What is acrylic car paint
Acrylic automotive paint is a synthetic coating based on acrylic resins. It comes in waterborne and solvent-based systems, one-component (1K) and two-component (2K). Today, acrylic systems account for 60–70% of the automotive refinishing paint market thanks to their price/quality balance and ease of application.
Classification of acrylic paints
1K acrylic paint (nitroacrylic)
Dries physically — the solvent evaporates and the film forms without a chemical reaction. Advantages: simplicity, can be thinned with any standard solvent, easy to polish. Disadvantages: softer film, lower chemical resistance, not suitable as the only layer without a clear coat.
2K acrylic paint
Two-component: acrylic resin + isocyanate hardener. It cross-links chemically during curing, resulting in significantly greater hardness and durability compared with 1K. Less UV-resistant than polyurethane, but more affordable.
Waterborne acrylic paint (WB)
The basecoat in modern refinishing systems. Applied under a clear coat — it is not a protective coating on its own. Eco-friendly, low-odour, dries quickly under an infrared lamp.
Where acrylic paints are used
- Basecoat — waterborne base under a clear coat in body repair
- Single-stage systems — quick repairs without a separate clear coat (less common)
- Aerosols — minor repair of chips and scratches
- Equipment and machinery — where maximum UV resistance is not required
Acrylic vs Polyurethane: when to choose which
| Parameter | Acrylic 2K | Polyurethane 2K |
|---|---|---|
| UV stability | Medium (3–5 years) | High (10+ years) |
| Chemical resistance | Good | Excellent |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Ease of application | Easier | More demanding |
| Applications | Body repair, passenger cars | Commercial vehicles, industry |
Modern waterborne basecoat systems
Waterborne technology (Water Borne, WB) has become the standard in Europe due to strict environmental VOC regulations. Leading systems:
- Standox Standoblue WB — precise colour reproduction, compatible with all colour-mixing bases
- Centari 600 WB — from Axalta, widely used in body shops
- PercoTop Basecoat — flexible system for different vehicle classes
Application process: acrylic basecoat + clear coat
- Degrease the surface with a silicone remover
- Apply acrylic basecoat (WB): 2–3 thin coats, flash-off 5–7 min between coats
- Flash-off 10–15 min after the final base coat (or 2 min under an IR lamp)
- Apply 2K PU or 2K acrylic clear coat: 2 coats
- Drying: at +60°C in a spray booth — 30 min; at +20°C — 24 h
❓ Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between acrylic and polyurethane paint?▾
Is a clear coat needed over acrylic paint?▾
Where can I buy acrylic car paint in Ukraine?▾
How much does acrylic car paint cost?▾
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