Working in the garden can often deteriorate the looks of your lawn mowers. Doesn’t it?
When it comes to gardening, lawn mowers play a significant role in keeping your garden in shape. However, lawn mowers are bound to wear out over the years if not appropriately preserved.
Harsh weather conditions and poor storage solutions can often cause your lawn mowers to lose their shine from corrosion and rust.
Lately, I have been looking for ways to preserve my lawn mowers for a longer period, and that’s when my husband recommended using single stage paint. I was having a hard time choosing the ideal one. Eventually, I called up my local gardener Shaun, and he suggested the five best single stage paints currently available in the market.
Hi! I am Stacy, and today I will be guiding you with my unbiased guide on each of Shaun’s recommendations to help you make the right choice. So, let’s begin!
Top 5 Single Stage Paint Reviews
1. Restoration Shop Acrylic Enamel Auto Paint
Ranking first on my list is a product from Restoration Shop, one of the most versatile single stage paints on the market. It comes with a gallon of paint along with five painting sticks and nylon strainers each.
Product Highlights
Right out of the bat, I was impressed by the exceptional paint quality and versatility. It works well with most vehicles as well as other means of transport such as boats, ships, fleets, and many more. So, you can rest assured that it will be suitable for your lawn mowers.
Apart from that, this product is highly beneficial for beginners. It comes along with the required mixing sticks and strainers which are essential for getting your job done. Also, the paint requires no additional reducers.
As time passed by, I was also impressed by the long-lasting durability and resistance against UV rays, chemicals, and other toxic solvents. Plus, the low content of VOC makes this product completely safe and legal to use anywhere.
What’s There To Like About It?
Whether you are a beginner or a professional, you can easily apply this paint without any hassle. The instructions are clear and easy to understand. Besides this, the long-lasting durability and resistance make this an ideal solution for protecting your lawn mowers from harsh weather conditions and chemical corrosion.
Additionally, I will have to commend the manufacturer for including the mixing sticks and strainers. It not only saved my time but also helped me in getting my task done.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
The single stage paint from Restoration Shop is one of the best in the market, especially considering the long-lasting durability and user-friendly approach. However, I still need to apply a few coats to get even and consistent coverage on my lawn mower. Other than this, I couldn't find any other fault.
Pros and Cons of Restoration Shop Acrylic Enamel Auto Paint
Pros
Cons
- Complete 1 Gallon Restoration Shop Acrylic Enamel Auto Paint Kit. The kit provides over one gallon of sprayable material. AE has an 8 to 1 mix ratio and is 2.8 VOC when used as packaged, as no reducer is required (optional reducer sold separately).
- AE Paint Kit includes 1 Gallon of AE Acrylic Enamel Paint Color, 1 Pint of AE3001 Wet Look Acrylic Hardener, 5 Pack of 190 Micron Nylon Automotive Strainers and a 5 Pack of Wood Paint Mixing Sticks.
- The Restoration Shop (AE) Acrylic Enamel System is a Professional Easy-To-Use Single-Stage High Gloss Paint Coating System that is Designed for Overall Automotive Refinishing but is also used as a Fleet and Industrial Equipment Coating.
2. Speedokote SMR-207/211
Coming second on my list is another amazing single stage paint from Speedokote, a brand well known for providing a luscious satin finish and texture. Once it is properly mixed, you will receive superior longevity and adhesion in all your paint jobs.
Product Highlights
Perhaps, the best feature of this single stage paint is the luscious satin and velvety finish that stays durable for a long period. It comes in a one-gallon can along with a 32-ounce activator. Mixing the two components offers better rigidity and durability against UV rays, chemicals, rubbing, and solvents.
While using this product, I was able to protect my lawn mower from fading or chipping as the formula had superior adhesion and longevity. As a beginner, it didn’t take me long to understand the perfect blend ratio of the paint.
Just mix 4 cups of paint for every cup of hardener, and it will give you outstanding performance. Another thing that deserves special mention is, of course, its pricing. At this price range, this product is an absolute bargain.
What’s There To Like About It?
Firstly, I was impressed by the manufacturer when the paint came along with the activator. Mixing the two components gives better results and superior adhesion to your paint job. Along with this, the weatherproofing feature makes this paint extremely durable for all types of weather conditions.
Moreover, the paint is ideal for several spraying methods as long as the gun has a diameter of 1.3-1.4mm.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
Unlike the single-stage paint from Restoration Shop, Speedokote has a higher VOC content. Keeping this in mind, I have ranked this product second on my list. So, proper precautions should be taken while applying this product.
Pros and Cons of Speedokote SMR-207/211
Pros
Cons
- True 2K Urethane Durability
- Uniform Jet Black Color
- Excellent Exterior Stability from UV Light
3. Speedokote High Gloss 2K Acrylic Urethane
The next item on my list is another great paint from Speedokote, a brand known for its excellent customer satisfaction and rating. It comes along with an activator that enhances the overall gloss of your paint job.
Product Highlights
To begin with, this single stage paint performed incredibly well in my rigorous test. The high industry standards make this a suitable option for hot and humid temperatures and outdoor usage. The paint takes 8 hours to cure fully and gives out a nice glossy finish.
