Who Makes the Best Automotive Paint

When it comes to restoring, upgrading, or customizing a vehicle, choosing the right automotive paint can make all the difference. If you’re wondering who makes the best automotive paint, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the industry’s top brands and help you decide which one fits your specific needs.

Automotive paint is more than just a cosmetic feature; it protects your vehicle from corrosion, weathering, and UV rays. Whether you’re a professional auto body expert or a DIY enthusiast, selecting high-quality paint is essential for a durable and eye-catching finish. Below, we review the top 10 automotive paint brands that dominate the market in terms of performance, durability, and finish quality.

Who Makes the Best Automotive Paint

1. PPG Deltron 2000

PPG Deltron 2000 is often considered the gold standard among professional auto body shops and painters. This basecoat system is known for its easy application, exceptional color matching, and reliable performance in diverse environmental conditions. Whether it’s a factory finish or a custom paint job, Deltron 2000 delivers brilliant results consistently.

The paint offers superior coverage and quick drying times, reducing labor and booth times. Painters also appreciate its versatility across different types of substrates and its compatibility with a wide range of clearcoats and reducers. PPG backs this line with excellent technical support and resources for color matching.

PPG’s Global Refinish System also ensures that this product stays current with new automotive trends and OEM formulations. The ability to precisely match both vintage and modern vehicle colors is a key selling point. This brand is particularly favored in the collision repair industry due to its consistency and reliability.

Although it comes at a premium, the performance justifies the investment, especially for professionals who demand flawless results. It’s ideal for those who won’t compromise on finish quality or long-term durability.

2. BASF Glasurit 90 Line

BASF Glasurit 90 Line is a waterborne paint system widely regarded for its eco-friendliness and outstanding finish. Designed for high-end refinish jobs and luxury vehicles, Glasurit delivers premium color depth and exceptional gloss. It is the preferred choice in many European OEM repair networks.

One of its major strengths is its efficiency Glasurit 90 Line uses less paint per job while achieving excellent coverage. The paint also meets strict environmental regulations, making it a go-to for shops looking to minimize their VOC emissions without compromising performance. Its water-based composition ensures lower toxicity and safer handling.

Professional painters praise the system’s speed and ease of blending, particularly when dealing with complex metallics and pearls. The brand also offers cutting-edge digital color-matching tools to ensure precision, helping to save time and reduce rework.

Although the initial learning curve can be steep for those unfamiliar with waterborne systems, its superior performance and environmental benefits make it worth the effort. This is best suited for premium jobs and shops with advanced spray booth systems.

3. House of Kolor Shimrin2

House of Kolor’s Shimrin2 line is revered in the custom paint scene for its bold, vibrant finishes and color customization potential. Designed for hot rods, show cars, and motorcycles, this paint line allows for endless creativity with pearls, candies, flakes, and metallics. The brand has long been a favorite among custom car builders and artists.

The Shimrin2 basecoat system is highly versatile and can be mixed with a wide variety of effects to create unique looks. It also features a consistent formulation that performs well under different conditions. This paint is not only about looks it’s engineered for durability and UV resistance too.

Application is smooth, and blending is seamless, especially with the right clearcoat. Its reduced solvent content compared to traditional systems also means fewer emissions, though it’s still a solvent-based system. The brand offers extensive color charts and custom tinting options for complete control.

It’s best suited for projects where visual impact is a priority. However, it’s not the most budget-friendly or beginner-friendly option, and custom mixing can add time and complexity.

4. Sherwin-Williams Ultra 7000

Sherwin-Williams Ultra 7000 is a reliable solvent-based paint system designed for high-production environments. Known for its affordability and ease of use, this product line strikes a balance between performance and cost-effectiveness. It’s widely used in body shops that handle a high volume of repairs and refinishes.

The Ultra 7000 offers excellent color match capabilities, especially with domestic vehicle colors. It lays down smoothly, provides decent coverage, and is compatible with multiple reducers and clearcoats. Painters also appreciate its predictable spray pattern and low rework rate.

This system is ideal for quick-turnaround jobs and fleet maintenance, where visual appeal and durability are important, but perfection is not the only priority. Sherwin-Williams also offers technical support and training to ensure optimal application techniques.

While it may not match the high-end finish of more expensive systems, it performs consistently well across various applications. It’s a practical choice for shops that value efficiency and dependability.

5. DuPont Cromax Pro

Cromax Pro by DuPont (now Axalta) is a waterborne basecoat system recognized for its excellent productivity and superior color consistency. Designed with speed in mind, this system allows for rapid wet-on-wet application, significantly reducing cycle time in professional body shops.

Its user-friendly formula ensures great color control, even on complex blends and large panels. The paint also flashes quickly between coats and does not require a special flash time, improving efficiency. Cromax Pro also supports digital color tools that make shade identification and adjustments easier for technicians.

