Autolak

Autolak is the set of coatings applied to automobile bodies to provide color, gloss, and protection. In Dutch usage, autolak covers the entire paint system from primers to topcoats; in English, it is commonly called automotive paint or car paint. The coating serves both aesthetic and protective purposes, helping to resist corrosion, weathering, and minor mechanical damage.

A typical automotive coating system consists of primers, a basecoat or midcoat that provides color, and a clear topcoat that adds gloss and UV protection. Older or specialty systems may use lacquer or enamel finishes, and modern vehicles increasingly use waterborne basecoats with polyurethane or acrylic clearcoats. The basecoat contributes the color and can include metallic or pearlescent effects, while the clearcoat provides depth, shine, and environmental resistance.

Application is done in controlled environments such as spray booths. The process usually starts with surface preparation (cleaning, sanding, and priming), followed by priming and sealing, then basecoat application, and finally clearcoat. Curing may involve heat or UV exposure, depending on the system. Color matching and blending are important for repairs, and refinishing often requires repainting small areas or entire panels to restore uniform appearance.

Finishes can be solid, metallic, pearl, or specialty effects, and maintenance typically involves washing and waxing to preserve gloss. Environmental considerations include VOC emissions and the shift toward waterborne and low-emission coatings, along with proper waste handling and ventilation to protect workers.