Help/FAQ

Do I need a primer?
      1. Primer is recommended if you are doing repair work, going direct-to-metal, or you are changing from color to another. (Painting over one solid color, such as gray primer, will give you a more evenly finished paint.)
      2. And yes, you can use aerosol primer! It is recommended to use a quality automotive primer to ensure compatibility with your project and other materials used. Check out the links below to learn more about some of the awesome SEM, Spray Max, and House of Kolor primers we offer!

        Direct to Metal Aerosol Primer:

        Spray Max Epoxy Primer SPM-3680032

        Spray Max Etch Primer SPM-3680003 (also for fiberglass)

        SEM Self Etching Primer SPM-39683

        High Build Aerosol Primer: (for use over repair areas that need sanded)

        Spray Max 2K Rapid Primer SPM-3680031 (also for fiberglass and plastic)

        SEM High Build Primer
        Plastic Primer:
        Spray Max Plastic Adhesion and Flex Promoter
What’s the difference between a 1K basecoat paint and a 2K single stage paint?
      1. 1K Basecoat- This paint is much more durable and achieves slightly more coverage than single stage, and does not have to be activated- therefore it can be used again and again until the can is empty. But to make the paint more durable, clear-coat must be applied on top of the paint. This helps protect the paint from harmful UV rays from the sun, as well as normal wear and tear -such as minor scratches, dirt, small rocks, and so on- to whatever surface you have painted. And speaking of normal wear and tear, a nice benefit of basecoat is that any minor damage can be color-sanded out.
      2. 2K Single Stage- This paint is a two-in-one activated paint, one half paint and one half clear, which must be used within 12 hours of activation. While this paint is not as durable as basecoat, it does provide a nice, high gloss finish and saves a couple steps along the way!
      3. Which paint is best for you? To review, Basecoat: More durable and long-lasting, not time-sensitive, (during painting) damage can be color-sanded out, but a more extensive and slightly more expensive process. Single Stage: one less step with the clear already combined with the paint, shiny gloss finish straight out of the can, but less durable and time sensitive. (during painting)
How much paint do I need?
      1. Our most often asked question is, “How much will I need?” This is always a difficult one to answer, for each paint formula is different. Here are a few things to keep in mind when trying to decide how much to order. In most cases, you will need more product for silver, yellow, orange, and some reds since they do not have as much pigment in the formula as darker colors like black, gray, blue, and darker greens. Ground color is another element that needs to be considered. If the same color is being painted over an existing color, not as much of the new paint will be needed compared to changing drastically from one color to another, like red to white. Another factor in determining coverage is level of experience/room for error. You don’t want to run out of paint in the middle of the process! A starting estimate is one aerosol can per each 3x3/3x5 area. See our customer reviews/blog to get an idea of the products other customers have ordered. Customer Reviews - Blog
How long should I wait between paint coats?
      1. The wait time (flash time) between coats of paint is about 10 to 20 minutes at 70°F. If it is high humidity or cool, you will want to wait the longer time. For every fifteen degree drop in temperature you need to double the wait time. (Not recommended to spray 2K products below 60°F.)
How long after painting should I wait before applying clear coat? What is the wait time between clear coat layers?
      1. For clear coat, you should wait at least 45 minutes after applying the paint before spraying the clearcoat over the paint, but wait no longer than 8 hours in order for the two layers to adhere together properly. Between coats of clear, the time varies according to temperature, humidity, and air flow. The best test to do to see if your surface is ready for another layer of clear is the “string” test. Find an area of masking tape near the wettest point of the clear. Press your finger into the clear and lift up about one inch or so. Look for fine strands of clear attached to your finger from the surface. If there are strings, it is not ready. Remember: tacky, not stringy! Click this link to see a  real time string test and get some more info!

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5GFRGhbzBI
How do I prevent the nozzle of my can from clogging and spitting?
      1. It is important to clear/clean the nozzle after each layer. Do not allow product to dry on the nozzle. If the nozzle does clog and you have another aerosol, you can switch the nozzles, then clean and replace the clogged one again. See this video for more info:

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XZOJYw0xs8

         

Standard color vs. Variant color
      1. Each paint code formula has a standard version, which is the most common formula. However, there are variations of most paint code formulas due to minor manufacturing error here and there like some leftover paint in a new formula or what have you. Unfortunately, variant information is not on the vehicle itself, so it must be determined by color matching since there can be dozens of variants for a single color. Here at 66 Auto Color we just mix the standard formula unless we have received a variant sample to match.


         

How do I repair a tri-coat?
    1. Repairing tri-coats can be tricky business. How many coats do you apply for the basecoat and midcoat to achieve a blendable match?Unfortunately, manufacturers do not reveal these secrets. A good way to help overcome this problem is to make a spray-out test using a Let-Down-Panel. This will help you determine the amount of color you need for each step before moving on to the actual repair.
Click here for simple Let-Down-Panel Guide https://onedrive.live.com/edit.aspx?action=editnew&resid=7F66DBF5BAC9CFDF!117&ithint=file%2cdocx&action=editnew&wdNewAndOpenCt=1609962454330&wdPreviousSession=08694130-45c9-402f-bca6-bd34a2721c15&wdOrigin=OFFICECOM-WEB.START.NEW
What sandpaper and grit should I use?

