Best Single Stage Auto Paint

Best Single Stage Auto Paint for Automotive Refinishing

A strong single-stage auto paint choice delivers the finish type and amount you need, with the activator or hardener accounted for before spraying. The Eastwood Pure White kit is a direct-fit option for buyers seeking catalyzed single-stage urethane: its 3:1 mix makes one sprayable gallon, and its kit includes medium-speed activator. This roundup also includes Eastwood color options and Restoration Shop acrylic enamel and acrylic urethane kits.

Their formats and included components vary: some provide paint and hardener together, while one Eastwood option requires an activator sold separately and one Restoration Shop gallon is paint only. Compare chemistry, mix ratio, kit contents, and color rather than assuming that every product is a complete, interchangeable system.

Eastwood Pure White Single Stage is the leading pick because it is explicitly described as catalyzed, single-stage acrylic urethane and includes the medium-speed activator needed for its 3:1 mix. The kit makes one sprayable gallon and lists approximate coverage of 125 square feet, giving buyers key planning details alongside the white color. For another color or paint chemistry, compare the remaining kits carefully: their mix ratios, included hardeners, and whether they are explicitly single-stage differ.

Our Top Picks

Eastwood Pure White Single StageBest Overall

Eastwood Pure White Single Stage

This catalyzed single-stage acrylic urethane kit includes medium-speed activator, mixes 3:1 into one sprayable gallon, and lists 125-square-foot coverage.

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Eastwood Black Cherry PearlBest Pearl Finish

Eastwood Black Cherry Pearl

This catalyzed single-stage urethane makes one sprayable gallon at 3:1 and offers black cherry pearl with 10–60-micron particles.

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Eastwood Electric YellowBest Yellow Option

Eastwood Electric Yellow

Its single-stage urethane lists 125-square-foot coverage and UV, chemical, and chip resistance, but the required activator is not included.

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Compare the Single-Stage Paint Options

#ProductVolumeSizeFormBuy
1128 fluid oz128 oz (Pack of 1)KitView on Amazon
2128 fluid oz128 oz (Pack of 1)KitView on Amazon
3
Eastwood Electric Yellow3. Eastwood Electric YellowBest Yellow Option
125 liters1 Count (Pack of 1)LiquidView on Amazon
41 gallons40 Fl Oz (Pack of 4)LiquidView on Amazon
5
Restoration Shop Dove Gray Enamel5. Restoration Shop Dove Gray EnamelDove Gray Full-Panel Refinish
1 gallons128 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)LiquidView on Amazon
6
Restoration Shop Iridium Silver Enamel6. Restoration Shop Iridium Silver EnamelSilver Metallic Enamel Full Repaints
1 gallons128 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)LiquidView on Amazon
7
Restoration Shop Fire Red Pearl7. Restoration Shop Fire Red PearlRed Pearl Acrylic Enamel Repaints
1 quarts10.67 Fl Oz (Pack of 12)LiquidView on Amazon
8
Restoration Shop Championship White8. Restoration Shop Championship WhiteChampionship White Enamel Repaints
1 gallons12 Fl Oz (Pack of 12)LiquidView on Amazon
9
Restoration Shop Jet Black Enamel9. Restoration Shop Jet Black EnamelQuart-Scale Gloss Black Repairs
1 quarts32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)LiquidView on Amazon
10
Restoration Shop Gunmetal Grey10. Restoration Shop Gunmetal GreyBuyers Supplying Their Own Hardener
1 gallons128 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)LiquidView on Amazon

Detailed Reviews: Best Single Stage Auto Paint

Eastwood Pure White Single Stage

#1 · Best Overall

1. Eastwood Pure White Single Stage

  • Volume: 128 fluid oz
  • Size: 128 oz (Pack of 1)
  • Form: Kit

Best for: Untinted White Urethane Repaints.

Why it ranks #1: This catalyzed single-stage acrylic urethane kit includes medium-speed activator, mixes 3:1 into one sprayable gallon, and lists 125-square-foot coverage.

