Toyota Camry: Paint Modifications

This article applies to the Toyota Camry (1997-2011).

Let's face it. The Camry is one of the best selling vehicles in the world, which means that there are millions out there just like yours. For some, blending into the crowd might be a good thing. But this isn't the case for automotive enthusiasts. Perhaps you want to make your car reflect your personality and get you noticed on a Saturday night. Or maybe you just need a fresh paint job and don't need custom graphics or flames (boring). No matter what you are looking for, from mild to wild, the possibilities are endless. Keep reading and we'll break down all of the options to help you choose the one that is right for you.

Paint Types

While you have virtually endless choices when it comes to color choices, graphics and visual effects, you have only a handful of choices when it comes to the type of paint you use and its effect. There are essentially four basic types of paint available today: lacquer, enamel, urethane, and water based. Once you choose a paint type, you can choose to go with a solid color, metallic paint, pearlescent, or matte finish.

Lacquer-based Paint

DIY Cost – $200+

Professional Cost – $500+

Skill Level – Easy; Applies easily and is very forgiving.

Lacquer paint was very popular from the 1920's to the 1960's, but is illegal in some areas today. It is very easy to apply and also very cheap, providing a nice high gloss. However, lacquer chips very easily and doesn't stand up well to the sun and various chemicals, so it won't last as long.

Enamel Paint

DIY Cost – $500+

Professional Cost – $750+

Skill Level – Hard; Requires finishing work and extra steps.

Enamel paint is tougher than lacquer as it dries to a hard shell. While they are available in spray cans, professionals bake the paint on. Enamels are more difficult to put down than lacquer and require extra steps to lay down. Two-stage systems require a clear topcoat, while single-stage systems do not.

Urethane Paint

DIY Cost – $750+

Professional Cost – $1,000+

Skill Level – Moderate; Requires more steps than enamel but lays down easily like lacquer.

Urethane paint is newer than enamel and more expensive. To lay down an enamel paint job, you must have a color, reducer (to thin the paint), and a catalyst (reduces drying time). Urethane paint is highly toxic and requires the use of a respirator. However, it is easy to put down and, with proper care, can last for a very long time.

Water-based Paint

DIY Cost – $500+

Professional Cost – $750+

Skill Level – Moderate; Requires extra steps to complete.

Water-based paint is non-toxic and extremely versatile, as it can be applied to a variety of surfaces. It does require a clear topcoat to protect the paint. Water-based paints are growing in popularity, but the color options are currently limited. This means you most likely won't be able to paint just a panel or two right now, but color options are expanding quickly.

Related Discussion

• Paint Job? - Camryforums.com