Re: Restoration Shop Paint?

Posted by Joseph Earl On 2012/4/9 7:50:39

Hey, Gary,

They are probably using PPG's less expensive brand, Omni. Yes, PPG Concept single stage is expensive, but you will use up to three times as much of the Omni to get the same coverage, and although the results will appear similar, the long term performance of Omni is suspect. I usually never use Omni colors or clear- it's worth it to spend more on PPG. That is why I would steer away from the product you have discovered.

I am testing the Omni black flattened to a satin finish for engine and chassis parts. To illustrate the difference, when you make satin from PPG Concept, you use 9300 Black mixed with 995 flatting agent 1:1. With Omni, you use only 25% of the 995 flatting agent to get the same result, because the Omni is much thinner.

What I do, however, is buy my PPG products in smaller quantities. Most jobbers will mix a half pint for you. You may spend $45 instead of $80, but if it's all you need, why spend more?

Another way I try to save $$ is to use Omni primers. The Omni high build primer surfacer is around $90 a gallon compared to the PPG K38, which is almost $300 a gallon. The K38 is awesome, but doesn't come in quarts, and I just can't afford it unless I have built it into the price of the job.

I also sometimes use Omni reducers and hardeners with PPG paint, except for quality work. I will stay with PPG hardeners on the final color coats, although I will use the Omni reducers.

I have been working in the auto body industry since 1976, and have used PPG products all that time.