Eastwood's Pure White is specified as pure, untinted white, giving buyers a direct option when a bright white single-stage finish is the goal. The catalyzed two-component urethane kit mixes 3:1 with included medium-speed activator to make one sprayable gallon, with stated coverage of about 125 square feet.

The included 96 ounces of paint and 32 ounces of medium-speed activator provide the components for the stated 3:1 mixture, so buyers can prepare the sprayable gallon from this kit. Its approximate 125-square-foot coverage offers a planning reference for the job. Eastwood identifies the catalyzed urethane as highly resistant to UV rays, chemicals, and paint chips, making those exposures relevant considerations when choosing this white topcoat.

Pros
  • Pure, untinted white color
  • Catalyzed two-component acrylic urethane topcoat
  • Includes medium-speed activator for 3:1 mixing
  • Approximate 125-square-foot coverage per sprayable gallon
Cons
  • The white shade is explicitly untinted, not an off-white or colored white.

Skip it if you want a dark pearl color; Eastwood Bonneville Black Cherry Pearl offers dark tones, red shades, and subtle sparkle.

This fits buyers seeking a pure white single-stage urethane repaint and a kit containing the activator for its stated 3:1 mix. Keep the untinted white shade and approximate coverage in mind when matching color and planning the job.

Full product details
BrandEastwood
ColorWhite
Color CodeWhite
Included Components(1) 96 Ounces Single Stage Paint (1) 32 Ounces Medium Speed Activator
Item FormKit
Item Volume128 fluid ounces
Item Weight10.5 pounds
ManufacturerEastwood
ModelEastwood
Model Number98311ZP
Size128 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Additional InformationImportant Information Proposition 65 Warning for California Consumers WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm – www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

Listed on Amazon as: Eastwood 3:1 Pure White Single Stage Automotive Spray Paint 1 Sprayable Gallon Kit

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Eastwood Black Cherry Pearl

#2 · Best Pearl Finish

2. Eastwood Black Cherry Pearl

  • Volume: 128 fluid oz
  • Size: 128 oz (Pack of 1)
  • Form: Kit

Best for: Black Cherry Pearl Color Projects.

Why it ranks #2: This catalyzed single-stage urethane makes one sprayable gallon at 3:1 and offers black cherry pearl with 10–60-micron particles.

Bonneville Black Cherry Pearl combines a deep, dark base with red shades and subtle sparkle, giving a repaint a more distinctive look than a plain black finish. Eastwood supplies 96 ounces of catalyzed urethane paint and 32 ounces of medium-speed activator for a 3:1 mix that makes one sprayable gallon.

The stated 10–60-micron pearl particle size describes the subtle sparkle, helping buyers assess whether this effect suits the intended finish. The included medium-speed activator pairs with the paint at a 3:1 ratio, yielding one sprayable gallon and approximately 125 square feet of coverage. Eastwood describes the catalyzed two-component urethane as highly resistant to UV rays, chemicals, and paint chips, relevant for a vehicle exposed to those conditions.

Pros
  • Deep, dark color with red shades and subtle sparkle
  • Pearl particle size specified as 10–60 microns
  • Includes medium-speed activator for the 3:1 mix
  • Approximate coverage of 125 square feet
Cons
  • The pearl effect and red-shaded black are a specific look, not a plain solid black.

Skip it if you need an untinted white finish; Eastwood Pure White provides a pure, absolutely white single-stage urethane option.

Pick this kit for a vehicle repaint calling for dark black cherry tones and a subtle pearl effect, with activator included for the stated mix. Its distinctive color and sparkle are not a match for plain black or white finishes.

