Choosing the correct varnish is essential when painting cars. The two most used types of varnishes are polyurethane and acrylic. Both have special qualities and advantages of their own, so it’s critical to recognize these distinctions before choosing one.
Acrylic varnish is renowned for being simple to use and drying quickly. It’s a favorite among professionals and do-it-yourselfers because it’s easy to apply quickly and polish to a high gloss finish. Additionally, acrylic varnish is less toxic, which makes it a safer option for people who work in poorly ventilated environments.
Conversely, polyurethane varnish is well known for being long-lasting and resistant to both UV light and chemicals. This makes it a great option for vehicles that need a more durable finish or are subjected to inclement weather. Because polyurethane varnish is typically more flexible, it resists peeling and cracking over time.
Every kind of varnish has a unique set of features to suit various requirements and tastes. In the end, variables including the intended finish, exposure to the environment, and application technique will determine whether acrylic or polyurethane varnish is used. We’ll explore the varieties and characteristics of polyurethane and acrylic varnishes in this post, giving you a thorough overview to aid in your decision-making for your upcoming car painting project.
It can be difficult to decide between polyurethane and acrylic varnish when painting cars because each offers advantages of its own. DIY enthusiasts love acrylic varnish because of its quick drying time and ease of application. Conversely, polyurethane varnish is the best option for long-term protection because of its exceptional durability and resistance to chemicals and scratches. In order to assist you in selecting the ideal varnish for your car painting project, this article will examine the characteristics and kinds of both varnishes and include 98 photos.
Types of car varnishes
Chemicals called car varnishes are used to coat metal components of cars in a protective layer.
Varnish classification based on composition:
- Clear nail polish;
- Structural varnish;
- Acrylic lacquer;
- Basic varnish;
- Water varnish.
car varnish
The purpose of transparent varnish is to shield the original (color) paint job on the car body from dings, scrapes, and pollution from the road.
The only varnish made specifically for plastic components is structural varnish. Two-component acrylic varnish is what it is called. One layer is applied, and it solidifies. Polyacryl resin is used for this. After that, acrylic varnish is painted in a metallic or matte hue.
Plastic structural varnish
However, if the paint layer appears normal, the base layer suffices. Naturally, they are applied to the car body in layers rather than combined.
ladder
To achieve the highest sheen, transparent varnish is also mixed with water-based varnish. You can add varnishes for maximum gloss; they are separated into primer, acrylic, and colorless varieties.
The composition of car varnishes
Traditional varnishes are based on solvents that are carried by resins. Resin is dispersed in varnishes that are water-based. In the automotive industry, there are two types of varnishes: one component and two component. This category includes both ordinary and water-based varnishes.
car varnish
One-component varnishes are matte or silky-lip varnishes that dry quickly and require additional colorless varnish protection. They are made by mixing the main resin with pigments and the base diluent.
car varnish
Sort them into the subsequent types:
- Basic plain without additives;
- Basic resin + pigments + plus metal additives;
- Basic resin + pigments + metal-mesh additives;
- Basic resin xyralik + pigments + additives of metallic-mesh-kserallik;
- A special base (three -layer) is a varnish in which an additional layer is a colorless color varnish.
Motip headlight
When a solvent and hardener are added to two-component finish coatings, they can be made colorless or colored; extra protection is not needed for these varnishes. The MS, HS, VHS, and UHS systems carry these varnishes.
Complete two-component coatings consist of:
- Acrylic lacquer;
- Polyurethane varnish;
- Polyacryl varnish.
Acrylic varnish
Varnish, hardener, and diluent are mixed in different amounts to form the composition. Furthermore, automobile colors are separated into:
Autolax
- High shine: 89% of cars produced;
- 1% semi -glossal;
- 1% half -lumber;
- 9% mat, the last fashionable in the automotive industry – requires the appropriate quality of resins and special protection. But it is difficult to maintain in its original state.
Basic autolaki
80% of the varnishes made worldwide are of this type. These varnishes are made by mixing the corresponding basic resins with pigments (which provide an infinite range of colors) and the basic solvent in ratios ranging from 1: 0.5 to 1: 1. The manufacturer determines which ratios to use.
Depending on the manufacturer, this mixture can harden in as little as a few hours or as long as 48 hours.
15 to 30 minutes of rapid evaporation time to achieve a matte or silky-dentist look. Colorless varnish should be applied to all basic varnishes as an extra layer of protection.
Autolax
Approximately 10% of acrylic varnish is made up of two components: acrylic resin and pigments, hardener, and diluent, in varying amounts depending on the kind of resin.
Construction respirator
Types of car varnish
We can’t always tell what kind of varnish we are working with at first glance. The three main options that supermarkets provide to non-specialists are the most widely used acrylic, metallic, and pearls.
- At the very beginning, you must find a sign with data and read the type and color of the original paint and varnish on it with which your car is opened.
- Possessing this knowledge, as well as a fuel tank hatch, you can go to the painting workshop.
- Based on the original color, as well as the appearance of the element, the most suitable shade will be chosen.
When applying varnish, several issues could arise. When it comes to cars that have acrylic varnish applied, the matching coating thickness might not be appropriate. This holds true for pearl or metal polish.
Lac spray
Regarding the latter, the varnishing effect will appear unnatural if it reflects sunlight unevenly. Any viewing angle should result in the same visual perception. Another thing that is deemed defective are the obvious lines separating the old and new paintwork.
| Type of Varnish | Features |
| Acrylic | Dries quickly, provides a glossy finish, easy to apply, but less durable compared to polyurethane. |
| Polyurethane | Highly durable, resistant to scratches and chemicals, offers a glossy finish, but takes longer to dry and is harder to apply. |
When painting a car, the decision between polyurethane and acrylic varnish primarily comes down to your personal preferences and needs. Acrylic varnish is a fantastic choice for people who want a simple process because of its reputation for being easy to apply and having a short drying time. Additionally, it provides good UV protection, which aids in preserving the car’s aesthetic over time.
Conversely, polyurethane varnish excels in terms of longevity and abrasion and chemical resistance. This makes it a great option for people looking for a durable finish that is resistant to weather and normal wear and tear. For those looking for the highest level of protection, the end result is frequently worth the extra work, even though it may be more difficult to apply and take longer to dry.
Both kinds of varnish can give a high-gloss finish in terms of appearance, but polyurethane usually keeps its gloss longer. Despite its higher cost and more complicated application, polyurethane might be a better choice if you’re going for a polished, showroom-quality finish.
The choice between polyurethane and acrylic varnish ultimately comes down to personal preferences, such as finish quality, cost, ease of application, or durability. To make the best decision for your car painting project, take into account your unique needs as well as the conditions your vehicle will be exposed to.
