Best semi-gloss black aerosol paint?

[69hugger]

For many years, I used Krylon semi-gloss as the go-to paint for engine bay, chassis, and other parts needing the semi-gloss treatment. It sprayed beautifully, dried fast, and gave the perfect sheen. It was almost impossible to screw it up.
My current need is to paint the taillight panel on my '69 Camaro. It obviously needs to look better than the under hood areas.
The "new" formulation (p/n 51613) of Krylon "satin" black is slightly glossier than the previous formulation, and doesn't spray as smoothly, leaving spatters. I have tried several cans with the same result. The biggest problem though is it is just a bit to shiny.
I read elsewhere that all the paint manufacturers were forced to reformulate due to emissions regulations, etc. Now these sprays don't seem to work as well.
So now what?
Krylon does have "semi-flat", p/n 53565, which is between satin & flat, but I cannot find it locally. And I'm not sure what it looks like.
I really don't want to spend big $$ to paint 2 square feet and wait days for it to arrive, so I am hesitant to go to Eastwood.
I am not historically a Rust-O-leum fan because it used to spray poorly and took forever to dry. Maybe that has changed?

Anybody have a suggestion as to the best product (readily available) to use for this?

Thanks in advance!

Bill

[ADiCarlo]

I've used duplicolor in the past. I like the fact that they have online tutorials, typically make a primer base for there paints and have a good range of color.

I used it to repaint my motorcycle frame and engine - came out real nice.

I'll see if I can dig up some pictures tonight.

[65_LS1_T56]

I like SEM Trim Black 39143. Nice product.

[intocarss]

Out here in SoCal I can find the semi-flat", p/n 53565 at Home Depot or Pep Boys That satin looks like S*it

[tubbed69]

this is a very good and inexpensive single stage that dries almost instantly and looks great.http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/EXCEL-Automotive-Single-Stage-Hot-Rod-Black-Paint-400-Satin-Black-Quart-/140901508758?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item20ce626696

[JB64CHEVELLE]

Orchard supply brand semi gloss works great for small parts. For $3 bucks a can it works great. Try it for $3 bucks if you don't like it you didn't lose much.

[Sieg]

Being a Krylon connoisseur for years the newest version of their semi-flat hasn't impressed me. The initial coverage is weak and very susceptible to runs.

X-O Rust Professional satin is another product I've used with good results but it dries and cures slow. I found it at the local Wilco Farm store.

That said I have a can of Duplicolor I'm going to experiment with.

[Ron in SoCal]

Rick D has the ticket...Sikkens (sp?) :thumbsup:

[69hugger]

All,
Thanks for your suggestions. Funny how so many people have so many ideas on this.

ADiCarlo... I didn't think of DupliColor. I will see if they have a semi-gloss. Thanks!

65_LS1_T56.... Never tried SEM products. I don't know where to get it. I may have to do further research on this.

intocarss... Interesting that HD carries Krylon out there, but Rustoleum up here. Pep Boys doesn't carry the semi-flat at the few stores I called. I agree the satin is not great. I have a can of Krylon semi-flat coming today from Amazon. I hope it has the right sheen.

tubbed69... Thanks for that suggestion. I would have never thought of E-Bay for paint. Kinda hate to have to mail order every time I need a can or 2 of black. It takes days to get & freight usually ain't cheap.

JB64CHEVELLE... We don't have Orchard Supply up here. I wonder who private labels it for them? Usually 1 of the bigger mfrs that has their own brand(s).

Sieg....I am disappointed you are not impressed with the Krylon Semi-flat. I was hoping that was the answer. I am not one who likes to watch paint dry, so I think the X-O may drive me crazy. I am certain to stick my finger in it like an 8 year old and have to start over.

Ron in SoCal... I didn't know Sikkens comes in aerosol? If it does, maybe I can find that at an auto body supply?

Yesterday I tried Rustoleum Professional & Valspar, both from Lowes. They are not good. Translucent, very thin, and too shiny. I have many cans of black paint to donate to our local homeless graffiti artists....

Keep the suggestions coming if you have found the grail of readily available aerosols.

Thanks!!

[Musclerodz]

duplicolor engine enamel is available in low gloss and semi gloss. I tend to use a lot of it on small parts when I am not doing a large batch in the paint booth. I also like SEM trim black but is not as readily available and even more expensive. Spray can prices have gotten stupid.

Another option would be to go to your local paint supply store and have a spray can made up of the automotive paint you want to use. Usually about twice the price of a store bought can.