Thanks to its UV resistance, the paint remains protected and glossy for a longer period. Unlike most single stage paints, you wouldn’t need to worry about the color turning yellow or losing its glossiness.
Moreover, it is called a 2K paint because the activator enhances the durability, shine, and weatherproofing feature of the paint. The fast-drying formula also comes in handy for short-term projects.
What’s There To Like About It?
When Shaun suggested this product, he bragged about its high gloss finish and enhanced adhesion. Now, even I can testify that the formula is extremely durable and can stay glossy for a longer period, making it ideal for outdoor usage.
The industrial-standard quality of the paint offers consistent performance even at temperatures of 75-90℉. This enables you to work seamlessly during hot and humid temperatures. It is also a convenient choice for HVLP spray guns as the paint can withstand a pressure of 8-10 PSI.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
I must mention that I was a little disappointed with the fast drying time, which is why I have ranked it below Speedokote. Beginners struggle to adjust to the fast drying time of the paint and therefore, this is not ideal for first-time projects.
Pros and Cons of Speedokote High Gloss 2K Acrylic Urethane
Pros
Cons
4. Eastwood 2K Single Stage Paint
While talking about single stage paint, it is difficult to keep Eastwood out of the conversation as it ensures strong chemical resistance and impressive UV resistance. Besides this, the brand website has a variety of colors to choose from.
Product Highlights
I liked quite a few things about this paint; however, what really impressed me was its quality and chemical formulation. You will be pleased to know that the paint was designed with top-quality materials and chemicals to make it highly resistant to UV rays and other harmful chemicals.
The formula eliminates any chance of chipping or abrasion caused due to extreme weather conditions and poor storage. Speaking of which, it also sports a budget-friendly price tag and outstanding customer satisfaction.
Additionally, the brand also provides detailed application instructions to make the painting process a smooth job. Just follow the given instructions, and you will see the wonders. This also means you don’t have to worry about being a beginner or a novice; the brand has you covered.
What’s There To Like About It?
Since this paint has a high chemical resistance and incredible abrasion, it provides strong protection against chipping and corrosion. On top of this, the paint has a high tolerance against temperatures of 300℉, which makes it ideal for an extremely hot and humid environment.
Another point that I would like to mention is the budget-friendly price point. At this price range, this product is ideal for beginners and professionals.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
Unfortunately, I was a little disappointed with the packaging of the product, which is why I have ranked it below High Gloss. Also, I couldn’t find any details related to the warranty of the product.
Pros and Cons of Eastwood 2K Single Stage Paint
Pros
Cons
- Eastwood 2K Ceramic Chassis Black Gloss Qt Hardens cures single-stage paints
- Highly chip resistant
- Incredibly UV-Resistant
5. Auto Paint Pro Acrylic Enamel
Lastly, I would like to talk about this amazing paint from Auto Paint Pro. The manufacturers are well known for their experience and exceptional automotive industry standards. Keep reading to learn more.
Product Highlights
Auto Paint Pro is one of the oldest manufacturers of single stage paint, and it has a well-known reputation for its high industry standards in the automotive industry. Dating back to the 1900s, you would be surprised to see the unlimited color variety and variations. This is a go-to place if you are looking for something different and unique.
The brand provides one gallon of high-quality acrylic enamel auto paint pro along with a pint of wet-look acrylic hardener. Similarly, they also include painting accessories such as a dust mask, quart medium reducer, wood paint mixing sticks, and micron nylon automotive strainers to get your paint job done easily.
Also, the gallon of acrylic enamel is not reduced. But at the same time, the mixing instructions are clearly given on the packaging. I found this extremely beneficial while using this product.
What’s There To Like About It?
While going through this product, I was relieved that the manufacturer paid full attention to details and customer satisfaction. They also included a dust mask and a couple of mixing sticks and strainers to offer complete safety and comfort.
Moving on, for the last 32 years, the brand has been a part of the New York Metropolitan Auto & Body Fender community. They specialize in manufacturing marine and automotive industrial paints.
Lastly, I like how the brand offers custom color matching for greater versatility and options.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
Auto Paint Pro has a strong reputation for being one of the Auto Paint Distributors for Matrix System, Sherwin Williams, and many more similar products, but I was disappointed with its poor shipping quality. In contrast to this, Speedokote delivers better shipping quality and services which makes this product my fifth pick.
Pros and Cons of Auto Paint Pro Acrylic Enamel
Pros
Cons
- Auto Paint Pro Products are manufactured in the USA to the highest automotive industry standards. With an unlimited color database going back into the early 1900's, this is the place that you want to buy.
- 1 - Gallon of High Quality Acrylic Enamel Auto Paint Pro 1 - Pint of Wet-Look Acrylic Hardener ( 181 ) 3 - EA Quality 190 Micron Nylon Automotive Strainers and 3 - EA Wood Paint Mixing Sticks 1 – Quart Medium Reducer ( you can request , Fast or Slow) For the same price. 1 – Quart of Mixing Cup 1 – Dust Mask
- This gallon of acrylic enamel is not reduced , but a full gallon of paint. The mix ratio is: 8:2:1 , translating into , 8 parts paint, 2 parts reducer ( please be aware that you may need more reducer in warm and hot weather conditions ).
