For gunmetal grey single-stage automotive paint, the Restoration Shop acrylic enamel kits offer a high-gloss finish in quart and gallon quantities, while the acrylic urethane kits provide another single-stage system option. Choose the quart enamel kit for a smaller project with hardener included, the gallon kits for larger refinishing jobs, and the Custom Shop kit if you want a flat matte finish instead of gloss. The paint-only options may suit buyers who already have the required hardener, but they do not include it.
| Product | Best For | Finish or Kit Note |
|---|---|---|
| Restoration Shop Enamel Quart Kit | Smaller projects | High-gloss; hardener included |
| Restoration Shop Urethane Gallon Kit | Larger projects | High-gloss; hardener included |
| Restoration Shop Enamel Gallon Kit | High-volume enamel use | High-gloss; hardener included |
| Restoration Shop Enamel Gallon Paint | Buyers with hardener ready | Paint color only |
| Custom Shop Flat Matte Quart Kit | Matte-style projects | Flat; hardener included |
Restoration Shop Enamel Quart Kit
This is a gunmetal grey metallic acrylic enamel kit intended for single-stage automotive refinishing. It includes one quart of paint, a quarter-pint of AE3001 wet-look acrylic hardener, and three 190-micron nylon strainers. The listed mix ratio is 8:1, and the kit provides over one quart of sprayable material.
Best for: Smaller automotive projects where a high-gloss enamel system and included hardener are useful. It was selected as a practical lower-volume kit among the exact gunmetal grey options. The product information says reducer is not required as packaged, though an optional reducer is sold separately. Avoid this choice if you specifically want a matte appearance.
Restoration Shop Urethane Gallon Kit
This single-stage acrylic urethane kit includes one gallon of paint color, one quart of AU4001 wet-look urethane hardener, five strainers, and five mixing sticks. Its listed 4:1 mix ratio yields five quarts of sprayable material. The manufacturer describes the system as a high-gloss coating for overall automotive refinishing and also lists fleet and industrial equipment use.
Best for: Larger projects where a urethane system and included mixing supplies fit the plan. Choose this over the quart enamel kit when you need the listed gallon-kit quantity. No reducer is required when used as packaged, according to the product details; optional reducer is sold separately. It is not the choice for a flat or matte finish.
Restoration Shop Enamel Gallon Kit
This gallon-size acrylic enamel kit contains one gallon of gunmetal grey paint, one pint of AE3001 wet-look acrylic hardener, five strainers, and five mixing sticks. Its 8:1 mix ratio provides over one gallon of sprayable material. It is described as a professional single-stage high-gloss coating for automotive refinishing, with fleet and industrial equipment also listed as uses.
Best for: Buyers who prefer acrylic enamel and need more material than the quart kit provides. The included hardener and supplies make it a more complete choice than paint-only listings. The limitation is the finish style: this is a high-gloss system, not a flat matte option. The listing says no reducer is required as packaged.
Restoration Shop Enamel Gallon Paint
This listing is for one gallon of acrylic enamel paint color only. It does not include hardener. The paint can be sprayed as is, while the stated 8:1 mix ratio applies when used with hardener. The product description recommends hardener for a harder, glossier, more durable final finish and identifies AE3001 as a separately available option.
Best for: Buyers who already have the compatible hardener or are sourcing paint color separately. It was selected as a gallon paint-only alternative to the complete kits. Do not choose it if you need all listed mixing components in one purchase; the hardener and strainers are not included in this listing.
Custom Shop Flat Matte Quart Kit
This is a gunmetal grey flat matte single-stage acrylic urethane kit rather than a gloss metallic enamel kit. It includes one quart of paint, a half-pint of urethane hardener, three strainers, and three mixing sticks. The listed 4:1 mix ratio provides over one quart of sprayable material. Its product information says no clearcoat is required or recommended.
Best for: Buyers seeking a flat matte gunmetal grey look and a smaller kit. It broadens the selection beyond the high-gloss Restoration Shop options. The key limitation is that the listed finish is flat matte, so avoid it if your goal is a glossy metallic appearance.
Buying Guide
Which paint system and finish should you choose?
Start by deciding whether you want high gloss or flat matte. The Restoration Shop enamel and urethane products are described as high-gloss single-stage systems. The Custom Shop option is explicitly flat matte. These are distinct finish targets, so choose based on the appearance you want rather than treating the products as interchangeable.
Next, compare the listed paint systems. The enamel kits have an 8:1 mix ratio; the urethane kits have a 4:1 ratio. Follow the product’s instructions for mixing and application, and confirm the included hardener is appropriate for the selected paint.
How much paint do you need, and what is included?
Compare quart and gallon sizes against the scope of the job. A kit includes paint and specified mixing components, while a paint-only listing does not include hardener. Check the contents before ordering, especially if you need strainers, sticks, or hardener. Product descriptions list sprayable quantities, but the amount required for a project depends on the job and application.
Does single-stage paint need clearcoat or reducer?
Single-stage products combine color and finish characteristics in one paint system, but product instructions differ. The Custom Shop listing says clearcoat is not required or recommended. The Restoration Shop kit descriptions say reducer is not required as packaged, while optional reducers are sold separately. Follow the selected product’s directions rather than assuming the same process applies to every paint.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does single-stage paint mean?
Single-stage paint is a coating system applied without a separate color basecoat and clearcoat step. Confirm the application process in the specific product instructions.
Is gunmetal grey paint available in both gloss and matte?
Yes. The listed Restoration Shop systems are high gloss, while the Custom Shop product is flat matte.
Does the Restoration Shop paint-only gallon include hardener?
No. The paint-only gallon listing excludes hardener. Its description identifies hardener as separately available.
What is the difference between the enamel and urethane kits?
The listed enamel kits use an 8:1 mix ratio, while the urethane kits use a 4:1 ratio. Their supplied hardeners also differ by paint system.
Should I buy a quart or gallon kit?
Choose based on the project’s expected material needs and the product’s stated sprayable quantity. Compare kit contents as well as paint volume.