[Sieg]

Sieg....I am disappointed you are not impressed with the Krylon Semi-flat. I was hoping that was the answer. I am not one who likes to watch paint dry, so I think the X-O may drive me crazy. I am certain to stick my finger in it like an 8 year old and have to start over.


I was crushed! :D

I was hoping it was a bad run but I've bought multiple cans 3-4 months apart and I fear they've change formulas. I'd still try it. Just be prepared to be patient and apply multiple (5-6) very light coats a couple minutes apart and use 10-12" distance. The first coats lay down with a translucent look which the semi-flat (now satin) never did. It's much easier to get runs whereas the previous formula was 3 medium passes and walk away.

The X-O is testy :lol: but it lays down and covers nice and the durability appears to be superior. But it's definitely a shoot it and step away from the part for 8 hours paint. :D

[renegade6]

I've had really good luck using the trim spray that another poster mentioned. It is about the best match for the semi-gloss under the hood.

[paulk68]

what are you guys using for the black plastic on the interior, like kick panels or arms rests?

[69hugger]

So I went & bought the SEM trim paint. It went on horribly thin, and I told myself it was junk. But it dried in minutes, and I thought I would give it a 2nd coat. That covered MUCH better. I thought this was the stuff to use, loved the sheen and it sprayed reasonably well. But thought I would test it over the other samples I had tried previously on scrap metal before I committed to the car. SURPRISE! It reacted to the Krylon/ Rustoleum/ Valspar samples & curdled up. As I has done a coat of the Krylon satin on the car, and I won't be able to completely remove it, now the SEM is out.
I am waiting for Fedex to bring the Krylon semi-flat today. If that doesn't work, I am back to square 1. Sheesh. Lucky I got time on my hands....

[69hugger]

I was crushed! :D

I was hoping it was a bad run but I've bought multiple cans 3-4 months apart and I fear they've change formulas. I'd still try it. Just be prepared to be patient and apply multiple (5-6) very light coats a couple minutes apart and use 10-12" distance. The first coats lay down with a translucent look which the semi-flat (now satin) never did. It's much easier to get runs whereas the previous formula was 3 medium passes and walk away.

The X-O is testy :lol: but it lays down and covers nice and the durability appears to be superior. But it's definitely a shoot it and step away from the part for 8 hours paint. :D

I agree completely with your assessment of the Krylon. It was soooo perfect. But I don't think the X-O will work for me. I simply don't have the patience to wait 8 hours for ANYTHING. I will stick my fingers in it or worse yet, try to "carefully" install the taillights while it is still tacky & ruin the job. I know me... it's one of my many shortcomings! :wacko:

[clill]

I love the Sem's and have painted over other paints with no problems.

[69hugger]

I love the Sem's and have painted over other paints with no problems.

Hmmm, wish I could say that. I wonder if it matters how old the previous layer(s) are? I bet if it has completely cured, it isn't a problem. But who knows how long that may be? Could be months....

Just goes to show us YMMV.

[Sieg]

I agree completely with your assessment of the Krylon. It was soooo perfect. But I don't think the X-O will work for me. I simply don't have the patience to wait 8 hours for ANYTHING. I will stick my fingers in it or worse yet, try to "carefully" install the taillights while it is still tacky & ruin the job. I know me... it's one of my many shortcomings! :wacko:

:lmao:

[Musclerodz]

what are you guys using for the black plastic on the interior, like kick panels or arms rests?

SEM trim black

[southview]

Upol black satin. Sprays out the can very nice and looks great. Might have to let that Krylon dry in the sun a few days.

[69hugger]

Upol black satin. Sprays out the can very nice and looks great. Might have to let that Krylon dry in the sun a few days.

Sun? I live in Minnesota. We get that in June & July. Maybe. But I hear you....:thankyou:

[charchri4]

Hey from SW Minnesota! I had some fancy VHF semi gloss roll bar paint lift one me and it was a nightmare so I started hunting for better paint too. I found out you have to watch spray cans because some are thinned with thinner and some with acetone and the acetone ones will lift thinner paint every time. The other problem with aerosols is they have crap in them for propellant and to extend shelf life that doesn't do you any favors.

So with that I changed to real paint with a catalyst hardener and found out everything is better about doing it that way over spray cans. I spent some time on hotrodders.com and found out what those guys use for stuff like this and it really works. And the secret weapon is tractor paint... :D

I found you can get a detail HF paint gun for 15 bucks and a gallon of John Deere semi gloss black tractor paint for $24. Turns out the JD paint looks great and is as tuff as nails too - pretty much just like tractor paint! I have shot both blitz black and semi gloss and like the semi gloss better. It is probably what I am going to paint my entire car with in a few weeks unless I turn over a rock and find 500 bucks for paint.

