The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Matte paint vs. matte primer

I searched the forum for related topics and couldn't find anything, so here are my questions.

I know people have matte/flat "paint jobs" on their vehicles and they are just using a primer. My intuition tells me not to do that because primers are porous and will retain moisture, causing rust. So my first question is... how does a primer with a clear coat compare to priming, painting and clear coating a vehicle with regards to protection of the body?

My second question is, does matte/flat paint exist? I've tried searching the internet for maybe an hour I struck out.

I'm ok with a little shine, like a flat/semi-gloss. I just want the finish to be as matte as possible so my grill and emblems will stand out with high gloss paint.

Lastly, this is a bit off the topic, but I can't draw worth a darn. Is there any program that allows you to "paint" your vehicle to test color schemes? Or does anyone have advice on that? I have a '53 1/2 ton pickup.

Thanks guys/gals

Yes there are flat/matte paints available. The two step primer/clearcoat is making work where it isn't necessary. A visit or phone call to a body shop or paint jobber can answer any questions you might have about specifics.

Most of the primer vehicles I have seen, have a acouple coats of clear over the top to avoid the moisture retention and oxidation you are speaking of.

If I am reading you right, you want a little shine, I would look into a single stage like lacquer. You can buff and wet sand to your desired degree of shine. It is also easy to spray without a booth 'cause you are going to buff it out anyway, dirt and impurities are not a big issue. It is very durable as well. My .02.

Hank

PPG DP epoxy primers are flat and they seal the metal They are not porous and they do not hold moisture.

Try Hot Rod Flatz from T.C.P Global..Anything and everything for the flat,satin look....Flat and satin paints,and clear coats.Just type in your search engine HOT ROD FLATZ.

PPG has a clear coat that you specify flat, satin, semi gloss or high gloss for those reasons. They even have a TC/CC system designed for the suede look of flat black primer / flat grey primer, etc.

The epoxy primers have UV stabilizers, however still need to be topcoated for extended exposure to sunlight and elements.

Thanks everyone, this info is great.

If you are thinking of using black, there is Blitz Black. It is a tractor paint. Lots of hotrodders use it.

I have had good luck using a single stage urethane with catalyst and adding a flattener to achieve the desired sheen.
Nice satin to flat finish with the duability of a a catalyzed topcoat.

Using uncoated primer is just asking for problems. You can add flattener to any single stage urethane paint to achieve any gloss level.

Most companies offer a flat clear coat, PPG makes 2060 or 2065 flat clear.

For flat black I would use SS urethane and add the flattener...Eric