Full product details
BrandEastwood
ColorBlack
Color CodeBlack
Container TypeCan
Included Components(1) 96 Ounces Single Stage Paint (1) 32 Ounces Medium Speed Activator
Item FormKit
Item Volume128 fluid ounces
Item Weight10.5 pounds
ManufacturerEastwood
ModelEastwood
Model Number98319ZP
Size128 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Additional InformationImportant Information Proposition 65 Warning for California Consumers WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm – www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

Listed on Amazon as: Eastwood 3:1 Bonneville Black Cherry Pearl Single Stage Automotive Spray Paint 1 Sprayable Gallon Kit

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Why it ranks #3: Its single-stage urethane lists 125-square-foot coverage and UV, chemical, and chip resistance, but the required activator is not included.

Eastwood Electric Yellow is identified as the darkest and most red-shaded of its yellow options, giving buyers a specific yellow tone for a single-stage urethane repaint. The 96-ounce paint makes one sprayable gallon when mixed 3:1, but its required medium-temperature activator is not included.

The stated approximate coverage is 125 square feet per sprayable gallon, which helps frame material planning for the job. This catalyzed urethane is listed as highly resistant to UV rays, chemicals, and chips, relevant when those exposures are a concern. The required #21856ZP medium-temperature urethane activator is a separate preparation requirement; the listing specifies it for temperatures below 80°F, so it must be accounted for before mixing.

Pros
  • Darkest and most red-shaded of Eastwood's yellow options
  • Makes one sprayable gallon at a 3:1 mix
  • Approximate 125-square-foot coverage
  • Listed resistance to UV rays, chemicals, and chips
Cons
  • Required activator is not included.

Skip it if you need an included activator kit; Eastwood Pure White includes its medium-speed activator for the stated 3:1 mixture.

Choose this for a yellow urethane repaint where the darker, red-shaded tone is wanted and the separate activator can be obtained. Its required activator and stated below-80°F temperature guidance are key workflow considerations.

Full product details
BrandEastwood
ColorYellow
Color Code#FFFF00
Container TypeCan
Item FormLiquid
Item Volume125 liters
Item Weight7.5 pounds
ManufacturerEastwood
Size1 Count (Pack of 1)
Special FeatureUV Resistant, Chemical Resistant, Chip Resistant
Special FeaturesUV Resistant, Chemical Resistant, Chip Resistant
Additional InformationImportant Information Proposition 65 Warning for California Consumers WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm – www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

Listed on Amazon as: Eastwood Electric Yellow 3:1 Single Stage Acrylic Urethane Topcoat Paint 96 oz 125 SQ FT

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Restoration Shop Jet Black Urethane

#4 · Best Urethane Kit

4. Restoration Shop Jet Black Urethane

  • Volume: 1 gallons
  • Size: 40 Fl Oz (Pack of 4)
  • Form: Liquid

Best for: Gloss Black Urethane Gallon Kits.

Why it ranks #4: The gallon acrylic urethane kit includes a quart of wet-look urethane hardener and provides five quarts of sprayable material at a 4:1 mix.

Five quarts of sprayable material from a gallon of Jet Black acrylic urethane paint make this Restoration Shop kit a substantial option for gloss-black refinishing. The included quart of AU4001 wet-look urethane hardener, strainers, and mixing sticks let buyers assemble a core paint-preparation setup from one kit.

The 4:1 mix ratio gives the paint and urethane hardener a defined preparation relationship, and the kit includes a full quart of AU4001. Five 190-micron strainers and five wood mixing sticks support filtering and mixing before application. The packaged formula is listed at 2.8 VOC and requires no reducer, avoiding a required reducer addition; its five-quart sprayable yield suits jobs needing more than a single quart.

Pros
  • Jet Black gloss acrylic urethane paint
  • Five quarts of sprayable material
  • Includes one quart of AU4001 urethane hardener
  • Includes five strainers and five mixing sticks
Cons
  • The specified color is Jet Black, limiting it to buyers seeking a black finish.

Skip it if you need a gray or pearl shade; Restoration Shop Iridium Silver Metallic is a listed metallic alternative.

This kit suits a buyer planning a gloss-black urethane repaint who wants a five-quart sprayable batch and hardener included. Its Jet Black color and 4:1 urethane system set clear boundaries for color matching and paint-system choice.

