Build a paint kit:

• On the website we have a paint kit builder that allows you to choose what you are painting and we create a complete cart to make sure you get all of the paint components needed for your project!.
• Build Your Own Paint kit and choose just the items and quantities you need for your project.
• All OEMatch Basecoats require our Gray AP-7541g Sealer as the ground coat and then needs to be topped with one of our Alpha Automotive Clearcoats. Please make sure you at least get those for your project.

Tri-stage paint application:

1. Decide the panels that need to be painted / blended into. With OEM paint, you want to blend into surrounding panels to guarantee a good match and final result.
2. Clean all panels you plan to paint with wax & grease remover or isopropyl alcohol
3. Complete any bodywork and high build priming as needed
4. Sand the panels with 600 grit or a gray scuff pad to make sure there is no shiny areas
5. Reclean the panels with wax & grease remover or isopropyl alcohol
6. If complete panel replacement: Seal the replacement panel completely and blend into the surrounding panels as needed with our AP-7541g Gray Sealer
7. If spot repair on an OEM painted panel: Spot seal the repair area with our AP-7541g Gray Sealer, blending into the panel to have a slow transition of sealer into the sanded factory paint
   *Allow the sealer to air dry for 1hour (after dry to touch) before moving on.
8. Spray 2-3 coats of the Required Undercoat, blending into the surrounding panels or the OEM sanded finish if doing a spot repair. You are ready to spray the next undercoat layer when the finish is “matte” and dry to the touch.
   Pro Tip: You can check masking with a gloved finger to confirm its dry
9. Spray 2-4 coats of OEMatch Basecoat over the undercoat , blending into the surrounding panels or the OEM sanded finish if doing a spot repair. You are looking for full coverage and effect. You are ready to spray the next basecoat layer when the finish is “matte” and dry to the touch.
   Pro Tip: You can check masking with a gloved finger to confirm its dry
10. Once you have full paint coverage and are happy with your blends, wait 1 hour and move on to the next step: Clearcoat!
11. Follow the mixing ratios on the Alpha Automotive Clearcoat and then spray 2-3 medium wet coats on the complete panels. This will encapsulate the blended paint and give the entire panel fresh clearcoat that has deep gloss and protection.
    Pro Tip: Recoat clearcoat when the previous coat is “fingerprinty” - you can check this by touching surrounding masking. Usually about 10 mins
12. Let dry for at least 8 hours - then unmask / assemble!

What is blending?

Blending (also called "feathering out" or "melting in") means you gradually taper your new basecoat outward so that the metallic orientation, pearl load, and color tone flow naturally into the existing OEM finish. Instead of stopping the color at a hard tape line, you create a smooth visual transition. The clearcoat then covers the entire panel (or the blend area + full panel), locking everything in and making the repair seamless.