Start Here — Which Paint Kit Is Right for Me?
New to painting? Here's how to pick the right kit, find your color, and get everything you need in one order.
Welcome to The Spray Source
Whether you're painting your first car or your fiftieth, we're here to make the process easier. The Spray Source is the only company in the world that offers a complete vehicle paint kit — everything you need to paint your entire car, delivered to your door.
This Learning Center is your go-to resource for understanding our products, learning proper paint techniques, and getting the confidence to tackle your project.
Where to Begin
If you're brand new to painting: Start with our Complete Vehicle Paint Kits. Each kit includes basecoat, clearcoat, primer, reducer, activator, and prep materials — no guesswork.
If you're choosing a color: Order Painted Color Samples first. See the actual color sprayed out before committing to a full kit.
If you want video walkthroughs: Visit our Car Kit Resource Hub for step-by-step instructions, videos, and tips from real painters.
If something went wrong with your paint job: Check our Paint Troubleshooting Guide for diagnosis and fixes.
What Are You Painting?
Pick your project and we'll point you to the right kit and guide.
Vehicle Kit, Spray Can Kit, or Basecoat Only?
Complete Vehicle Paint Kit — The right choice for a whole car, truck, SUV or motorcycle. You answer four quick questions (kit size, project type, what you're painting, and your painting temperature) and we build the kit: basecoat, clearcoat, primer, reducer, activator, and prep materials, all sized for your vehicle. Shop vehicle paint kits or read how to choose a kit.
Spray Can Kit — No spray gun or compressor? Our aerosol spray cans contain the same Alpha Automotive Paint formulas — basecoats, 2K clearcoats, and primers — in a ready-to-spray can. Perfect for wheels, calipers, bumpers, small panels, motorcycles, bikes, guitars, and hobby projects. Read the spray can guide.
Basecoat Only — Already have primer, clear, and a spray gun? Order your color by the pint, quart, or gallon. For touch-ups or single panels, a pint or quart is usually plenty. Shop basecoat.
Which spray can kit do I need?
Every kit has the primer, color, 2K clear and the prep supplies for that job, plus the cheat sheet. Pick by what you're painting.
| Kit | Covers | Color cans | 1K epoxy | 2K clear | Prep & masking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheels | 4 wheels up to 20" | 4 | 2 | 3 | 4 scuff pads, 4 tire masks |
| Brake calipers | 4 calipers, 11–12" | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 scuff pads, tape, drop film |
| Motorcycle | Most frames S–XL | 4 | 2 | 3 | 4 scuff pads, tape, drop film |
| Bike | Most frames S–XL | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 scuff pads, tape |
| Guitar | Body (neck not included) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 scuff pads, tape |
White and other light ground-coat colors add Wicked White cans. Damaged or curb-rashed parts also need the 1K high build primer.
How to Choose & Order Your Vehicle Paint Kit
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See the Color in Person
Shop painted samples →Before committing to a full kit, order Painted Samples to see your chosen color under real lighting conditions. Bundle discounts apply when you order several, and you can add a prepaid return label to send samples back for store credit.
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Choose Your Color
Browse basecoat colors →Browse the full color catalog or filter by color family and type — Pearl, Candy, Colorshift, Metallic, or Solid. Repainting a factory color? Our OEMatch basecoats are mixed to your vehicle's factory color code.
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Answer 4 Simple Questions
When you add a kit to cart, you'll be asked:
1. What size kit do you need? Motorcycle, Coupe, Sedan, SUV, or Truck.
2. What type of project is this? Metal Up — stripping to bare metal, full restoration. Light Body Work — good shape overall, just need to spot-prime some areas. Scuff & Shoot — current paint is in good condition, just scuff and spray over it.
3. What are you painting? Full Color Change — entire vehicle including door jambs, engine bay, etc. Exterior Panels Only — just the outside panels.
4. What temperature will you be painting in? This determines the speed of your hardeners, reducers, and clearcoats. Most DIY projects fall in the 71–90°F range — consider the time of year, time of day, and your paint area or garage.
💡 When in doubt, always size UP. Running out mid-job is much worse than having a little left over.Shop vehicle paint kits → -
Download the Cheat Sheet
Download the cheat sheet (PDF) →Before painting, get the free Tips & Tricks Cheat Sheet with mix ratios and spray gun settings. Download the PDF, order a free paper copy, or read the full tips & tricks guide.
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Check the Technical Data Sheets
All technical data sheets →For detailed product specifications and application instructions — mix ratios, flash times, recoat windows — read the TDS for every product in your kit before you start spraying.
How to Find Your Color Code
Color codes are usually on a sticker or plate on your vehicle — common locations include the driver's door jamb, glove box, trunk lid, or under the hood. Search "[your year make model] paint code location" for specifics.
Will it match my car's color? Our OEMatch basecoats are mixed to your vehicle's factory color code. However, your car's paint may have faded, aged, or been previously repainted — so always blend into the surrounding panels for the best result. A painted sample held up to your car in daylight is the best way to check before you order.
How Much Paint Do I Need?
Our complete vehicle paint kits are sized for full vehicle coverage — choose the kit size that matches your vehicle (Motorcycle, Coupe, Sedan, SUV, or Truck). For touch-ups or single panels, order basecoat by the pint or quart.
Tip: Still not sure? It's always better to size up. More product means you'll have more than enough to complete the project, which is much better than running out before the job is done. Our team can also help you pick the right kit and recommend quantities — open the chat (the chat bubble in the corner of every page), call or text 508-316-9868.
Kit & Color Questions
How much paint do I need?
Our complete vehicle paint kits are sized for full vehicle coverage. For touch-ups or single panels, order by the pint or quart.
Ask the paint expert about this →Will this match my car's color?
Our OEM basecoats are matched to your vehicle's factory color code. However, your car's paint may have faded, aged, or been previously repainted — so always blend into the surrounding panels for the best results.
Ask the paint expert about this →Can I use a different brand's clearcoat over your basecoat?
We strongly recommend using Alpha clearcoats for full compatibility. Mixing brands can cause adhesion failure or chemical reactions between products.
Ask the paint expert about this →How do I find my color code?
Color codes are usually on a sticker or plate on your vehicle — common locations include the driver's door jamb, glove box, trunk lid, or under the hood. Search "[your year make model] paint code location" for specifics.
Ask the paint expert about this →Tutorials & deep dives
Long-form how-tos from The Spray Source YouTube channel.
No tutorials on this topic yet. Browse everything on our YouTube channel.
Tommy answers your questions
Real questions from the community, answered by Tommy Nelson on TikTok.
No answers on this topic yet. Browse everything on Tommy's TikTok.
Still stuck? Ask the paint expert
Our team paints with these products every day. Ask a quick question and get a straight answer.
