Getting into a car accident or scratching the side of your car can leave you with a pit in your stomach; especially if your car is on the newer side of things. Depending on how bad the damage is, you may need to get a new paint job. Before you run to the store though and pick up a color you think will match, understanding how complex auto paint is may incentivize you to take your car into an auto body shop. 

What Kinds Of Paints Are There? 

In the world of automotive paint, there are several different types of paints that car companies elect to use on their cars, including acrylic, urethane, and lacquer. One of the things that all of these paints have in common is that they are created of three specific things including a pigment, a binder, and a carrier agent. 

Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint is a water-based paint that is less toxic than other options, and it's easy to apply, which means that it will require less experience from your paint shop. Similar to acrylic that you use on your nails, acrylic paint that's used on cars is great because, as it dries, it tends to harden, which can make your car more durable. 

Urethane Paint

Similar to acrylic paint, urethane paint is water-based as well. This type of paint is one of the most durable options, but it does require a chemical hardener in order to dry. A lot of automotive shops like to use urethane paint because it dries really quickly, provides your car with a shiny finish, and is scratch-resistant. The only downfall of urethane paint though is that it is toxic, so you will want to ensure that it is being applied by a professional in an auto shop that has all of the proper ventilation.

Lacquer Paint

When your car was made, it was probably made with lacquer-style paint. Why? This type of paint is really shiny and will give your car the ultimate showroom look. Similar to acrylic paint that is air-dried, lacquer paint is also air-dried but needs to dry in a super ventilated area because it is very toxic and can be hazardous to breathe in. If you need an entire paint job done on your car and not just a touch-up, you may want to consider this as an option, but it may cost you a little bit more because it is a little complex to apply and needs so much ventilation. 

To learn more, reach out to an auto body shop near you.