Full product details
BrandRestoration Shop
ColorJet Black
Color Code#000000
Container TypeCan
Included ComponentsApplicators, Paint, Paint Cups, Paint Strainers
Item FormLiquid
Item Volume1 gallons
ManufacturerRestoration Shop
Model NumberAU1901-KIT-M
Size40 Fl Oz (Pack of 4)
Special FeatureGlow
Special FeaturesGlow
Additional InformationImportant Information Proposition 65 Warning for California Consumers WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including ethylbenzene which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

Listed on Amazon as: Restoration Shop Jet Black (Gloss) Acrylic Urethane Auto Paint – Gallon Kit

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Restoration Shop Dove Gray Enamel

#5

5. Restoration Shop Dove Gray Enamel

  • Volume: 1 gallons
  • Size: 128 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
  • Form: Liquid

Best for: Dove Gray Full-Panel Refinish.

Why it ranks #5: This complete gallon acrylic enamel kit includes hardener, strainers, and mixing sticks, with an 8:1 mix ratio and over one gallon sprayable.

The included pint of AE3001 hardener and gallon of Dove Gray paint arrive as a coordinated acrylic enamel kit, enabling a substantial sprayable batch without sourcing those core components separately. Its 8:1 mix ratio and no-reducer-required packaged formula also give buyers a defined starting point for preparing the coating.

The kit provides over one gallon of sprayable material, making it a practical scale for a broad refinish rather than a small touch-up. The 8:1 ratio gives the paint and included hardener a stated mixing relationship, while the five 190-micron strainers and five mixing sticks support preparation before spraying. Because reducer is not required as packaged, the basic formula avoids adding that step; an optional reducer is sold separately if wanted.

Pros
  • Dove Gray acrylic enamel color in a gallon kit
  • Over one gallon of sprayable material
  • Includes one pint of AE3001 hardener
  • Includes five 190-micron strainers and five mixing sticks
Cons
  • Acrylic enamel, rather than acrylic urethane, is the specified paint system.

Skip it if you need a pearl, metallic, or urethane finish; Eastwood Bonneville Black Cherry Pearl is a more suitable listed specialty-color option.

This suits a buyer planning a broad Dove Gray acrylic enamel repaint who values a kit with hardener and preparation supplies included. Its defined color and enamel chemistry are boundaries if the job calls for a different shade or paint system.

Full product details
BrandRestoration Shop
ColorDove Gray
Color Code16-1511
Container TypeCan
Included ComponentsHardener, Mixing Sticks, Paint, Strainers
Item FormLiquid
Item Volume1 gallons
Item Weight15 pounds
ManufacturerRestoration Shop
Size128 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Special FeatureUV Resistant
Special FeaturesUV Resistant
Additional InformationImportant Information Proposition 65 Warning for California Consumers WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm – www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

Listed on Amazon as: Restoration Shop Dove Gray Acrylic Enamel Auto Paint – Gallon Kit

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Restoration Shop Iridium Silver Enamel

#6

6. Restoration Shop Iridium Silver Enamel

  • Volume: 1 gallons
  • Size: 128 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
  • Form: Liquid

Best for: Silver Metallic Enamel Full Repaints.

Why it ranks #6: The gallon metallic acrylic enamel kit includes hardener, strainers, and mixing sticks; its 8:1 ratio makes over one gallon sprayable.

Iridium Silver Metallic supplies a silver metallic color in a complete gallon acrylic enamel kit, making it a focused pick for a larger metallic refinish. The included pint of AE3001 hardener, strainers, and mixing sticks provide key preparation components alongside over one gallon of sprayable material.

The 8:1 mix ratio defines the relationship between the paint and included hardener, while five 190-micron nylon strainers and five wood mixing sticks support paint preparation. The packaged enamel is 2.8 VOC and does not require reducer, which keeps reducer out of the required mixing steps. With over one gallon sprayable, the kit offers substantial volume for a broader job; the metallic silver shade remains the central color-match consideration.