Buyers Guide
Now that you have gone through my top recommendations for the best single stage paint, I believe that a buyer’s guide would aid you in making an informed purchase. When I first started my research on single stage paints, I was intrigued by the variety and different factors to consider while purchasing them.
So, in this section, I will explain all the crucial factors to consider while purchasing the right single stage paint. Firstly, you will need to research the brand and understand its work ethic and customer service. Brands that provide complete transparency of information should be your first choice.
Subsequently, you should consider other factors like chemical compositions, warranty, purpose, cure duration, shipping, and many more before sealing a deal with any brand. Some single stage paints provide excellent resistance against UV rays, chemicals, and harsh weather, while other brands offer various accessories along with their paints.
Keeping this goal in mind, I have explained a few important factors to consider while purchasing single stage paint for the first time. I hope you find this useful.
1. VOC Content
First off, VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds which are an essential component in a single stage paint. When buying a single stage paint, you should be aware of the level of VOC content in the paint.
High VOC content tends to release toxic fumes, which are harmful to the human body. Most single stage paints have a higher concentration of VOC content compared to other topcoat paints.
Hence, I would recommend searching for a premium quality single stage paint with an acceptable range of VOC content. In general, the standard limit in most American countries is 4.6 pounds/gallon, while countries like California, Delaware, and Indiana have a stricter acceptance range of 2.8 pounds/gallon or less.
You should also wear proper protective gear such as head protection, aprons, gloves, and eye protection while working with such paints.
2. Polyurethane Level
Another important component used in single stage paints is polyurethane. Many consumers have switched to single stage paints after they realized the benefits of this component.
The addition of polyurethane enhances the overall durability and longevity of the paint. It provides rust-proof protection as well as strong resistance against UV rays, making this paint ideal for outdoor usage.
Choosing the right brand with the highest levels of polyurethane would give you the best results and longevity.
3. Types of Paint
Single stage paints come in various forms, and each serves a different purpose. Understanding the unique property would help you in making the correct decision based on your needs. Primarily, there are four types of single stage paints.
A. Acrylic Enamel
If you are looking for something strong and durable, I recommend you go with acrylic enamel. This paint provides an excellent coat for protection, and it is available in both single stage and double stage categories.
But I wouldn’t recommend it if you are a beginner. This paint requires professional tools and equipment, which are usually expensive.
B. Urethane
Out of all the single stage paints, urethane has the highest resistance to fading and chipping. The paint can last over a decade. You can also apply this paint over any old paint, and it will get the job done.
But you should think twice before committing to this paint as you wouldn’t be able to apply lacquer paint on top of it. Also, the fast-drying properties can be tricky to work with if you are not a professional.
C. Acrylic Lacquer
Unlike the previous two paints, this type has a higher demand in the market. Lacquer paints are easy to use, and they provide an excellent shine to your paint job. The only drawback of this category is the lack of durability against UV exposure which often leads to color fading.
D. Acrylic Urethane
Acrylic Urethane has the perfect blend of durability and convenience. So, you can get the best of both lacquer and enamel properties in just one category. You will only need to be careful of the fast-drying formula.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
Here, I have answered a few questions to help you clear your doubts and queries. I hope you find this helpful.
In simple terms, this is a type of paint that comes with everything added and mixed. You can use the paint without needing to add anything extra. It is extremely affordable, convenient, and efficient. After applying the paint, it leaves a smooth and glossy look that is durable and resistant to most weather conditions. In this regard, single stage paint doesn’t require any topcoats.
The key difference lies in the way you apply the two different paints. When it comes to single stage paints, you can directly apply them over any primed surface without any topcoat requirement. The paint comes with all the required chemicals to give a glossy and durable finish.
On the other hand, double stage paints require two steps to complete the process. The first step requires an application of base paint to prime the surface. Once the surface has a matte finish, the second layer of top coat is applied to turn the base paint into a glossy surface.
This key difference makes single stage paint more affordable and cost-friendly.
Generally, it is not advisable to mix single stage paints as they tend to possess a lower concentration of color pigment. Unlike regular paint, single stage paints don’t reflect light since the clear coat material is already premixed in the whole paint.
As a result, matching different single stage paints could lead to undesired outcomes. Hence, I would recommend using single stage paint as is to get your job done.
Final Verdict
Finally, my extensive guide on the best single stage paint has come to an end. I genuinely hope it was informative and instrumental in helping you make the correct decision. However, if you still have doubts, stick around for a couple of seconds, as I will let you in on my favorite picks.Â
The Restoration Shop was my favorite because it was easy to use and beginner-friendly. Additionally, the Speedokote single stage paint is a great option since it is extremely versatile for most spraying methods.Â
And if you are looking for something more durable and heat resistant, I highly suggest that you check out the Speedokote 2K Acrylic Urethane.Â
On that note, it is time for me to sign off. See you next time!Â