Old timer at the paint supply counter saved me $200 on clear coat

Stopped by FinishMasters in Portland a few months ago to grab some clear for a job. The kid at the counter tried to sell me the top shelf stuff, $85 a quart. This old guy came out from the back, put his hand on the can and said "that's overkill for a 2004 Camry, grab this one instead." Saved $50 a quart right there. Has anyone else had a paint supply guy just set you straight like that?

2 comments

2 Comments

sanchez.robin1mo ago

Ehh I kinda see it the other way though. That old timer might have saved you $50 now, but that cheaper clear might not hold up as well in a few years. My buddy used the budget stuff from a similar place on his 2000 Accord and it started yellowing and chipping after like 18 months. The higher solids in the expensive stuff usually lay down better and resist UV damage longer. $50 difference seems small if you end up having to re-clear the whole car in 2 years anyway. Maybe that kid at the counter actually knew what he was talking about and the old guy was just being cheap.

noah_palmer421mo ago

The kid was actually right that the solids content is what matters, not the brand or price.