Advanced DIY: Demystifying Tri-Coat Paints

Have you ever stared into the shimmering, multidimensional finish on a modern, high-end car? If so, then chances are it was a tri-coat paint system. This process, used for decades on show cars, utilizes three distinct paint layers to achieve unparalleled depth and mesmerizing effects. For DIYers, repairing or refinishing a tri-coat finish requires a bit more skill than traditional paints. Here we’ll explain tri-coat finishes in depth (no pun intended), including how to identify if your vehicle has one, and guide you on how to blend, refinish, or repaint these stunning finishes.

Most automotive enthusiasts are probably familiar with the two common types of traditional paint systems – single-stage and base/clear. Single-stage finishes are exactly what they sound like: the paint is sprayed onto the vehicle in a single layer. Multiple coats may be applied, but each one encompasses color, additives (metallics, pearls, etc., if any), and gloss enhancement (clear).

Base/clear or two-stage systems have two primary components – a base coat (color plus any additives) and a clear coat. Each of these may also be applied in multiple coats, but always in distinct layers. In other words, all layers of base coat are sprayed entirely before any clear is applied.

Tri-coat or three-stage finishes utilize three unique layers to achieve a deep, vibrant, and often pearlescent color. Tri-coat is essentially a base/clear system with an additional layer sandwiched between the other two. This “mid coat” layer may contain metallic, pearlescent, mica, flake, color-shifting, or tinted elements. These add depth and drama to the final finish that demand attention and draw onlookers to gaze deeply.

Is Your Finish a Tri-Coat?

So many contemporary cars are currently available with magnificent factory tri-coat finishes. These include a lot of deep reds, pearly whites, and minerally blues and grays such as:

• Ford’s rich Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, a deep red with a fine metallic finish
• Cadillac’s sparkling White Diamond Tricoat with pearlescent highlights
• Lexus’s Eminent White Pearl, a fittingly luxurious pearlescent white
• Mazda’s sophisticated Machine Gray Metallic with a fine metallic sheen
• BMW’s Tanzanite Blue II Metallic, a deep blue with a pearlescent effect
• Audi’s Misano Red Pearl Effect, a vibrant red with a pearly sheen

Figuring out whether a vehicle was originally painted with a tri-coat paint system can be challenging without professional tools. It’s helpful to start by knowing the vehicle’s paint code. Depending on the car or truck, this is commonly found on a production sticker or plate under the hood or in the trunk. Entering that code in an online paint resource like Eastwood’s OEM Select paint finder can help you determine its composition.

Other documentation may include a vehicle’s original window sticker, which might spell out the finish as a tri-coat. If the color in question is still offered on new vehicles, the manufacturer’s website might also be helpful. If these don’t prove helpful, you can always enlist the help of an automotive paint supply store.

Blending and Painting Tri-Coats

If you’re repairing a tri-coat finish, you should be prepared for a challenge. Blending a tri-coat paint finish requires a more complex process compared to blending a traditional base/clear finish. The biggest challenge is the mid coat, which requires careful application to achieve the desired depth and shimmer.

The mid coat may contain special pigments or effects that require precise application to ensure uniformity. More attention to application direction, layering, and blending is needed to seamlessly match the tri-coat’s visual effects. The blend area, for instance, may need to be larger to achieve a seamless transition.

When painting an entire vehicle with a tri-coat finish, the mid coat once again represents the biggest challenge. Once the base coat is down, it’s critical that the mid coat is mixed and applied consistently before clear is sprayed. If multiple mid coat applications are required, allow each coat to flash before spraying the next.

Whether you’re repairing an existing tri-coat finish or choosing one for a custom project, the rewards for doing it right can be stunning. By following these steps and understanding the differences, you can successfully lay down a quality tri-coat paint finish.