This is a question you could ask 10 people and get 10 different answers. I will tell you of my experience. I have used both paint systems. The single stage would be much easier for a beginner to put on but the gloss doesn't seam to last as long as the base clear. If you do the base clear, be sure you install extra lighting because the clear is hard to see when you are spraying this. If you have never used base clear before I would practice on something else before you go over to the car. If you are going to use black, be sure your body work is perfect as every imperfection is magnified with that color. If you need books or tapes on fiberglass preperation, go to ecklers.com. They have some good literature there. Hope this helps.