vintage vs modern single stage paint

[bmwstephen]

Hi all- if you are curious how modern vs old SS paint looks like. just take a look at my most recent paint job on my car.

The left is the factory SS enamel and to the right is the new SS urethane.

My paint guy mentioned once the left panel gets a high level detail, it should match the right side. Is that possible? kinda discouraging looking at the pics now.

[Mike Phillips]

Yes it's possible. At least you can get the two different paint systems to look closer to he same.

Be sure to use some Meguiar's #7 at some point on the original single stage black paint as this will bring out the full richness of color. Another way of saying this is it will darken the paint.


This is actually one of the goals for the 1956 Chevy Bel Air we buffed out last week. Most of the car has the original single stage paint.

Some portions of some panels have newer single stage paint.

Some panels have been repainted using a basecoat/clearcoat paint system.

Our job and goal was to restore the richness of color and gloss to the original, dull faded and oxidized single state paint to match the color and gloss of the repainted areas.

If done successfully this would give the entire car a more uniform appearance.

Sad to say, I have not had time to process the pictures from this project and won't have time any time soon... too much going on...

1956 Chevrolet Bel Air - Original Paint


I was able to get one "after" picture added to the gallery...

[bmwstephen]

I'm curious Mike (since you are very knowledgeable about older SS paints), back in the day if a car were to have a panel refinished due to an accident, how would a body shop paint match the neighboring panels?

I know with b/c stage finishes, they would have to blend the base paint to the neighboring panel and cover the entire side with a new clear coat to give the illusion of a seamless blend.

However, this is not possible with SS paints.

[Mike Phillips]

I'm curious Mike (since you are very knowledgeable about older SS paints), back in the day if a car were to have a panel refinished due to an accident, how would a body shop paint match the neighboring panels?

Just like today, they do the best they can to color match the existing or original paint.

[bmwstephen]

you have got to come out to Cali mike and do a cross-state tour. I'll pay for your lodging lol

[Mike Phillips]

you have got to come out to Cali mike and do a cross-state tour.

I'll pay for your lodging lol

I have an article on that...