bnz616

I understand that today's clear coat paint systems consist of primer layers, a flat color base coat, and many more layers of clear coat. If we wanted to paint small parts ourselves using the rattle spray cans at Pepboys, Kragen, or Autozone, from brands like Duplicolor or Plastikote, would we paint the color layer using a flat paint or using the glossy paint. Whichever would then be followed by a clear coat. These stores sell both flat and glossy black, so which one would be ideal for matching the rest of the car's paint finish.

Thanks.

Saprissa

you can actually get MB color-matched paint in a can and follow-on MB clear coat in a can too.
Try your local industrial type Paint Dealer. I don't think flat or glossy paint available from any of those vendors will actually match a MB's paint finish.

Here in San Diego, Tri-City Paints has all vehicle makes and coded paint charts. For example, I got some Brilliant Silver 744 and clear coat from their Mercedes-Benz book. They put it in a can, and gave me some quick tips. I used to paint some small door handle parts I was replacing on my car. Also, used it to paint the chrome headlamp rings. It is MB paint, and it looks awesome.

Carlos

Saprissa@aol.com

Burnt Toast

http://www.paintscratch.com/

you can order premixed paint and clear coat from them. you can get it in a rattle can or in regular form.

bnz616

Is the MB color-matched paint flat without any gloss after you paint it on? Was your Brilliant Silver 744 a flat paint to begin with and the clear coat made it glossy? I'm trying to find a local place right now around me, Rosemead. If not, I will go with Paintscratch.

Also, I'm just trying to paint a grille solid black, wouldn't those spray cans at the local auto parts store work? My car is actually the solid black as well. If I do get it there, would I go with a flat black or a gloss black? I basically want the grille to be black with a gloss finish.

Saprissa

MB 744 is inherently glossy because it's got that Metallic Paint look. However, I still needed the clear coat to give it that final glossy look that matches the rest of the car.

As for painting the grille black. I would defer that to those who have done it. In particular, FrankW. He's got a C32 with black grill. It looks really good, so he's the man to ask !!!

Carlos

Saprissa@aol.com