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More Resources
Get the most out of your paint kit with these guides:
Tips, Tricks & Mix Ratios — All the mix ratios, reducer guide, spray gun settings, prep tips, and troubleshooting in one place.
Step-by-Step Car Kit Guide — Our complete 14-step walkthrough for painting a vehicle with a TSS kit, with video tutorials.
Technical Data Sheets Hub — Official TDS for every Alpha Automotive product.
Download the Cheat Sheet (PDF) — Steps, ratios, and spray gun settings on one handy card.
Painting a Vehicle as a DIY Customer — Using TSS Car Paint Kits
After you choose the color you want to paint your project, you just need to answer 4 easy questions and we handle the rest! We have kits for any project size — motorcycles, coupes, sedans, SUVs, and even trucks. We have kits for any project type — metal up restorations, projects that need light body work, or even scuff & shoots!
What to Expect When Purchasing a TSS Car Paint Kit
In this video Tommy (TSS' owner) talks with Motorhead Garage on MotorTrend about all of the key benefits of our complete car kits! After you choose the color you want to paint your project, you just need to answer 4 easy questions and we handle the rest!
Kits for any project size: Motorcycles, Coupes, Sedans, SUVs, and even trucks!
Kits for any project type: Metal up restoration, projects that need light body work, or even scuff & shoots!
What Size Kit Should I Choose?
Not sure exactly what size you need for your project? Tommy answers some questions about this and we have an easy to follow guide below!
Tip: Still not sure? It's always better to size UP! More product guarantees you will have more than enough to complete the project which is MUCH better than running out before completing the job.
What 'Project Type' Do I Choose?
In this video we go over the different type of projects and the different components and steps needed for each. No matter the scope of your project — we have a kit for you!
Metal Up: A project being stripped to bare metal and restored all the way up.
Light Body Work: A project overall in good shape but needing some body work; you'll need to spot prime those areas before painting.
Scuff & Shoot: A project in mint condition that doesn't need body work. Usually newer vehicles OR budget/quick projects where you don't care about spraying over the current condition. The current finish just gets "scuffed" and then painted.
What's Being Painted?
In this video we also go over what each term means when we ask 'What's Being Painted'.
Full Color Change: Changing the entire color of your vehicle's exterior, door jambs, engine bay, etc.
Exterior Panels Only: ONLY painting the exterior. NOT the door jambs, engine bay, etc.
Why Does Temperature Matter?
The temperature you choose for your Car Paint Kit is actually really important! Most people who are not a professional painter have no idea that the speed/temperature of your hardeners, reducers, and clearcoats are make or break for your project's longevity & final finish.
That being said, DON'T WORRY! We have your back! Just choose the approximate temperature you plan to be painting in! This means — think about when and where you plan to be spraying. What time of year, what time of day, the building/structure you plan to paint in, etc.
Most projects are sprayed in 71–90°F.
Still More Questions? Or Not Sure What Else You Need?
Finish watching our video for a few items you may also need to get from us to make sure you have everything needed! If you need to reach out — our chat is on the bottom right of this page or call/text us at 508-316-9868.
Want to See the Color in Person Before Committing?
It's important to see a sprayed out sample of the chosen color BEFORE deciding to purchase a complete Car Paint Kit. Seeing them in person, under different lighting and angles will make you 100% sure you are ready to paint!
Join The Spray Source Paint Community
Thousands of painters share their builds, ask questions, and swap tips in our TSS Facebook Community Group. Whether you're planning your first project or your fiftieth, the community has your back. Tommy and the TSS team are active in the group answering questions, sharing new content, and featuring customer builds.
Download the Free Cheat Sheet
All the steps, mix ratios, spray gun settings, and pro tips on one handy reference card. Thousands of painters keep this pinned in their garage. Download the PDF free or order a paper copy shipped with your next order.
Car Kit FAQ
Which kit size do I need?
Motorcycle/bike: 1–2 quarts basecoat + 1 quart clear. Small car: 3–4 quarts + 1 gallon clear. Medium car: 4–5 quarts + 1–1.5 gallons clear. Large car/truck/SUV: 5–8 quarts + 1.5–2 gallons clear. Single panel: 1 pint–1 quart + 1 quart clear. When in doubt, always size UP — more product is much better than running out mid-project.
What's included in a car paint kit?
Every kit includes: AP-7541 DTM Primer/Sealer (gray, black, or white), your chosen basecoat color, urethane reducer matched to your spray temperature, activator/hardener for primer and clearcoat, Alpha 2K clearcoat, and step-by-step instructions. 3-stage colors also include the correct undercoat. Optional add-ons: masking tape/paper, body filler, spray glaze, OptiGrit sandpaper, scuff pads, wax & grease remover, and tack cloths.