Pros
  • Iridium Silver Metallic acrylic enamel paint
  • Over one gallon of sprayable material
  • Includes one pint of AE3001 hardener
  • Includes five 190-micron strainers and five mixing sticks
Cons
  • The metallic silver finish is not suitable when a solid, non-metallic color is required.

Skip it if you want a plain dark finish; Restoration Shop Jet Black gloss acrylic enamel is a listed solid-color option.

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This is suited to buyers planning a broad silver metallic acrylic enamel repaint and wanting hardener and preparation items in the kit. Its metallic character and specific silver shade are important boundaries for matching an existing finish.

Full product details
BrandRestoration Shop
ColorIridium Silver Metallic
Container TypeCan
Included Components1 Gallon of AE Acrylic Enamel Paint Color, 1 Pint of AE3001 Wet Look Acrylic Hardener, 5 Pack of 190 Micron Nylon Automotive Strainers, 5 Pack of Wood Paint Mixing Sticks
Item FormLiquid
Item Volume1 gallons
Item Weight17 pounds
ManufacturerRestoration Shop
Size128 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Special FeatureUV Resistant
Special FeaturesUV Resistant
Additional InformationImportant Information Proposition 65 Warning for California Consumers WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm – www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

Listed on Amazon as: Restoration Shop Iridium Silver Metallic Acrylic Enamel Paint – Gallon Kit

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Restoration Shop Fire Red Pearl

#7

7. Restoration Shop Fire Red Pearl

  • Volume: 1 quarts
  • Size: 10.67 Fl Oz (Pack of 12)
  • Form: Liquid

Best for: Red Pearl Acrylic Enamel Repaints.

Why it ranks #7: This gallon acrylic enamel kit includes hardener, strainers, and mixing sticks, with an 8:1 mix ratio and over one gallon sprayable.

Fire Red Pearl gives this gallon-scale Restoration Shop acrylic enamel kit a red finish with a pearl identity, rather than a plain solid red option. It includes a pint of AE3001 hardener and provides over one gallon of sprayable material, enabling a sizable batch with the core hardener supplied.

The 8:1 mix ratio specifies how the paint and included pint of acrylic hardener are combined; the kit also supplies five strainers and five mixing sticks for preparation. Its packaged formula is 2.8 VOC and requires no reducer, so no reducer addition is necessary for the listed setup. The gallon-scale sprayable yield supports a larger refinish, while the red pearl color makes shade and finish matching especially important.

Pros
  • Fire Red Pearl acrylic enamel color
  • Over one gallon of sprayable material
  • Includes one pint of AE3001 hardener
  • Includes five strainers and five mixing sticks
Cons
  • Its Fire Red Pearl shade is a poor fit when a solid, non-pearl red is required.

Skip it if you need a plain solid-color finish; Restoration Shop Jet Black gloss enamel offers a listed non-pearl color choice.

Consider it for a sizable red pearl acrylic enamel repaint where the included hardener and preparation supplies suit the workflow. The distinct pearl shade is a key fit consideration when matching existing paint or seeking a solid red finish.

Full product details
BrandRestoration Shop
ColorRed
Color Code#FF0000
Container TypeCan
Included ComponentsHardener, Stir Stick, Strainers
Item FormLiquid
Item Volume1 quarts
ManufacturerRestoration Shop
Size10.67 Fl Oz (Pack of 12)
Special FeatureLow VOC, UV Resistant
Special FeaturesLow VOC, UV Resistant
Additional InformationImportant Information Proposition 65 Warning for California Consumers WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm – www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

Listed on Amazon as: Restoration Shop Fire Red Pearl Acrylic Enamel Auto Paint – Gallon Kit

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Restoration Shop Championship White

#8

8. Restoration Shop Championship White

  • Volume: 1 gallons
  • Size: 12 Fl Oz (Pack of 12)
  • Form: Liquid

Best for: Championship White Enamel Repaints.

