buffing urethane or polyurethane to observe the manufacturers recommendation. Most

      have a buffing window, often not more then 24-48 hours. Buffing within the

      recommended time is usually not difficult. If you wait to long to buff the finish may

      become excessively hard and difficult to buff. This is not an impossible situation it just

      means you'll spend a lot more time buffing. Take some time to research buffing systems

      beforehand, and be prepared ahead. Don't wait until you're finished painting to figure out

      how you're going to buff. If you feel you are not up to the challenge personally, then talk

      with several shops to find someone willing to be creative and find the look you want.

      Understand though that extra effort or time also requires extra expense for the shop. If

      you want an original appearance in urethane type paint it may cost more initially but save

      tremendously over the long term. If you plan on keeping a car, the refinish process is

      something you only want to do once. Metallic finishes are a bit more of a challenge, and

      will require more creativity.

      The difficulty with metallic finishes lies in the fact that much of the color or appearance

      comes from the metallic particles in the paint. Lacquer finishes are fast drying causing

      the flakes to be locked into position quickly. The fast dry causes fewer problems with

      flakes collecting together creating mottling or the flake sinking to deeply into the finish.

      Acrylic or urethane systems dry much slower, allowing a much flatter finish, but also

      giving the flakes time to settle and collect. This requires a different spray technique to

      hold the flakes at the surface and lock them in place. Each paint manufacture has

      recommendations on how to get the flakes to disperse evenly. Research your system to

      find their recommendation. Often the acrylic urethanes are easier to work with in metallic

      finishes. Many paint systems will allow mixing clear coat with the last color coat to even