I got mine at the local JD dealer which where I am I drive by 2 of them every day but you can get it on line too. They do have spray bombs too and it is good stuff also but kind of spendy.

http://www.shopgreendealer.com/John-Deere-Medium-Gloss-Black-Paint-TY25838-TY25633-TY25632.html

I think I still have a panel with blitz and semi gloss shot on it if you want to see a photo.

[paulk68]

Hey from SW Minnesota! I had some fancy VHF semi gloss roll bar paint lift one me and it was a nightmare so I started hunting for better paint too. I found out you have to watch spray cans because some are thinned with thinner and some with acetone and the acetone ones will lift thinner paint every time. The other problem with aerosols is they have crap in them for propellant and to extend shelf life that doesn't do you any favors.

So with that I changed to real paint with a catalyst hardener and found out everything is better about doing it that way over spray cans. I spent some time on hotrodders.com and found out what those guys use for stuff like this and it really works. And the secret weapon is tractor paint... :D

I found you can get a detail HF paint gun for 15 bucks and a gallon of John Deere semi gloss black tractor paint for $24. Turns out the JD paint looks great and is as tuff as nails too - pretty much just like tractor paint! I have shot both blitz black and semi gloss and like the semi gloss better. It is probably what I am going to paint my entire car with in a few weeks unless I turn over a rock and find 500 bucks for paint.

I got mine at the local JD dealer which where I am I drive by 2 of them every day but you can get it on line too. They do have spray bombs too and it is good stuff also but kind of spendy.

http://www.shopgreendealer.com/John-Deere-Medium-Gloss-Black-Paint-TY25838-TY25633-TY25632.html

I think I still have a panel with blitz and semi gloss shot on it if you want to see a photo.

I would love to see the difference between the blitz black and the semi gloss. I have sprayed the blitz black just from a can and love it. I plan on leaving a part out in the sun for a month and see how it hold up to the weather.

[69hugger]

Hey from SW Minnesota! I had some fancy VHF semi gloss roll bar paint lift one me and it was a nightmare so I started hunting for better paint too. I found out you have to watch spray cans because some are thinned with thinner and some with acetone and the acetone ones will lift thinner paint every time. The other problem with aerosols is they have crap in them for propellant and to extend shelf life that doesn't do you any favors.

So with that I changed to real paint with a catalyst hardener and found out everything is better about doing it that way over spray cans. I spent some time on hotrodders.com and found out what those guys use for stuff like this and it really works. And the secret weapon is tractor paint... :D

I found you can get a detail HF paint gun for 15 bucks and a gallon of John Deere semi gloss black tractor paint for $24. Turns out the JD paint looks great and is as tuff as nails too - pretty much just like tractor paint! I have shot both blitz black and semi gloss and like the semi gloss better. It is probably what I am going to paint my entire car with in a few weeks unless I turn over a rock and find 500 bucks for paint.

I got mine at the local JD dealer which where I am I drive by 2 of them every day but you can get it on line too. They do have spray bombs too and it is good stuff also but kind of spendy.

http://www.shopgreendealer.com/John-Deere-Medium-Gloss-Black-Paint-TY25838-TY25633-TY25632.html

I think I still have a panel with blitz and semi gloss shot on it if you want to see a photo.

I don't want to deal with a spray gun & bulk paint. Just too big a mess... or at least the potential for a big mess. I've got a Deere dealer close by, and as long as I'm at it, I'll try the aerosol if they carry it at the dealer. WTH, I have quite a collection, I may as well add 1 more... Thanks for the suggestion!

[69hugger]

I would love to see the difference between the blitz black and the semi gloss. I have sprayed the blitz black just from a can and love it. I plan on leaving a part out in the sun for a month and see how it hold up to the weather.

What is "blitz"?

[paulk68]

What is "blitz"?

It is a John Deere color. It is there satin finish

[70 chevelle]

Try VHT epoxy black. Its the perfect shade .

