Planet Color's Paint System
While we could have refinished our project C3 in the original color, the fact is, our factory white was a little subdued for our custom Corvette cravings. If the ambition was pure stock and correct, this would have been the only choice. True, we could have strayed from original, but held within the constraints of the OEM palette; however, in this build we had already overstepped the boundaries of resto, with leanings well towards custom. So why not a custom paint? Planet Color has become quite a force in the custom paint world, with a staggering selection of color and additives, which can be used in combination for an infinite number of trick paint effects.
While going full-on is tempting, what caught our attention was a more subdued offering from Planet Color's Classic Muscle Tones line of paint. A trade show display of the available colors drew us in like a magnet when we caught sight of the number PCM26 Chumma Orange-just what we were after: hugger orange on steroids. No pearl, iridescent, flake, flip-flop, or even metallic here, just a hot, clean orange that really "pops."
The final word on the paint...
The final word on the paint mix and application is the information on the Product Data Sheet. These should be available at all automotive paint supply distributors, though you typically have to ask for them.
It is handy to have appropriately...
It is handy to have appropriately sized containers for mixing paint products. Graduated plastic containers are available at most automotive paint jobber shops, and some come with ratio markings to make the mixing even easier. Make sure to stir the product thoroughly using a paint paddle.
When transferring the mixed...
When transferring the mixed paint into the gun's cup, be sure to use a paint strainer. These disposable strainers are available free from most automotive paint supply houses.
So now we had the paint, but anyone can tell you that the color is just one stone in the structure. Painting is a process, starting with the foundation of the primers, building up to the color, and then finishing with the deep reflectivity of a top-quality clearcoat. When painting a car, the best and most foolproof approach is to use all the products in the process from the same manufacturer's line. The paint companies have done their homework on compatibility, ease of application and durability, so why not take advantage of their expertise? We did by using the Planet Color system from bottom to topcoat.
The world of automotive refinishing chemicals is constantly changing, due to product development and regulations in some areas. Some regions have specific VOC emissions standards that must be adhered to, and the mixing ratios of the products, or even the specific products themselves, may vary from what is shown here. Every paint supply retailer should have a product data sheet for each of the specific paint products sold. The product data sheet will detail the characteristics of the product, mix ratios, as well as application information. Be sure to get a data sheet on any product you intend to spray, and treat the information there as the last word in the compliant formulation.
Here is a detailed description of the products involved in our paint job; why they are needed; how we mixed it all up; and application notes where applicable.