It’s an environmentally friendly option with low VOC content, making it suitable for regions with strict emissions regulations. Despite being a waterborne system, it still delivers the durability and finish quality expected from solvent-based paints.

Due to its speed and ease of blending, it’s especially popular in high-volume collision repair centers. However, it requires investment in waterborne-compatible equipment and training for optimal results.

6. U-POL RAPTOR Liner Tintable Kit

U-POL RAPTOR is primarily known as a tough protective coating, but its tintable liner kit is a favorite among off-road and utility vehicle owners looking for rugged and stylish finishes. The product is designed for durability and offers a textured look that can be customized with any automotive basecoat.

The application is relatively simple and can be done with a spray gun, roller, or brush, depending on the finish you want. Once applied, it resists scratches, chemicals, and UV damage exceptionally well. It’s perfect for truck beds, fenders, or full exteriors on 4x4s and work vehicles.

This kit includes everything needed for application, including the hardener and bottles. Users love the ability to tint it with their choice of paint, giving creative control over the final appearance while retaining RAPTOR’s legendary toughness.

It’s not a traditional gloss automotive finish, so it won’t appeal to everyone, but for utility and durability, it’s hard to beat. Ideal for those who prioritize protection and rugged looks over showroom shine.

7. Rust-Oleum Automotive Enamel

Rust-Oleum is a household name in protective coatings, and its Automotive Enamel line is ideal for budget-conscious users looking for durable and quick-drying paint. This product is available in both aerosol and liquid forms, making it accessible for beginners and hobbyists.

Its formula offers excellent rust prevention, making it suitable for touch-ups, older vehicles, or restoration projects. The finish is smooth and glossy when applied correctly, especially when topped with a clear coat. It works best on properly prepared metal surfaces and adheres well without excessive prep.

Though not as advanced as professional-grade systems, it’s remarkably effective for the price. The enamel resists fading and chipping under typical conditions and holds up well for basic auto refinishing or spot jobs.

While it lacks the depth of color and UV resistance seen in more premium brands, it’s a go-to for DIYers working on budget projects or looking to improve an aging vehicle’s look.

8. Speedokote High Gloss Jet Black Acrylic Urethane

Speedokote’s High Gloss Jet Black Urethane is a top pick for deep, mirror-like black finishes. This single-stage paint system is perfect for those seeking an all-in-one paint that doesn’t require a clear coat. It is especially popular among muscle car restorers and motorcycle customizers.

The paint delivers a rich, deep black with high gloss and strong resistance to fading and weathering. It offers excellent flow and leveling, which minimizes orange peel and reduces the need for extensive sanding or buffing after application.

Speedokote is also praised for its quick curing time and solid durability. It’s compatible with standard spray equipment and comes with hardener included, making it easy for intermediate-level painters to work with.

While it’s not as versatile in terms of color variety as other systems, it does what it claims exceptionally well. A perfect choice for blacked-out builds and restorations requiring a bold, glossy look.

9. Dupli-Color Perfect Match

Dupli-Color’s Perfect Match line is a popular choice for small touch-up jobs and color matching OEM finishes. This aerosol-based paint is designed to work with specific car makes and models, which makes it a go-to for minor repairs, door edges, and bumpers.

What sets this product apart is its ease of use and accessibility no mixing, reducers, or complex equipment required. The color matching is generally quite accurate, especially when used with the brand’s clear coat and primer for a complete repair system.

Drying time is quick, and it sands and buffs easily if needed. Users often turn to it for quick repairs, especially in urban environments where scratches and chips are frequent. It’s also great for beginners just starting to experiment with paintwork.

It won’t replace a full-body professional paint job, but it fills a valuable niche in convenience and touch-up precision. A smart, time-saving solution for minor jobs.

10. Matrix System MSB Basecoat

Matrix System’s MSB Basecoat is a professional-grade solvent-based system often used in both collision repair and custom projects. It’s known for its impressive color accuracy and blendability, particularly with domestic car colors. It competes with top-tier brands while offering slightly more cost-effective pricing.

This basecoat line lays down evenly, with good metallic control and consistent flake orientation a must for quality finishes on modern cars. It also offers fast flash times, allowing for quicker workflows in body shops or garages. Painters often find it forgiving and easy to work with even under less-than-perfect booth conditions.

The MSB line supports an extensive color selection, including custom mixes and pearls. It works well with various clearcoats, including both Matrix-branded and third-party clears, giving flexibility to the user.

It may require a bit more care in prep and setup compared to all-in-one kits, but it’s a solid option for professionals or skilled hobbyists who need dependable performance without the premium cost of OEM-supplied paints.