Why it ranks #8: The complete gallon acrylic enamel kit includes hardener, strainers, and mixing sticks and uses an 8:1 mix ratio for over one gallon sprayable.

Championship White gives this Restoration Shop gallon acrylic enamel kit a clear, specific target for white refinishing rather than an untinted white urethane topcoat. The kit includes AE3001 hardener and provides over one gallon of sprayable material, supporting a broad repaint with core mixing supplies included.

The 8:1 mix ratio defines how to combine the paint and included pint of AE3001 acrylic hardener, while the five strainers and five mixing sticks support preparation. Its packaged formula is 2.8 VOC and requires no reducer, simplifying the stated component list for mixing. Over one gallon of sprayable material makes it relevant to larger jobs, though its Championship White shade and enamel system should match the intended finish.

Pros
  • Championship White acrylic enamel color
  • Over one gallon of sprayable material
  • Includes one pint of AE3001 hardener
  • Includes strainers and mixing sticks
Cons
  • This is an acrylic enamel kit, not a catalyzed acrylic urethane system.

Skip it if you require a catalyzed urethane system; Eastwood Pure White is a two-component acrylic urethane kit with activator included.

It suits buyers seeking Championship White acrylic enamel for a broad repaint, with hardener and preparation supplies bundled. Confirm that this specific white and enamel chemistry suit the vehicle's finish goal rather than a urethane-system requirement.

Full product details
BrandRestoration Shop
ColorChampionship White
Color Code#FFFFFF
Container TypeCan
Included ComponentsHardener, Paint, Stir Stick, Strainers
Item FormLiquid
Item Volume1 gallons
ManufacturerRestoration Shop
Size12 Fl Oz (Pack of 12)
Special FeatureUV Resistant
Special FeaturesUV Resistant
Additional InformationImportant Information Proposition 65 Warning for California Consumers WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm – www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

Listed on Amazon as: Restoration Shop Championship White Acrylic Enamel Auto Paint – Gallon Kit

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Restoration Shop Jet Black Enamel

#9

9. Restoration Shop Jet Black Enamel

  • Volume: 1 quarts
  • Size: 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
  • Form: Liquid

Best for: Quart-Scale Gloss Black Repairs.

Why it ranks #9: This quart acrylic enamel kit includes hardener and strainers and provides over one quart sprayable at an 8:1 mix ratio.

A quart of Jet Black gloss paint paired with a quarter-pint of wet-look acrylic hardener makes this Restoration Shop kit a smaller-batch choice for black refinishing. It supplies over one quart of sprayable material, giving buyers a ready paint-and-hardener combination without committing to the gallon kit's scale.

The 8:1 mix ratio establishes how the acrylic enamel paint and included hardener are combined, while the three 190-micron nylon strainers provide supplies for filtering prepared paint. The packaged formula is 2.8 VOC and requires no reducer, so the stated mix can be approached without a reducer step. Its quart volume and sprayable yield suit more contained work better than a project requiring a gallon-scale batch.

Pros
  • Quart-size Jet Black gloss acrylic enamel kit
  • Over one quart of sprayable material
  • Includes a quarter-pint of AE3001 hardener
  • Includes three 190-micron nylon strainers
Cons
  • The quart-scale yield is limited for a full-size repaint requiring more material.

Skip it if you need more than quart-scale coverage; the Restoration Shop Dove Gray gallon kit supplies over a gallon of sprayable material.

Choose it for a smaller Jet Black gloss refinish where quart-scale material and included hardener are useful. It is less suited to a broad repaint that needs more than one quart of sprayable paint or a color other than black.

Full product details
BrandRestoration Shop
ColorJet Black
Color Code#000000
Container TypeCan
Included ComponentsPaint, Applicators, Strainers
Item FormLiquid
Item Volume1 quarts
ManufacturerRestoration Shop
Size32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Special FeatureUV Resistant
Special FeaturesUV Resistant
Additional InformationImportant Information Proposition 65 Warning for California Consumers WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm – www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

Listed on Amazon as: Restoration Shop Jet Black (Gloss) Acrylic Enamel Auto Paint – Quart Kit

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Restoration Shop Gunmetal Grey

#10

10. Restoration Shop Gunmetal Grey

  • Volume: 1 gallons
  • Size: 128 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
  • Form: Liquid

Best for: Buyers Supplying Their Own Hardener.

