3-stage paint job

[EL-ZETA]

Custom paint.

[grannyknot]

Nice colour, I've never heard of 3 stage paint, is it a step before colour or after the clear that makes up the 3rd stage?

[Oiluj]

Maybe the 1st stage is primer?

Nice looking car!

[idoxlr8]

Tri stage is usually base,pearl and clear.

Dean

[Oiluj]

Never knew that. I thought pearl was part of the base. Thanks for the info! Something I can use in a pub trivia quiz...

[EScanlon]

The tri-stage middle level can also be metallic glitter.

Two stage is the typical Color-Clear which is the most common paint job today, but in older times ( and still available) is the SINGLE stage. The difference is that most single stage many times will not have the same luster of a 2 or 3 stage job.

FWIW

E

[240260280z]

Love it!

[palosfv3]

Three stage , tri coat or candy colors all refer to the application of a tinted clear midcoat over a base of high metallic or reflective color which is then cleared over . Tricoats do not use any metallics or pearls in the midcoat . A tricoat color can be altered by many different methods . Changing the base color from gold to silver , the size of the metallic flakes . Lately on many of the late model cars they are using a colored base with metallic flakes that is quite different than what was used decades ago to create the same affect. The darkness of the color can also be altered by the number of coats of tinted midcoat applied over the base . Hope this clears up the definition for all .

[EScanlon]

Larry;

Your post comes off as if to say that only your definition applies, when that isn't the case. In fact, your definition is only ONE of the MANY facets of Three Stage Paint, which you may be defining by limiting to a specific Tri-Coat process and color.

The "tint" coat as you're referring to, isn't ONLY a "candy" style transparent or transluscent layer, it often is the ONLY source of pearl or metallic in a given manufacturer's color code of paint. Both the base coat and the middle coat can and do have metallic, pearl, mica or other properties that when overlaid one over the other give the specific color code it's unique finish.

The clear or last coat, is there to enhance the brilliance, clarity and durability of the overall paint job. This is the layer that receives the final polish or "cut and polish".

Toyota Whites, Lexus Whites, both use a specific but plain white BASE shade followed by a varying number of PEARL only coats. Alter the number of Pearl coats, or their predominant hue and you have a completely different white than what it takes to match the manufacturer's specifications or to blend the re-paint onto a damaged car. Chrysler Reds use Pearl and Metallic Red in two different formulations to produce the various Reds they're offering in their automotive lineup. Rather than cite every possible permutation of formulas, these are the two most referenced with a casual search on the web. I looked for specific process sheets given out by the manufacturer's but they are hard to locate.

Get into the custom colors that House of Kolor and other Custom Color Paint Distributors produce and suddenly your definition seems to apply to only the most severely restricted band of the custom color paint world.

For those needing external verification, call your local automotive paint shop, or a local and known to your auto body shop and verify.

2¢

E

[palosfv3]

Larry;

Your post comes off as if to say that only your definition applies, when that isn't the case. In fact, your definition is only ONE of the MANY facets of Three Stage Paint, which you may be defining by limiting to a specific Tri-Coat process and color.

The "tint" coat as you're referring to, isn't ONLY a "candy" style transparent or transluscent layer, it often is the ONLY source of pearl or metallic in a given manufacturer's color code of paint. Both the base coat and the middle coat can and do have metallic, pearl, mica or other properties that when overlaid one over the other give the specific color code it's unique finish.

The clear or last coat, is there to enhance the brilliance, clarity and durability of the overall paint job. This is the layer that receives the final polish or "cut and polish".

Toyota Whites, Lexus Whites, both use a specific but plain white BASE shade followed by a varying number of PEARL only coats. Alter the number of Pearl coats, or their predominant hue and you have a completely different white than what it takes to match the manufacturer's specifications or to blend the re-paint onto a damaged car. Chrysler Reds use Pearl and Metallic Red in two different formulations to produce the various Reds they're offering in their automotive lineup. Rather than cite every possible permutation of formulas, these are the two most referenced with a casual search on the web. I looked for specific process sheets given out by the manufacturer's but they are hard to locate.

2¢

E

E your correct that there are midcoats that are tinted with pearl . Getting old you know and sometimes it takes a little longer to remember. Pearl tinted midcoats are only done with white , light gray or light tan hued colors as the large volume of white tends to absorb the reflectiveness of the mica based pearl . Production tricoats , custom tricoats from HOK , or other specialty vendors all have three distinct steps to replicating the color and effect. A base color , a tinted midcoat and a clearcoat. After painting cars professionally for over 40 years I cant remember ever having metallic tints mixed into a clear based midcoat other than if your using a heavy flake over a silver base but this process would actually entail 4 steps to complete and is strictly a custom paint process .

[EScanlon]

Whereas my painting experience is mostly custom or semi-custom. Sometimes with OEM formulations and other times via process.

Important thing is that between all of us we post helpful comments to all.

But getting back to the OP's car, the job is extremely pleasing and appealing. The depth and luster of that blue makes you wish you could see it personally.

Good Job El-Zeta!

E

[uras1]

tri coats vary alot, in australia most mazda/toyota/ nissan consist of a solid base with a pearl topcoat but does vary alot pending colour. Some times the base is metalic along with the topcoat to add more vibrance and cleanliness because it was unachievable by just doin a 2 layer job.