When restoring or repainting a classic car, choosing the right paint matters just as much as the prep work. Modern paint systems have their place, but for many classic vehicles, coach enamel is still one of the best options available.
Here’s why it continues to be the go-to choice for restorers, enthusiasts, and professionals.
What makes classic cars different?
Classic cars weren’t designed with modern paint systems in mind. Most were originally finished in single-stage paints, often applied by hand or with early spray equipment.
That means:
softer body lines
less reliance on clear coats
finishes designed to be repaired, not replaced
Using a paint that suits the era of the vehicle usually gives a more authentic and longer-lasting result.
What is coach enamel?
Coach enamel is a single-stage, high-gloss paint that combines colour and durability in one coat system.
Unlike modern basecoat/clearcoat systems, coach enamel:
doesn’t rely on a separate clear coat
cures more slowly, allowing it to level naturally
can be brushed, rolled, or sprayed
can be flatted and polished once cured
Why coach enamel still wins for classic cars
1️⃣ Authentic finish
Coach enamel produces a deep, traditional gloss that suits older vehicles perfectly.
Modern paints can sometimes look:
too flat
too “plastic”
too sharp or reflective for classic bodywork
Coach enamel gives a finish that looks right on older cars.
2️⃣ Repairable and forgiving
Classic cars get used, worked on, and occasionally damaged.
With coach enamel:
stone chips can be touched in
small repairs can be blended
panels don’t always need full resprays
That makes long-term ownership far easier and cheaper.
3️⃣ Ideal for home restorations
Not everyone restoring a classic has access to a professional spray booth.
Coach enamel works well for:
garage painting
brushing or rolling
smaller compressors and spray setups
It levels as it cures, helping reduce brush marks and minor texture.
This is also where coach enamel has a big safety advantage over 2K paints.
Two-pack (2K) paints contain isocyanates, which are extremely dangerous if sprayed without the correct equipment. Safe use requires:
a proper spray booth
air-fed breathing apparatus
full protective PPE
Spraying 2K at home without this setup can be seriously harmful to your health, or your surroundings.
Coach enamel does not contain isocyanates, making it far more suitable for home use when applied with sensible ventilation and basic protective equipment.
4️⃣ Tough, durable finish
Once fully cured, coach enamel is:
hard-wearing
resistant to everyday use
suitable for vehicles that are driven, not just displayed
It’s been used on working vehicles, commercial fleets, and classics for decades for a reason.
5️⃣ Better suited to older panels
Older panels often have:
repairs
filler work
less-than-perfect metal
Coach enamel is more forgiving over these surfaces compared to some modern systems that highlight every imperfection.
Coach enamel vs modern paint systems
Coach enamel
✅ Traditional look
✅ Single-stage system
✅ Easier repairs
✅ Home-friendly
✅ Long working time
❌ Slower curing
❌ Needs patience
Modern basecoat + clear coat
✅ Fast drying
✅ Very hard finish
✅ Wider range of metallics
❌ Less authentic look
❌ More complex system
❌ Harder to repair invisibly
❌ Often needs a booth and PPE
What types of classic cars suit coach enamel best?
Coach enamel is particularly popular for:
classic British cars
vintage vehicles
Land Rovers
commercial classics
tractors and utility vehicles
motorcycles and heritage machinery
Anywhere a traditional gloss and repairability matter, coach enamel shines.
Is coach enamel right for every classic?
Not always.
If you want:
ultra-fast turnaround
modern finishes
…a modern system may suit better.
But if you want:
the right look
a durable, repairable finish
something true to the vehicle’s roots
👉 coach enamel is hard to beat.
Final thoughts
For classic cars, newer doesn’t always mean better.
Coach enamel has stood the test of time because it works – it looks right, it lasts, and it suits the way classic cars are restored and used. That’s why, decades on, it’s still one of the best paints for classic cars.