What's the difference between Metal Up, Light Body Work, and Scuff & Shoot?
Metal Up: Stripped to bare metal and restored from scratch — full primer, sealer, basecoat, clearcoat. Best for complete restorations.
Light Body Work: Vehicle is overall in good shape but has some areas needing filler and spot priming before paint.
Scuff & Shoot: Vehicle is in mint condition or it's a budget/quick build — just scuff the existing finish and paint over it. No body work or heavy primer needed.
What's the difference between OEM and Custom Color kits?
OEMatch Kits: Factory-matched colors for 100+ makes. Perfect for matching your vehicle's original color. 2-stage and 3-stage options available. Note: all OEM colors should be blended into surrounding panels since original paint fades over time.
Custom Color Kits: Colorshifts, candies, metallics, pearls, and solid colors — unique finishes you won't find at a body shop counter. Choose from 500+ options.
Why does the temperature setting matter?
Temperature determines which reducer and activator/hardener speed goes in your kit. The wrong speed can cause solvent pop, runs, or poor adhesion. Choose the approximate temperature you plan to be painting in — time of year, time of day, and the building you're spraying in all matter. Most projects are sprayed in 71–90°F. Reducer guide: AR-3060 (Fast, below 65°F), AR-3070 (Medium, 65–80°F), AR-3080 (Slow, 80–90°F), AR-3090 (Extra Slow, 90°F+).
Do I need a spray gun? What kind?
Yes — you need an HVLP spray gun with a 1.3–1.4mm nozzle for basecoat and clearcoat. For high-build primer, use a 1.8–2.0mm nozzle. You also need an air compressor: 12+ CFM at 40 PSI, 60 gallon tank minimum (30 gallon bare minimum for panels only). Must have a moisture separator and water trap. We sell spray guns and equipment if you need them.
Can I choose any color?
Absolutely! Select from 500+ colors including custom, OEM factory-match, candy, metallic, pearl, colorshift, and solid options. We also offer tri-stage colors that include the required undercoat automatically.
What are the mix ratios for the products in my kit?
AP-7541 DTM Primer (Sealer): 4:1:2 (primer : activator : reducer)
Alpha Basecoat: 1:1 (basecoat : reducer)
AC-4521 HS Glamour Clearcoat: 2:1 (clearcoat : activator, no reducer needed)
Full details on the included cheat sheet and on our Tips & Tricks page.
Should I order a painted sample first?
Highly recommended! Painted samples are $11.99 each (buy 3 = 10% off, buy 6 = 20% off). Seeing the color in person under different lighting makes you 100% sure before committing to a full kit. We offer a prepaid return label for $6.99. Shop the Painted Sample Bundle Builder here.
What if I'm a complete beginner — can I still do this?
Yes! Our kits are designed for first-time painters. We include step-by-step instructions, a downloadable cheat sheet, and have dozens of tutorial videos on our YouTube channel. Our customer service team is available by phone, text, email, and chat to walk you through every step. 25,000+ paint jobs have been completed with our kits — many by people who had never sprayed paint before.
What's a tri-stage color and do I need an undercoat?
Tri-stage colors (like certain pearls, candies, and OEM colors) require a specific undercoat sprayed underneath the basecoat for the correct color match. Don't worry — our website automatically detects tri-stage colors and prompts you to add the undercoat. Ground coat options: Black, White, Grey, or Iris Smoke depending on the color.
Can I use spray cans instead of a spray gun?
Yes — we offer the same Alpha formulas in aerosol cans. Great for wheels, bumpers, panels, helmets, and small projects. Our 2K clearcoat cans have a 24–48 hour pot life after activation. You can wet sand and polish spray can clear just like spray gun application. Shop Spray Cans.
Do you ship paint internationally?
Paint (hazmat) ships to US, Canada, and Mexico only via UPS Ground. Non-hazmat items (painted samples, pigments, tools, merch) ship worldwide. Free shipping on orders $500+. Standard processing is 1–2 business days, mixed paint orders take 3–4 days.
What's the return policy on paint kits?
Unopened/unmixed products can be returned within 10 days. Opened, used, or mixed paint cannot be returned. We charge a 2.5% purchase fee + 2.5% refund processing fee on returns. After 10 days it's case-by-case with a 10% restocking fee + return shipping. We also offer order protection (third-party shipping insurance) at checkout.
How do I contact you for help with my project?
We're here every step of the way! Chat: bottom-right of this page. Call/Text: 508-316-9868. Email: help@thespraysource.com. Our full-time customer service team handles calls, texts, emails, chats, and social media messages.
Shop Vehicle Paint Kits
Not Sure Which Kit? Contact Us
Our team will help you pick the right kit for your project — call/text 508-316-9868
