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Best Metallic Single Stage Paint for Cars and Trucks

Metallic single-stage paints offer a glossy, reflective finish without the extra clear coat layer. They’re designed for easier, faster refinishes while delivering durable, high-gloss results on automotive bodies. This guide highlights top metallic single-stage options from Restoration Shop, chosen for color depth, ease of use, and broad automotive compatibility. Each section provides a quick overview, key features, and a direct link to the product page to help you compare finishes and ratios at a glance.

Summary of selected products:

Product Finish Type Mix Ratio VOC
Restoration Shop Gunmetal Grey Metallic Acrylic Urethane Auto Paint Kit Metallic Urethane 4:1 2.8
Restoration Shop Iridium Silver Metallic Acrylic Enamel Auto Paint Kit Metallic Enamel 8:1 2.8
Restoration Shop Teal Green Metallic Acrylic Urethane Auto Paint Kit Metallic Urethane 4:1 2.8
Restoration Shop Meteor Gray Metallic Acrylic Enamel Auto Paint Kit Metallic Enamel 8:1 2.8
Restoration Shop Pewter Silver Metallic Acrylic Enamel Auto Paint Kit Metallic Enamel 8:1 2.8

Restoration Shop Gunmetal Grey Metallic Acrylic Urethane

Gunmetal Grey Metallic Acrylic Urethane Auto Paint Kit

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The Gunmetal Grey Metallic kit is a complete gallon system designed for single-stage high gloss automotive finishes. It uses a 4:1 mix ratio and delivers a professional-grade urethane coating with a 2.8 VOC level when packaged. The kit includes one gallon of AU acrylic urethane paint color, one quart of wet-look hardener, and additional supplies like 190-micron strainers and mixing sticks. It’s positioned for versatility across cars, trucks, and fleet applications, with a focus on durability and ease of use in professional refinishing workflows.

Key features: 4:1 mix ratio, high-gloss urethane, 2.8 VOC packaged, complete paint kit with hardener and application accessories.

Restoration Shop Iridium Silver Metallic Acrylic Enamel Kit

Iridium Silver Metallic Acrylic Enamel Auto Paint Kit

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The Iridium Silver Metallic enamel kit provides a complete gallon of enamel-based single-stage color for high-gloss finishes. It uses an 8:1 mix ratio and remains at 2.8 VOC when packaged, with an optional reducer. Included are one gallon of AE enamel color, one pint of hardener, and a selection of strainers and mixing sticks. This system targets long-term durability and a smooth, glassy finish suitable for automotive refinishing, fleet coats, and equipment coatings.

Key features: 8:1 mix ratio, enamel-based system, 2.8 VOC, included hardener and accessories for turnkey use.

Restoration Shop Teal Green Metallic Acrylic Urethane Kit

Teal Green Metallic Acrylic Urethane Auto Paint Kit

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The Teal Green Metallic urethane kit is a gallon-based system designed for single-stage high gloss finishes. With a 4:1 mix ratio, the system aligns with professional refinishing workflows that prioritize a durable, hard-wearing surface. The package provides the AU acrylic urethane color, a wet-look hardener, strainers, and wood mixing sticks. It emphasizes ease of use for automotive, fleet, and industrial coatings, offering a balanced approach to color accuracy and gloss depth.

Key features: 4:1 mix ratio, complete gallon kit, high-gloss urethane finish, compatible with fleet coatings.

Restoration Shop Teal Green Metallic Enamel Kit

Teal Green Metallic Acrylic Enamel Auto Paint Kit

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This enamel-based kit focuses on rich metallic depth with an 8:1 mix ratio, designed for straightforward single-stage application. The kit includes the enamel color, a wet-look hardener, strainers, and mixing sticks. With a 2.8 VOC rating, it remains suitable for shop environments and hobbyist projects that prioritize a glossy, durable finish without a multi-layer system. It’s compatible with fleet applications and industrial coatings where durable color protection is valued.

Key features: 8:1 mix ratio, enamel system, 2.8 VOC, complete with essential accessories for ready-to-spray use.

Restoration Shop Pewter Silver Metallic Enamel Kit

Pewter Silver Metallic Acrylic Enamel Auto Paint Kit

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The Pewter Silver Metallic enamel kit offers a ready-to-spray gallon palette of color with an enamel-based single-stage system. It features an 8:1 mix ratio and a 2.8 VOC level, making it suitable for automotive refinishing, fleet coatings, and industrial equipment finishes. The kit includes the necessary color, hardener, strainers, and mixing sticks in a complete package designed for quick setup and reliable gloss retention.

Key features: 8:1 mix ratio, enamel single-stage finish, included hardener and accessories, durable metallic appearance.

Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Metallic Single Stage Paint

  • Finish type: Urethane vs enamel affects final hardness, gloss depth, and abrasion resistance. Urethanes generally offer tougher film and chemical resistance, while enamels can be easier to apply for beginners with a strong gloss.
  • Mix ratio: Common ratios are 4:1 (urethane) and 8:1 (enamel). A higher ratio means more reducer or hardener is needed to reach the ideal viscosity and cure; verify compatibility with your spray equipment.
  • VOC levels: A 2.8 VOC rating is common for these products and supports compliance in many shop environments. Check local regulations if you work in restricted areas.
  • Kit contents: Look for included hardeners, strainers, and mixing sticks. Kits that include a hardness agent (hardener) streamline setup and improve finish quality.
  • Color depth and validity: Metallic pigments vary in depth. For best results, ensure you have proper color matching, and consider test panels before full application.
  • Substrates and use cases: These kits are suitable for cars, trucks, fleets, and equipment coatings. Confirm compatibility with plastic or previously painted surfaces if applicable.
  • Application environment: A well-ventilated spray booth or outdoor space with proper PPE is essential. Read product datasheets for flash-off times and recoat windows.
  • Maintenance and durability: Urethane systems typically offer superior durability and gloss retention, while enamel systems emphasize ease of application and gloss. Consider your restoration goals and climate conditions.

When selecting a metallic single-stage paint, balance color choice, ease of use, and long-term durability. The reviewed Restoration Shop options provide a spectrum of finishes, from urethane-based to enamel-based systems, all designed for single-stage application with high-gloss results. For professional shops and serious hobbyists, these kits offer a turnkey approach with included hardeners, strainers, and mixing accessories to help achieve a consistent, showroom-like finish.