What are the two main types of paint used in automotive refinishing?

In automotive refinishing, the two main types of paint are basecoat and clearcoat. The basecoat is the layer that provides color and is typically pigmented, giving the vehicle its appearance. It is important for covering the surface with the desired hue and provides a foundation for the overall finish.

The clearcoat, on the other hand, is a transparent layer applied over the basecoat to provide protection and enhance the appearance of the finish. It helps to shield the underlying basecoat from environmental elements such as UV rays, scratches, and chemical damage, while also adding depth and gloss to the vehicle's finish.

Using a combination of basecoat and clearcoat allows for a durable and aesthetically pleasing paint job, which is why it is the standard approach in the automotive refinishing industry. This method contrasts with other choices; for instance, primer is applied before the basecoat as a preparatory layer and does not provide the final finish. Similarly, while matte and gloss refer to the finish types, they do not represent categories of paint. Temperature and humidity resistance are characteristics important for application conditions, but they do not constitute distinct types of paint.