40 Grit

Very rough sanding/grinding before body work

80 Grit

Rough sanding before bodywork, and for sanding body filler

180 Grit

Final sanding and feather edging body filler

320 Grit or 3M Scotchbrite-Red

Optional final sanding before using primer, and also for sanding spot putty

400 Grit or 3M Scotchbrite-Red

Rough sanding primer or final sanding spot putty

600-800 Grit or 3M Scotchbrite-Gray

Final sanding primer, sand with 600 before using basecoat paint

1000 Grit

Wet sanding a panel to be repainted

1200 Grit

Wet sanding a panel to be repainted

1500-2000 Grit

Final sanding clear coat to remove defects before polishing with rubbing compound, can also be used for sanding down a panel to be repainted instead of 1000 or 1200

Has my order shipped?
a. You can check your account status by going to “My Account/Order Status” near the top right corner of our website.
How do I change quantities or cancel an item in my order?
a. Click the “My Account/Order Status” link near the top right corner of our website to view your order. Then click the “Change quantities/cancel orders” link to find and edit your order. Please note that once an order has begun processing or has shipped, the order can no longer be edited.
How do I track my order?
a. Click the “My Account/Order Status” link near the top right corner of our website to track your order.
My order never arrived/an item is missing from my shipment/my product is missing parts:
a. Click the "My Account/Order Status” link near the top right corner of our website to track your order status. Be sure that all of the items in your order have shipped already. If you order displays your Package Tracking Numbers, check with the shipper to confirm that your packages were delivered. If your packages each show a status of "delivered", please contact customer service for assistance, 417-206-7473.
When will my backorder arrive?
a. Backordered items are items where our suppliers can not predict when they will be back in stock, but as soon as they do, we will be able to ship the item to you.
How much is shipping, and why?
a. Paint and paint related materials must travel by FedEx Ground, as the USPS does not accept these items. We ship via Federal Express where available. Shipping is automatically calculated by FedEx prior to submitting your payment information. FedEx calculates your shipping rate, by size and weight of package and distance in relation to the shipping from location to your address. FedEx also calculates fuel charge, so shipping rates will change somewhat from day to day. Simply add items to your cart and proceed to the checkout page where you will be offered shipping method choices and their prices.
I received the wrong product.
a. If you feel you have received the wrong product, please contact customer service within 72 hours of receiving the product at 417-206-7473
When will my order ship?
a. Your order ships within 1-3 business days. If you have set up an account, you may click the "My Account/Order Status" link at the top right hand side of our site to track the status of your order. You will receive a shipment confirmation when your order has shipped and tracking information within 24-48 hours of shipment.
Do you ship to my country?
a. Currently we only ship to the Continental United States.
How do I create an account?
1) Click the "My Account/Order Status" link at the top right side of our site.
2) Enter your email address.
3) Select "I am a new customer,” then simply follow the prompts to complete setting up your account. Your information is NEVER sold to any other company and is kept completely private. Please view our Privacy Policy for more information.
How do I edit my account information?
a. Click the "My Account/Order Status" link at the top right side of our site to edit your account information.
Do I have to pay sales tax?
a. You only have to pay sales tax if you are located in the same state as our warehouse in Missouri, USA
I have a question about my charges.
Click the “My Account/Order Status” link at the top right hand of our site to review your order/s. If you set up an account, you may compare your order history on our website, with your financial records. If you have further questions or concerns, please contact customer service for assistance at 417-206-7473
I need a copy of my invoice.
a. Click the “My Account/Order Status” link at the top right hand of our site to print invoices.
When will my credit appear on my account?
a. Credits usually take 7-10 business days from the time we receive your item(s).
When will my credit card be charged?
a. Your credit card will be charged within 24 hours priot to shipment of your item(s).
How do I find my product?
To find the product(s) you are looking for, you may (1) use the navigation menus on the top, left, and bottom of our website, or (2) type a keyword into the search box. If you have any trouble locating a product, feel free to contact customer service for assistance at 417-206-7473
How do I navigate the site?
To navigate this website, simply click on a category you might be interested in. Categories are located on the top, left & bottom of our website. QUICK TIP: Place your mouse cursor over anything you think could be a clickable link. You'll notice that anytime you scroll over something that is a link, your mouse cursor will become a "hand," whereas scrolling over anything that is NOT a link will leave your cursor as an "arrow". You may also type a keyword into the SEARCH box to quickly find a specific product. If you have any trouble locating a product, feel free to contact customer service for assistance at 417-206-7473
How do I use a coupon?
a. After adding items to your cart, click the “View Cart” link at the top of the site to view your cart. At the bottom of the shopping cart you’ll see a box where you may enter and apply your coupon code.
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