Urethane versus Acrylic

[Bill Herndon]

I am at the point where I am considering the repainting of the car to to the original color "Trophy Blue" versus the current color of "Rally Red". The current paint job is an Acrylic base with a clear coat. Very easily scratched, and it appears to be as hard as a rock. When the clips fly, the clear and the color go together. My understanding is that Urethane when applied properly stays in a semi-plyable state and flex's with the body. Anyone got some good paint stories? I would be interested in a good painter in the Cinn/Dayton area if anyones got any recommendations.

Bill

[Rich G.]

Re: Urethane versus Acrylic

Aircraft painters use Urethane paint for that reason (among others). I have a fabric covered Great Lakes Biplane that was painted with Urethane in 1990 and it still looks great. You can't drop a screw driver on it, but normal flexing does not crack the paint. I have seen demos where they paint a piece of fabric (dacron) an then after it's dry, crumple it up and the paint does not crack. I am not a paint expert, but I have observed this over the years in my "other hobby"

Rich Giannotti

[Karl #35089]

Re: Urethane versus Acrylic

I think what you probably mean to compare is lacquer vs. urethane (both of which can be acrylics). I'm not going to get into the lacquer debate, except to warn you that you will hear a LOT of hyperbole on the subject. My advice is to make your decision on facts and your desired outcome rather than urban legends. I generally tell people to use modern base/clear systems unless they have a reason to use lacquer. I use lacquer a lot because I am restoring to original and I prefer the period-correct look. Most people on the street will prefer a more modern-appearing deep gloss finish, so B/C is the answer there. You then have all the advantages of the more advanced finish.

Best regards,
Karl

[Jim T.]

Re: Urethane versus Acrylic

A friend in now living in NY state had his 72 painted with Urethane about 14 years ago and says it still looks great and is very happy with it.