enamel vs. clear coat

Buying paint tomarrow for my coupe project. What is the advantages and disadvantages between the two?

 

Enamel is cheaper than base/clear.

BC/CC will hold up a little better IMO.

Another thing to consider is if you're spraying a metallic color in single stage(such as enamel) you won't be able to do much color sanding without the paint job looking mottled due to the metallic flakes being disturbed.

What brand of paint are you using? Paint is one of things where the "You get what ya pay for" holds true.

 

I'm not sure yet. It's a ford color red called hot red. Being a fenderless car what paint type is easier to maintain?

 

Most of us out here are only doing clear on paints that has metallic in it. The metallic paints look better & last longer with the clearcoat.
Non-metallic paint is easier to touch up without the clearcoat, so it lends itself to a car that will get driven.
I think that you can shoot the catalyzed enamel as easily as a poly-urethane paint, so shoot what you're comfortable with.

 

I'm looking to drive the car everyday. I'm worried about the lake headers beatinging the lower doors with black rich exhaust.

 

Single stage Urathane would probably be your best bet for cost and durability.

 

I agree... something like PPG Concept an excellent SS Urethane.

It's a bit pricey, but worth it. Not as pricey as Glasurit or Spies Hecker however.
I bought a gallon of Concept "Washington Blue"(30s Ford color) and it was $250 not counting hardener(DCX61) or reducer(DT885)

 

i use single stage ppg you can clear over it then wet sand it if you want has lasted 12 yr on the 29

 

A simple fix might be turnouts? Just angle the exhaust out a bit farther than right next to body.