Single Stage Paint

[Mike M.]

I had my car judged at a NCRS chapter meet recently (got a 2nd Flight). The judges really did not know if the paint was original or not and I do not know either. It is likely that it has been painted in the past with a single stage paint (Goldenwood Yellow). The paint in the door jambs/hood surround is very flat, I think like the original cars were. If there was a deduction, it was small.
My question is this: the car really needs painting again. I do a bit of restoration work and have a paint booth and the ability to do this myself. One of the Chapter guys mentioned that it was now permissable to use single stage paint (mainly due to the difficulty of getting lacquer paint). i don't know if that is true or not. As long as the entire car looks like an original car, is single stage paint permissable? Thanks for any advice.
Mike

[Gene M.]

Re: Single Stage Paint

Mike, You can use any type or kind of paint you wish. The NCRS is supposed to look at as if it looks like an original GM paint job and deduct for deviations from the original appearance. Some judges are more knowledgeable than others so the call or deductions will vary.

I suggest if you want the car to look original than use lacquer. I don't care what one does with base, clear a good paint guy can see the difference. Satisfy yourself on what you use, screw the points.

[Bruce B.]

Re: Single Stage Paint

Mike,
The use of a single stage paint is usually recommended over base-clear since it can simulate the original paint appearance.
Now since the nitrocellulose lacquer is no longer available there are a number of single stage paints in acrylic, urethane and possibly others.

[David L.]

Re: Single Stage Paint

Mike , NCRS just updated the judging standard on Paint, THERE IS A FLOWCHART that every judge "should have". Using the guidelines NCRS layed out here you can use any paint system in existance and get your points by using the logic of the flowchart and a painter that is willing to tweek his usual painting methods. This is great news to us because we can now use basecoat/clearcoat state of the art materials instead of some 40 year old rusty lacquer can that was a barnfind under some cow dung. (If you can't find the judging guideline flowchart on this very site ask me and I will zerox mine and send it to you

[Don H.]

Re: Single Stage Paint

Mike, As others have stated, it must appear to be original, a judge can no longer do the "rub test" (rub with compound to see if color comes off). The judge experience goes up as you progress in judging (chapter-regional-national). The ugly truth is they did not look that great from St Louis. It all depends on what you want to do with YOUR car - judge or not. Good luck, Don H.

[Michael G.]

Re: Single Stage Paint

Mike, As others have stated, it must appear to be original, a judge can no longer do the "rub test" (rub with compound to see if color comes off).

To my knowledge judges using any kind of rub test has not been in used in years. As others of have stated use new modern paint technology, single or two stage paint, and prep it for the appearance of lacquer....door openings, hood ledge...etc. The key will be your painters ability to mimic the areas of lesser sheen.

[Michael M.]

Re: Single Stage Paint

Mike, since Goldenwood yellow is a solid color without any metallic I feel your best choice would be single-stage. Lacquer should not be a choice unless you want to repaint your car sooner than later. Base coat clear coat could be a choice but the extra step of clear is not necessary because of your solid color.