[intocarss]

I agree completely with your assessment of the Krylon. It was soooo perfect. But I don't think the X-O will work for me. I simply don't have the patience to wait 8 hours for ANYTHING. I will stick my fingers in it or worse yet, try to "carefully" install the taillights while it is still tacky & ruin the job. I know me... it's one of my many shortcomings! :wacko: Are we related?? :hello:

[69hugger]

Are we related?? :hello:

Quite possibly I suppose. Do you also think something on your car will be "just perfect" until it's done, then decide it should be just a little different?
Do you look at new stuff to replace perfectly good stuff you already have?
Do you try 7 shades of black paint to find the perfect sheen, only to find out they are all so close it really doesn't matter? ($80 later).
Do you spend $100 for personalized plates, then decide you want different ones as soon as they arrive?
Then bro, we are related. I think I have lots of "relatives" here. Also on the Corvette Forum...

We having Thanksgiving at your house this year?

[intocarss]

Quite possibly I suppose. Do you also think something on your car will be "just perfect" until it's done, then decide it should be just a little different?
Do you look at new stuff to replace perfectly good stuff you already have?
Do you try 7 shades of black paint to find the perfect sheen, only to find out they are all so close it really doesn't matter? ($80 later).
Do you spend $100 for personalized plates, then decide you want different ones as soon as they arrive?
Then bro, we are related. I think I have lots of "relatives" here. Also on the Corvette Forum...

We having Thanksgiving at your house this year?YUP, AND DINNER IS AT 4 PM ;)

[69hugger]

YUP, AND DINNER IS AT 4 PM ;)

Awesome! SoCal is far nicer than Minnesota in November!

[Sieg]

Awesome! SoCal is far nicer than Minnesota in November!

Don't forget the tank top, cargo shorts, flip flops, and best be sportin a mullet. :D

[69hugger]

Don't forget the tank top, cargo shorts, flip flops, and best be sportin a mullet. :D

Copy that. You got room for my "motor home"?

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.247sports.com%2FU ploads%2FAvatars%2F253%2F377974.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Ftexas.247sports.com%2FBoard %2F21%2FDesmond-Harrison-20500830%2F3&h=332&w=400&tbnid=BfeuhhzmXtnoTM%3A&zoom=1&docid=wKzI89jVyXQY_M&ei=1UpaU_idDY6syASGr4KABw&tbm=isch&client=safari&ved=0CHEQMygIMAg&iact=rc&uact=3&dur=1004&page=1&start=0&ndsp=45

[charchri4]

I would love to see the difference between the blitz black and the semi gloss. I have sprayed the blitz black just from a can and love it. I plan on leaving a part out in the sun for a month and see how it hold up to the weather.

JD Semi Gloss is the stripe and Blitz black is the rest. This panel has been kicking around my shop for a while so it's kind of beat up. When I had the panel half semi and half blitz the semi looked better but in these shots the blitz looks really good too.

http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k534/charchri4/Stuff%20to%20save%20for%20web/ms1_zps48dda507.jpg (http://s1114.photobucket.com/user/charchri4/media/Stuff%20to%20save%20for%20web/ms1_zps48dda507.jpg.html)

http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k534/charchri4/Stuff%20to%20save%20for%20web/ms2_zps95d70004.jpg (http://s1114.photobucket.com/user/charchri4/media/Stuff%20to%20save%20for%20web/ms2_zps95d70004.jpg.html)

http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k534/charchri4/Stuff%20to%20save%20for%20web/ms3_zpsea3dfabf.jpg (http://s1114.photobucket.com/user/charchri4/media/Stuff%20to%20save%20for%20web/ms3_zpsea3dfabf.jpg.html)

http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k534/charchri4/Stuff%20to%20save%20for%20web/ms4_zps6c09d5c5.jpg (http://s1114.photobucket.com/user/charchri4/media/Stuff%20to%20save%20for%20web/ms4_zps6c09d5c5.jpg.html)

[69hugger]

FWIW, I went with the SEM Trim paint. It was extremely close in sheen to the Krylon Semi-Flat, but I had a can of each & the SEM seemed to spray a bit better. I think I'd be hard pressed to tell the difference between them on the same car.
Thanks to everyone for the suggestions!

[RdHuggr68]

I have found an aerosol paint that covers great and is very durable. Its from Caterpillar. I have been using the medium gloss black, they have different sheens. You can also buy it by the gallon, and do touch ups with the aerosol if needed.

[66fury]

Duplicolor de 1635

[minendrews68]

I've used SEM for years... still do, no complaints

[clill]

I love the SEM trim black. Makes me think I'm a pro...

[randy]

thats what i use. SEM.

[DT69Cam]

What primer did you use ?? You can't spray a lacquer paint over enamel. It will peel up as you described earlier. You can spray enamel over a lacquer. Just realized this is an Old thread.