Why it ranks #10: This is a gallon of acrylic enamel color only; hardener is not included, so it is a less complete choice than the kits above.

This gallon of Gunmetal Grey Metallic is paint color only, giving buyers who already have a compatible hardener a direct route to the shade without buying another hardener. It can be sprayed as is, while the listing recommends adding AE3001 hardener for a harder, glossier, more durable final finish.

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The product is a full gallon of acrylic enamel color, but AE3001 Wet-Look Acrylic Hardener is not included and must be sourced separately if using the stated 8:1 ratio with hardener. That distinction affects preparation and supplies planning. The listing says the color can be sprayed as is, yet recommends hardener for a harder, glossier, more durable finish, so buyers should choose their workflow with that trade-off in mind.

Pros
  • Gunmetal Grey Metallic acrylic enamel color
  • One-gallon quantity of paint color
  • Can be sprayed as is
  • 8:1 ratio specified when used with hardener
Cons
  • AE3001 hardener is not included and is sold separately.

Skip it if you want the hardener in the same package; Restoration Shop Iridium Silver Metallic comes as a complete gallon kit with hardener.

This paint-only gallon suits a buyer with hardener already available or one planning to source it separately. Factor in the additional mixing component if you want the harder, glossier, more durable finish the listing associates with hardener.

Full product details
BrandRestoration Shop
ColorGrey
Color Code#4A5D68
Container TypeCan
Item FormLiquid
Item Volume1 gallons
Item Weight11 pounds
ManufacturerRestoration Shop
Size128 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Special FeatureUV Resistant
Special FeaturesUV Resistant
Additional InformationImportant Information Proposition 65 Warning for California Consumers WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm – www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

Listed on Amazon as: Restoration Shop Gunmetal Grey Metallic Acrylic Enamel Auto Paint – Gallon

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Avoiding activator and hardener mix-ups

The main avoidable buying mistake is treating every paint container as a complete kit: some listed products do not include the component needed for the intended catalyzed system. Eastwood Electric Yellow explicitly requires an activator that is not included, while Eastwood Pure White and Black Cherry Pearl include 32 ounces of medium-speed activator with 96 ounces of paint. Restoration Shop Gunmetal Grey is a gallon of color only; its listing says hardener is not included and recommends using one for a harder, glossier, more durable finish.

By contrast, the Restoration Shop acrylic enamel kits listed here include a pint of hardener with a gallon of paint. Check the exact product listing and its instructions before ordering or mixing.

Do not assume the activator or hardener from one chemistry or product line is compatible with another; the supplied facts do not establish interchangeability.

How to Choose Single-Stage Auto Paint

Paint chemistry and finish system

Choose the chemistry and system that match your intended process, rather than relying on color alone. Eastwood’s Pure White and Black Cherry Pearl are described as catalyzed single-stage acrylic urethanes, mixed 3:1 with activator. Restoration Shop offers acrylic enamel kits mixed 8:1 with acrylic hardener, plus a black acrylic urethane kit mixed 4:1 with urethane hardener.

These are distinct systems, so do not assume their components or instructions are interchangeable. Buyers specifically seeking an explicitly identified single-stage urethane can favor the Eastwood options; buyers comparing acrylic enamel colors and complete kits can consider Restoration Shop’s enamel choices.

Verify the product’s directions and compatibility with the vehicle and existing finish before application.

Kit contents and mix ratio

Check whether the package includes its hardener or activator, then use the stated ratio to plan mixing. Eastwood Pure White and Black Cherry Pearl include 96 ounces of paint and 32 ounces of activator for a 3:1 mix. Eastwood Electric Yellow requires an activator sold separately.

