Paint & Finish System Finder
Which paint or finish system is right for my project?
Paint, powder coating, and body prep all serve different roles in a finish job. Answer a few questions and we'll match you to the right system, or browse the table below.
| Result | Best for |
|---|---|
| Basecoat/Clearcoat Auto Paint | For a modern, durable, color-flexible finish |
| Single-Stage Auto Paint | For a simpler process and solid colors without heavy metallic flake |
| Powder Coating | For extremely durable, chip- and chemical-resistant hardware finishes |
| Body Filler & Primer | Not a finish coat itself |
How this quiz works
The Paint Finish Finder asks what you are finishing, what matters most and what equipment you have access to. It scores your answers and points you to basecoat and clearcoat, single-stage paint, powder coating or body filler and primer. If the part needs prep work first, the quiz points you to filler and primer.
Why these questions
Paint systems trade cost, durability, color range and the equipment they need. Basecoat and clearcoat give a modern factory-style finish and the widest colors, single-stage is simpler and cheaper, and powder coating is very tough for hardware but needs an oven. Prep is the foundation of all of them, which is why prep work can override the other answers.
What the quiz cannot see
It cannot see the condition of your panels, the size of your oven, your booth or your ventilation. Poor prep ruins any finish, and the safety needs of each system differ. Use the Auto Paint Calculator, the Body Filler and Primer Calculator and the Powder Coating Calculator to plan quantities.
Before you decide
Read the technical data sheet for each product, plan ventilation and a respirator that suits the system, and check the temperature and humidity limits for spraying. Practice on a test panel before you paint a real one. Budget for prep materials and sandpaper, which are often a bigger cost than the paint.
Read the guide
For the background behind this tool, read Planning a Paint Job: Prep, Primer, Base and Clear.