Expert: William Forster - 8/13/2007

Question
I have a car with high miles and some scratches I was thinking of painting florescent with paints intended for use on a room in a house, not specifically for a car.  Are there any negative side effects that could result?

Answer
Yes. House paints have low gloss, even ones rated as glossy. Latex paints also let moisture through them, they are designed to let a structure breathe. Painting your car an odd florescent color is just a recipe for abuse by friends, family, and whoever else happens upon your car. Why not look at Ace hardware, or better yet, Tractor supply company, and use an oil based implement enamel? The available colors are pretty basic, but they look good, are shiny, and are relatively easy to apply. When spraying, however, they tend to overspray everything in sight, so make sure everything in the garage of any value is tarped up, and that no cars are within 150 feet of the spray area. At the temp goes down, the problem is increased, so be aware. Spend the extra money, and buy some enamel hardener, also. It increases gloss, adds life to the paint, increases dry time, reduces overspray, and increases solvent resistance. You can paint an entire car with implement enamel, including hardener, for about 100 dollars. Be warned, however- its not the same quality as professional auto paint. If you spill brake fluid or gasoline on it, it will easily be damaged. Bill