When it comes to base coat what is the difference besides price when it comes to using the lesser brands versus a name like PPG, Dupont etc.......

From what I understand they use the quality paints and do their own mixing.

I have no idea so I am asking for anyone with knowledge to help

Thanks

The main difference to refinish shops is the availability and support ;)
The 'brand' suppliers can supply a factory match service and have good support and training for their products. They will also stand behind them if their products cause an issue.
For the 'home hobbiest' this really isn't much of an issue - they aren't gonna warranty anything you do and getting some 1-on-1 time with a rep to give you information or pointers is almost impossible ...

To get great home results look into some of the popular products sold via the internet - like Southern Polyurethanes, Kirker and others.
Usually, they are sold by folks that are hobbiest oriented also and they are willing to make recommendations to get the best results from each product they offer.
You can also save a considerable amount by ordering "kits" from them that contain nearly everything you'll need to repaint a complete car.
Or, you can just order primers, base and clears from them and get the rest of the stuff from a local paint supplier.

I prefer to do a little of both of the above :yes:
I often buy base and clears from internet sources - but I always buy my fillers, epoxy primers, surface cleaners, sandpaper and other consumables from my local paint jobber.
This has allowed me to build a good rapport with them and they now readily give me advise and help me out when I have an question about a given product application or issue with it.
I get excellent results with these "off-brand" products and can save a considerable amount in the cost of painting most car and trucks.
I do still go 'high-end' for some cars where the finish is going to be a major amount of the cars draw or value.
But for most street and driver application the value line products are great choices and will give excellent service over their life span - equal to most of the top brand paints :yes:

Here are some links;
Southern polyurethane - http://www.southernpolyurethanes.com/
Kirker - http://www.kirkerautomotive.com/html/our_products.html and http://www.smartshoppersinc.com/AutomotiveFinishes/AutomotiveFinishes.html (they also sell HOK for pearls and flake)
Summit brand* - http://www.summitracing.com/search/Department/Paints-Finishing/ (same as the Eastwood brand)

There are a few others selling value line paints under other names, but I haven't used any of them.
Hope this helps.

The big differences in base coat are the coverage and whether it's catalyzed or not. The name brands will cover in 2 coats what the cheapies will take 3 to do. Non-catalyzed paint is OK for the most part, but it can be a bitch to fix if you screw-up. The solvent in later coats can soften and wrinkle the existing base underneath.

In general, if you've done a lot of prep work (and you should have), it's not worth it to cheap out on the paint. However, if cost is an issue, the PPG Shopline is pretty decent for the price.

also consider that the brand paints have less expensive lines. I have had good results with Omni products, which I get from my PPG local paint store.

Thanks. The car we are doing is a high end restoration. It would not be considered a driver. It looks like going with a name brand is worth it.
I am not going to do the actual painting, I have a friend who paints. I just want to educate myself independly on the topic. I am going to be doing all the product purchasing so this helps.

Thanks

Summit brand* - http://www.summitracing.com/search/Department/Paints-Finishing/ (same as the Eastwood brand)


I wondered who's paint it actually was..... thanks!
:thumbsup:
I've been eyeing their complete system since seeing it in a magazine. It's super inexpensive.