Hi all, I wanted to get people's opinion on a thought I have been having for a while.
As I understand how the process of powder-coating works, that has led me to believe while it would be possible to coat the body, the ABS plastic bumpers cannot be. So powder coating may be an unfeasable option, but here is the paint scheme I am thinking about.

First, I want no gloss, a flat charcoal color, but not black. I would like for it to be a really tough coating, scratch-resistant and chemical-resistant with excellent corrosion protection. What I'm looking for could be loosely attributed to ultra-flat spraypaint without the uneveness of spraypainting (the-out-of-the-can kind), with better corrosion properties and hardness. Something that has the properties of a TGIC polyester coating, if you know what I am talking about.

I've never seen a paint scheme like this, though I'm sure it's been done before. There are other subtle little nuances that I would like to with the paint scheme, but I wanted to know whether a paint (or some type of coating) exists in the form I am looking for to paint my car with? If you need more clairification, please ask. Thanks for any and all opinions...

 

Anyone? I guess the best analogy would be that I want a "Teflon-coated car", is there a paint that can simulate that without any gloss?

 

I would think a body shop could do a flat paint with a matte finish clearcoat (so you'd be non-reflective) for you. An actual powder coat would be horrifyingly expensive, if I remember correctly how the process works.

 

yeah youd be broke unless you were one of bill gates children..

 

Yeah I know, but I do want a matte, dull finish on my car, but don't want a cob-job. Is there any certain paint that I should use? Is there even such a thing as a matte clear-coat, because I thought a clear-coat was always shiny? I want something that is dull, hard, durable, and environmental conditions-resistant. No gloss, just as it would look if you powder-coated a car. It doesnt have to be powder-coated, I just want that effect on my paint scheme. Suggestions?

 

first off-powder coating also need 500 degrees to cure it to the surface i dont think you wana stick your car unless its a shell into the furnace

second. If you want the matt finishyoull need to wet sand the entire car down. (1000 grit should do it) then if you want to do it youreself grab about 10 cans of satin clear coat. After 2 coats it will give you that flat paint look youre going for. beware though spraying on the clear must be done with care and patience.

 

hehehe. . .Rhino coat all the body panels, and see how finely they can spray it. wet sand the whole thing and finish with some satin clear. even if you lose the clear in an acid rain storm you should still have a coating on there that won't chip, peel, or stain easily.

 

Yeah lol, but the TGIC polyester cures at 250 degrees for 10 min. But yeah, I don't want to stick my car in there. I already have the sterling mist color on my car. My neighbor has paint supplies (one HVLP gravity-fed spray gun, and one regular one, and a 10cfm @ 90psi compressor that he said I could use), and I've spent the last week coating my entire garage in plastic. (Yes I know that this is dangerous, but I have a huge exhaust system in the garage, and I'm renting a fresh-air breathing apparatus)

I realize that I should probably sand the entire car as it sits, apply an adhesion promoter to the silver basecoat, spray the new charcoal basecoat, wetsand, then spray a satin clearcoat? I know I could get some in the aerosol cans, but doesn't most aerosol cans contain silicon or phosphates that will create a "fish-eye" effect on the car?

 

call a paint supply shop and see what they offer. many places will be able to sell you a quality automotive paint that will do the job.

If not, check out Eastwood's products. they have some chassis paints and underbody coatings that are very tough and you can often dye them to a certain color.

 

http://www.tcpglobal.com/kustomshop/HRF278.aspx

I think I've got it! After extensively scouring the web for different types of materials I could use to do this, this paint def. seems like it would be the best. It's still paint, so it'll chip and scratch, but oh well. It's either this or about 20k for a powdercoat (stripping the car down to the chassis), 5k for a rhinolining (yes they can do it lol) or this. I found this website off of a VW forum, and their rides look nice in matte. I'm going to do the gunsmoke metalic, with a flat black stripe like this (obviously this one is white).......


I'm 99.9% sure this is what I want, but if absolutely everyone thinks this'll look ricey, I'm not going to do it. I think the metallic gunsmoke and and the flat-black will not stick out, but will have a nice subtle effect. Plus, this scheme will go ****ing awsome with my perfect black leather interior.....

That'll be the next thing I change, I'll do the pillars (that are silver now), headliner, and rear deck carpet in black as well. What do you guys think?????

PS, if anyone wants to photochop a stock pic of an 2002 maxima with these details, it'd be much appreciated I dont have access to any of my pictures of my car from work

 

This sounds interesting. Props to you for doing the research, and prepping your garage (and hopefully your car) the right way.

One thing though, definitely post before/during/after pics.

 

I swore ive seen a thrid gen on here with a flat charcoal finish on it. It looks sick. Keep us posted man.

 

In theory the car could be powdercoated whole, without disassembly, but it would require taking individual areas of the cars metal bodywork down to bare metal, then using infrared lamps to cure the powder. Like I said... you COULD do it, but that's alot of time/effort for what may be a marginal powdercoating job at best.

BTW I have been powdercoating for a couple of years now, and have my own setup. I can do anything that will fit in a kitchen oven. Working on acquiring a 4'x4'x6' oven so I can finally get serious with this stuff. PM me if your interested in getting any smaller stuff done.

 

There are plenty of cars with flat paint. Yes they have a clear coat on them as well. Go to a body shop and ask your question there. As far as durability it's just like any other paint job.

If you wanted to PC your car you would have to take it apart. Plain and simple. There is no way you are going to put your cars wiring, plastics, etc through temps of 500 + degrees without fryin them.