Acrylic enamel automotive paint dries to a high gloss shine without a clear coat.
Acrylic enamel automotive paint is a popular choice and an improvement on the older acrylic lacquer paints. The enamel paint is more durable and easier to apply than acrylic lacquer paints. Acrylic enamel automotive paint is a single stage paint, meaning no clear coat is needed because it dries to a glossy shine. Acrylic enamel cannot be sprayed on a car alone. Add reducer and a catalyst to the paint before it is sprayed on a vehicle.
Instructions
1. Place a measuring cup on a flat surface. Pour the desired amount of acrylic enamel paint into the cup, leveling the amount off at a specific measurement mark so you know the exact amount. Write down the exact measurement and then pour the paint into the clean paint can.
2. Add the reducer to the empty measuring cup. The amount of reducer depends on the amount of paint used. The ratio for acrylic enamel paints is 8 parts paint, 2 parts reducer and 1 part catalyst. If you use 8 ounces of paint, add 2 ounces of reducer to the measuring cup, making sure it is level with the measurement line. Pour the measured reducer into the paint can with the paint.
3. Pour 1 part catalyst or hardener into the measuring cup, keeping the levels accurate and according to the mixture ratio of 8:2:1 of paint, reducer and catalyst. The catalyst, or hardener, is added to the acrylic enamel paint to make sure it dries completely. Without the catalyst, the paint and reducer would never fully dry. Add the amount of measured catalyst to the mixture in the paint can.
4. Mix the mixture of acrylic enamel paint, reducer and catalyst very well. The better the three products are mixed together, the easier and smoother the paint can be sprayed onto the car. Pour the mixture into a paint gun or put a lid on the can until it is needed.
