most people recommend NOT using Acrylic Enamel Metallic paints. I plan to use a good primer, hopefully an epoxy primer, then top coat with acrylic enamel metallic, with no clear coat.
I have been advised against this and just want to hear some other opinions.

Also if anybody would like to recommend another paint type for me to use, but since the price is more reasonable and this is a small project not a special show car or anything I would really like to keep it simple.

Thanks
Nick

[Old Fool]

If you want a non clear coat finish, use single stage urethane.
Don't buy the cheap crap like Omni or similiar, get a pint or qt of top line paint like Concept.

On a small job the difference in material cost is minimal, but the end product and durability will be more than worth it.

[oldBodyman]

+1

acrylic enamel was never a 'top of the line' paint system, it was cheap, fast and easy but never lasted too long, even with the hardener. That was 30 years ago and it has only dropped down the food chain since.

[minibiker2258]

I understand that it is not top of the line but I'm not looking for that either. And something reasonably cheap and easier to spray is what I'm looking for right know.

Thanks
Nick

[shine]

there is nothing wrong with ae with hardener. i'd use it before omni or nason junk .

[matt167]

I'v used both PPG Delstar Acrylic enamel and Restoration Shop Acrylic enamel.. Restoration shop seems to flow a little better.. FWIW, I use a Campbell Hausfeld gravity feed gun that I got at Walmart. Nothing expensive

[Hotbo]

the problem with Metallic AE is you cant sand and buff it.

it shifts the metallic around.

2nd problem is depending on the color it can be a real Mutha Fer to spray and get to lay out correctly.


if you decide to stay with AE do not waste your money on the cheaper lines.they are Pure Junk

Best of luck Travis

[deadbodyman]

acrylic enamals are OK if you dont mind repainting every two yrs ...even Nason urathane holds up for ten yrs.....even WITH the hardner AE will fade out in three yrs max...I'd spend an extra 50.00 and get any urathane before using an acrilic enamel again. unless its a trailer or something....no one uses it any more on cars,dump trucks and bulldozers yes ...and absolutely no one uses it with metalics only solid colors even on heavy equipment or Semi's...
Years ago I had to paint 50 dump trucks in red Centari acrilic enamel ,They were turning pink before I finished all of them (Fla sun) so we went with a low end urathane, problem solved ,big differance in quality...for just a little more cash..
I wouldnt advise anyone to use a SS metalic (urathane or acrylic enamel) its tough to get looking right without experiance ....and it never looks REALLY good ,just good enough...

[mitmaks]

I painted a boat for a guy with AE. It was metallic color and was a pita to lay out and I'm experienced painter. Customer was tight so he didn't want to spring for base/clear

[Hotbo]

i have sprayed several AE metallics back many years ago and they are the most aggravating SOBs to get to lay right and then you can sand and buff the trash.

PITA imo!