What makes it expensive is 1) the polymers that allow it to take a
rock and NOT chip (i.e. flexibility of the paint), an 2) the UV
protector portions. Automotive paint uses various pigments that are
designed to not fade in the harsh outdoor environment. At least the
good stuff does. Historically VW has had a very hard time with RED
colors (though some of their blacks have been outstanding.)

Over the counter paints use various solvents, which will nasty and
such, are...relatively safe to expose normal consumers to. Automotive
paints, on the other hand use solvents, which are nasty, nasty, nasty.
You really should use a respirator when applying them.

On Aug 15, 2008, at 3:20 PM, Tom Buese wrote:

> On Aug 15, 2008, at 1:02 PM, Mike Elliott wrote:
>
>> Troy, I believe every word you say about cheap hardware store paint
>> vs
>> professional-grade paint. From my own experience in other fields of
>> endeavor I know that retail-quality items are usually nearly junk.
>> However -- what the heck could be in a gallon of paint to make it
>> cost
>> $300? I'm not saying it isn't worth it, I'm saying that I know next
>> to
>> nothing about paints and can't figure out what rare and expensive
>> compounds are in there to make it cost so much.
>
> $300/gal. is cheap for automotive paint?  I think the good stuff is
> $600-800 gal?
>
> YMMV,
>
> Mr. BZ-still don't know  why it's so much tho