Information on the three paint types & systems used on vehicles.

DT Concours professional valeting and restoration products.

"feels like glass!"

Nitro-cellulose paint

This is the most common "classic" or older car finish. It's ease of use and relatively hardwearing characteristics made it popular with manufacturers and repairers alike. Although toxic, it can be applied with basic breathing apparatus and with relatively cheap spraying equipment. Essentially it is a system which is not designed to produce a final finish "out of the spray gun". Rather, once applied, it needs to be polished by varying degrees to achieve a high gloss shine. Unlike more modern paint systems, it can be applied by brush, although the best effect is achieved by spraying. This paint type dries through a process of evaporation.

Two-pack or Isocyanate paint

This paint system was first used extensively during the 1970's and 1980's. The paint is extremely toxic. Isocyanate is a respiratory sensitiser so inhalation can affect breathing, with potentially fatal results. For this reason, this particular system is not normally suitable for application by DIY enthusiasts, as it requires special breathing equipment. Drying is assisted by the use of a hardener (the second part of the two pack system), although evaporation takes place also, preferably in a heated spray booth or oven. This paint type is very hardwearing and produces a finish straight from the spray gun, so cutting application times.

Water based paint

This system is the most common type in use by manufacturers and repairers today. The colour coat is water based but still needs to be protected by a two-pack type clear or lacquer coating. Being water based it is more environmentally friendly. Because of the mixture of paint types, repair is difficult for the DIY painter.

Before undertaking repairs yourself it is advisable to seek professional advice from a qualified vehicle painter or paint shop supplier.

0161 355 1275	DT Concours professional valeting and restoration products. "feels like glass!"
Home Shopping Basket Products - 1-2-3 Kit - Super Clay - Paint Cleanser - Carnauba Wax - K300 Speedwax - Bumper Gel - Crystal Clear - P21-S Alloy Cleaner - Leather Soap & Conditioner - Leather Creme - Leather Care Kit - Vinyl Cleanser - Vinyl Dressing - Tyre Dressing - Microfibre Cloths - Foam Applicator Pads - Hydra Flexi Blade - Battery Conditioners Product Information Order Now Information - After Care - Car Care Tips - Classic Car Insurance - Concours History - Leather Care - Microfibre Cloths - Paint Preparation - Paint Types - Tyre Care - Gallery - Customer Comments - Questions Contact Us Useful Links Terms	Paint Types You will probably come across any one of three different paint types or systems on motor vehicles, all of which can be treated with the DT Concours 1-2-3 Kit. Nitro-cellulose paint This is the most common "classic" or older car finish. It's ease of use and relatively hardwearing characteristics made it popular with manufacturers and repairers alike. Although toxic, it can be applied with basic breathing apparatus and with relatively cheap spraying equipment. Essentially it is a system which is not designed to produce a final finish "out of the spray gun". Rather, once applied, it needs to be polished by varying degrees to achieve a high gloss shine. Unlike more modern paint systems, it can be applied by brush, although the best effect is achieved by spraying. This paint type dries through a process of evaporation. Two-pack or Isocyanate paint This paint system was first used extensively during the 1970's and 1980's. The paint is extremely toxic. Isocyanate is a respiratory sensitiser so inhalation can affect breathing, with potentially fatal results. For this reason, this particular system is not normally suitable for application by DIY enthusiasts, as it requires special breathing equipment. Drying is assisted by the use of a hardener (the second part of the two pack system), although evaporation takes place also, preferably in a heated spray booth or oven. This paint type is very hardwearing and produces a finish straight from the spray gun, so cutting application times. Water based paint This system is the most common type in use by manufacturers and repairers today. The colour coat is water based but still needs to be protected by a two-pack type clear or lacquer coating. Being water based it is more environmentally friendly. Because of the mixture of paint types, repair is difficult for the DIY painter. Before undertaking repairs yourself it is advisable to seek professional advice from a qualified vehicle painter or paint shop supplier.
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Paint Types

Nitro-cellulose paint

Two-pack or Isocyanate paint

Water based paint