Paint Types

PaintScratch uses automotive touch up paint made for vehicle paint repairs. Most colors are made as Universal Basecoat, which handles similarly to lacquer paint for spraying and cleanup, but it is not acrylic lacquer.

Our paint air dries and does not require an activator or catalyst. For some formulas, especially certain single stage colors, we may use PPG paint.

Always use proper safety equipment when spraying automotive paint. Spray paint and clearcoat fumes are toxic, and a proper respirator is required.

The Three Main Paint Types

Most vehicle colors fall into one of these paint systems:

Basecoat/Clearcoat

Basecoat/clearcoat is the most common paint system on modern vehicles.

It uses two layers:

• Basecoat: the color layer
• Clearcoat: the clear, glossy protective layer

The clearcoat protects the color from UV damage and gives the repair its shine. After the clearcoat dries, rubbing compound is used to polish the finish and bring out the gloss.

Tricoat

Tricoat paint uses three layers instead of two.

It includes:

• Basecoat: the first color layer
• Midcoat: a thin transparent color layer that adds depth or pearl effect
• Clearcoat: the glossy protective top layer

Tricoats often create a pearly, milky, or extra-deep finish. They can look beautiful, but they are more difficult to match than standard basecoat/clearcoat colors.

If your PaintScratch color name includes “Tricoat,” it requires both the basecoat and midcoat. We strongly recommend practicing on a scrap piece of metal or plastic before applying tricoat paint to your vehicle.

Single Stage Paint

Single stage paint is most common on older vehicles, especially many vehicles made before the late 1980s.

Unlike basecoat/clearcoat paint, single stage paint does not require a separate clearcoat layer to create shine. The color and gloss are built into one paint layer.

Some older single stage formulas are still available. If a color is only available as basecoat/clearcoat, we will let you know.

Single stage paint still needs to be polished with rubbing compound to achieve the proper gloss.

Important Safety Notes

Automotive paint should always be used with care.

• Wear a proper respirator when spraying paint.
• Spray in a safe, well-ventilated area.
• Follow all product directions.
• Automotive lacquer thinner may not be legal in some areas, including certain parts of California. Check your local regulations before use.
• Catalyzed paints and 2K clearcoats are very strong products and should only be sprayed with the proper safety equipment.

PaintScratch does not sell custom urethane paint that requires a catalyst, but we do offer a catalyzed clearcoat called 2K Clear for customers who need that type of finish.