Mini Cart

Guide to Repainting a Classic Car

Repainting a classic car is a rewarding process that restores its beauty and protects it for years to come. Whether you’re refreshing its original color or going for a custom look, a quality paint job makes all the difference. Here’s what you need to know before you start.

Step 1: Prepping the Car

Proper preparation is key to a flawless finish. Start by thoroughly washing the car to remove dirt and grease. Then, sand down the old paint, repair any dents, and apply a high-quality primer to create a smooth surface for painting.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Paint

Classic cars deserve high-quality automotive paint for a showroom-worthy finish. You’ll need:

  • ✅ Primer – Helps paint adhere properly
  • ✅ Basecoat – The main color layer
  • ✅ Clearcoat – Provides gloss and protection

Paint For Cars has everything you need, from single-stage paints to high-quality basecoat/clearcoat systems in a wide range of colors.

Step 3: Painting & Finishing

Use even, sweeping motions to apply paint in thin layers. Allow proper drying time between coats. Once complete, finish with a clear coat for durability and shine.

Get Started with Paint For Cars

For the best automotive paints and supplies, trust Paint For Cars. Shop today and give your classic car the stunning finish it deserves!

Most popular paint colors for convertibles

When it comes to convertibles, color is everything. A great paint job enhances the car’s style, personality, and resale value. Some of the most popular convertible colors in 2025 include classic black, sleek silver, deep blue, vibrant red, and pearl white.

  • Black exudes sophistication and luxury, making it a timeless choice for high-end convertibles.
  • Silver and gray offer a modern, clean look that hides dirt and scratches well.
  • Deep blue is a bold yet elegant option that stands out without being overly flashy.
  • Red is the color of passion and speed—perfect for sports convertibles that turn heads.
  • Pearl white gives off a premium, high-tech feel, especially with metallic or iridescent finishes.

If you’re thinking about repainting your convertible, Paint For Cars has everything you need. We offer complete paint kits that include high-quality primers, base coats, clear coats, and all the materials required for a professional finish. Whether you want a factory-original look or a custom color to make your ride unique, our kits make the process easy and affordable.

With a range of durable automotive paints, including metallic and pearlescent finishes, Paint For Cars ensures your convertible gets a stunning, long-lasting finish. Upgrade your car’s look today with a high-quality paint kit from Paint For Cars—your one-stop shop for professional automotive refinishing!

What is wet sanding?

Wet sanding is a technique used in car painting to achieve a smooth, flawless finish by removing imperfections in the paint or clear coat. Unlike dry sanding, wet sanding involves using water or a lubricating solution to minimize friction and prevent the sandpaper from clogging with debris. This process is essential for eliminating orange peel texture, dust nibs, scratches, and other surface irregularities.

Wet sanding is typically done after applying a base coat and clear coat, or when restoring an older paint job. It requires fine-grit sandpaper, usually ranging from 1000 to 3000 grit, to gently level the paint surface without causing deep scratches. The process begins by soaking the sandpaper in water to ensure smooth sanding. Using light pressure, the sandpaper is moved in a back-and-forth or circular motion, constantly keeping the surface wet to avoid damaging the paint.

Once wet sanding is complete, the surface is polished and buffed to restore gloss and shine. This step is crucial to achieving a professional-grade finish. While wet sanding can be done by DIY enthusiasts, it requires patience and precision to avoid burning through the paint layers. For best results, many car owners rely on professional auto detailers or painters.

Single vs. Two-Stage Kits

Deciding between a single-stage and a two-stage paint kit for your car? Let’s break it down to help you choose.

A single-stage kit means the color and protective layers are combined. You spray it once, and you’re done. It’s quicker and can be less expensive. This is great if you need a simple job, maybe for work vehicles or if you’re on a budget.

Two-stage kits are more about getting that show-car appearance. First, you apply the color. Then, after it dries, you add a clear coat on top. This clear coat adds depth, shine, and protection. Although this method asks for more work and a bit more investment, the result is a richer, longer-lasting finish that really stands out. Two-stage kits tend to be more forgiving if you make an error with the base coat, as you can stop and fix it then and there; with single-stage, you may have to redo the whole panel. And having the clear coat as a separate layer tends to have better durability.

Which is right for you? Consider your goals. Want a straightforward, affordable refresh? Single-stage might be your path. Looking for that deep shine and willing to put in the extra effort? Two-stage could be the way to go.

At Paint for Cars, we stock both kinds of paint kits and offer the tips you need to get the results you want. Trust us to guide you to the perfect product for your project.

How Many Coats Of Paint Should To Apply To My Car?

Giving your car a fresh coat of paint can not only spiff it up but also protect it from the elements. The key to a great finish often lies in the layers of paint you apply. Here’s a general guide:

Primer Coat: A primer coat is fundamental, acting as a base for the paint to adhere to and ensuring a smooth finish. Typically, one coat of primer is sufficient, though two may be applied for extra coverage.

Base Coat: The base coat is where your car’s color comes into play. For the color to fully develop and provide full coverage, 2-4 coats are often recommended. Each coat should be given time to dry before applying the next one to prevent drips or unevenness.

Clear Coat: Finally, the clear coat seals in the color, giving it that glossy showroom shine and an additional layer of protection. 2-4 coats will usually offer a thick enough layer to protect the base coat and achieve the desired gloss.

The number of coats needed can vary based on the type of paint used, the method of application, and environmental conditions. For instance, lighter colors may require additional base coats for full coverage, whereas some high-end paints might offer a richer color with fewer coats.

Providing an exact number is challenging without considering these specifics, but adhering to the general range mentioned will lead to a satisfactory result. Patience is key: allowing paint time to dry and cure between coats will lead to a more professional finish.