Product Name	Finish Quality	Application Type	Best For	VOC Compliance
PPG Deltron 2000	Professional-grade, high gloss	Basecoat/Clearcoat	OEM repair & restoration	Moderate
BASF Glasurit 90 Line	Premium gloss, deep color	Waterborne basecoat	Luxury vehicle refinishing	High
House of Kolor Shimrin2	Custom show-quality	Basecoat with effects	Custom builds & hot rods	Moderate
Sherwin-Williams Ultra 7000	Consistent and clean	Solvent-based basecoat	Collision shops, fleets	Low to moderate
DuPont Cromax Pro	Factory-style finish	Waterborne basecoat	High-volume shops	High
U-POL RAPTOR Liner	Textured, rugged	Tintable bed liner	Off-road & utility vehicles	Low
Rust-Oleum Automotive Enamel	Glossy, protective	Spray or brush enamel	DIY & budget projects	Low
Speedokote Jet Black Urethane	Deep black, mirror gloss	Single-stage urethane	Restorations & muscle cars	Moderate
Dupli-Color Perfect Match	OEM color match	Aerosol spray	Touch-ups & chips	Low
Matrix System MSB Basecoat	Solid color control	Solvent basecoat	Shops & experienced DIY	Moderate

Who Makes the Best Automotive Paint: Buying Guide

Know Your Project Type

Before choosing paint, understand what type of project you’re taking on. Full-body repaints, touch-ups, restorations, or custom show car jobs all demand different products. A touch-up might only need an aerosol can like Dupli-Color, while a full restoration will benefit from high-end basecoat systems like PPG or Glasurit.

Consider the Application Method

Some paints require professional spray guns and booths, while others are DIY-friendly. If you’re painting in a home garage, opt for single-stage paints or aerosols that don’t require expensive equipment. Professionals should look for systems that offer more control and compatibility with mixing tools.

Finish Quality and Color Matching

The gloss level, depth of color, and blending ability are key factors. Brands like House of Kolor offer custom effects, while PPG and Cromax are known for OEM precision. If perfect color match and high visual appeal are priorities, invest in a premium brand with digital color tools.

Durability and Resistance

Automotive paint isn’t just about aesthetics it also protects against UV rays, rust, and environmental damage. Choose paints that offer proven protection against weathering and corrosion. For rugged applications, textured coatings like RAPTOR offer excellent resistance to physical abuse.

VOC Compliance and Environmental Impact

Waterborne paints like Glasurit 90 Line and Cromax Pro are better for the environment and often required in certain regions due to VOC regulations. They emit fewer toxic fumes and are safer to work with. Always check local environmental laws before purchasing solvent-based products.

Ease of Use

Some systems are more forgiving than others. DIYers should choose products with simple prep and application, like Rust-Oleum or Dupli-Color. Professional systems often require more skill but reward with superior results. Evaluate your comfort level before diving into advanced multi-stage systems.

FAQ

What type of automotive paint lasts the longest?

Urethane-based paints tend to last the longest due to their strong chemical makeup and resistance to UV rays and weather. Brands like Speedokote and PPG Deltron 2000 are examples of long-lasting urethane-based systems that maintain their finish for years when applied correctly.

Can I paint my car at home?

Yes, you can paint your car at home using user-friendly products like single-stage urethane or aerosol systems. However, proper surface prep, ventilation, and temperature control are crucial. Beginners should consider practice panels and follow all safety guidelines, especially when using solvent-based products.

What’s the difference between single-stage and basecoat/clearcoat systems?

Single-stage paint combines color and gloss in one application, requiring fewer steps and often no clear coat. Basecoat/clearcoat systems separate color from gloss, allowing for more depth and better protection but requiring additional time and layers. The latter is more commonly used in professional settings.

How do I match the original color of my car?

Most manufacturers provide a color code located on a label inside the door jamb, glove box, or under the hood. Using this code, brands like Dupli-Color or PPG can match the exact OEM shade. Some high-end systems offer digital scanners for precise color matching and correction.

Are water-based paints better than solvent-based paints?

Water-based paints are more environmentally friendly and safer to work with due to lower VOC emissions. They’ve improved greatly in terms of performance and are even used by OEMs. Solvent-based paints, however, still offer superior durability and are easier to work with for some users.

Do I need a clear coat?

If you are using a basecoat system, then yes, a clear coat is essential for gloss, protection, and durability. Single-stage paints may not require a clear coat but may still benefit from one for added protection. Always follow the paint manufacturer’s recommendations for best results.

Verdict

Choosing the best automotive paint depends on your needs, experience, and project goals. For professionals, PPG Deltron 2000 and BASF Glasurit offer unmatched performance. DIYers might prefer Rust-Oleum or Dupli-Color for ease of use. If you’re after show-stopping custom finishes, House of Kolor is hard to beat. Each product on this list offers something unique, making it easier to find the perfect match for your next automotive project.