Restoration Shop acrylic enamel gallon kits include a pint of hardener and use an 8:1 ratio; the Jet Black acrylic urethane kit includes a quart of hardener and uses a 4:1 ratio. Gunmetal Grey is paint only.

A buyer wanting an included component can favor a complete kit, while someone already sourcing a compatible component may consider a color-only option—but should confirm compatibility and instructions first.

Quantity, coverage, and color

Match the package amount and listed coverage to the scale of the job, while treating color choice as a separate requirement. The Eastwood Pure White and Black Cherry Pearl kits each make one sprayable gallon and list approximate coverage of 125 square feet; Electric Yellow also lists 125 square feet and makes one sprayable gallon when mixed with its required activator. Restoration Shop has both gallon kits and a quart Jet Black enamel kit, which provides over one quart sprayable.

That quart format may suit a smaller project, whereas gallon kits offer more material for larger jobs. Coverage is approximate, and the supplied facts do not say how many coats or the vehicle’s surface area will require, so plan with the product instructions and project dimensions.

Which Single-Stage Auto Paint Should You Choose?

For a complete, explicitly identified single-stage urethane kit in white, choose Eastwood Pure White Single Stage: it includes activator, makes one sprayable gallon, and lists 125-square-foot coverage. For a dark pearl color in the same 3:1 catalyzed system, choose Eastwood Black Cherry Pearl. If yellow is the priority, Eastwood Electric Yellow lists the same approximate coverage, but remember its activator is not included.

Buyers considering acrylic enamel with hardener and prep accessories can compare Restoration Shop Dove Gray Enamel, Iridium Silver Enamel, Fire Red Pearl, and Championship White. For a black urethane kit with hardener, choose Restoration Shop Jet Black Urethane; for a smaller quart enamel kit, consider Restoration Shop Jet Black Enamel.

Gunmetal Grey is paint only, so confirm the needed hardener separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can acrylic enamel be used as a single-stage automotive finish?

Yes, acrylic enamel can be used as a single-stage finish when the product is formulated and applied for that use. Check the specific paint’s instructions for mixing, hardener requirements, and application. The listed enamel options differ in what is included, so verify whether a hardener comes with the kit before planning the job.

Do I need a respirator and other protective equipment when spraying automotive paint?

Yes, use appropriate respiratory and personal protective equipment when spraying automotive paint. Follow the product label and safety data for the specific coating and activator, and ensure the work area has suitable ventilation. Do not assume a household mask is adequate; select protective equipment based on the product’s hazards and applicable safety guidance.

How should I prepare and prime a car before applying single-stage paint?

Prepare the surface according to the paint maker’s instructions: clean it, remove contaminants and loose or failing coatings, and sand or repair as needed. Use a compatible primer where the substrate or repair requires it, then allow it to dry and prepare it as directed. Confirm compatibility before applying the topcoat.

What should I check before choosing one of these paint kits?

Check the paint chemistry, mix ratio, included activator or hardener, kit size, and stated coverage. The Eastwood white and Black Cherry Pearl options are identified as 3:1 catalyzed single-stage systems; the white kit includes activator. Electric Yellow lists the same approximate coverage, but its activator is not included.

Does every paint option include the hardener or activator?

No. The listings do not all include the same components: Eastwood Pure White includes its medium-speed activator, while Eastwood Electric Yellow does not include its activator. Gunmetal Grey is paint only, so confirm the compatible hardener separately.

Check each kit’s contents and mixing instructions before ordering or beginning work.

Final Words

For a clearly identified white single-stage urethane kit, Eastwood Pure White is the most straightforward choice: it includes the activator for its 3:1 mix, makes one sprayable gallon, and lists approximate coverage of 125 square feet. Choose Black Cherry Pearl for a dark pearl in that catalyzed system, or compare the enamel kits for other colors. Check included hardeners and activators carefully, especially for Electric Yellow and Gunmetal Grey.

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