An added benefit to using high-quality stuff was demonstrated by me when I was bolting the car back together. I dropped a tape measure ( a big one) right on top of the fender, from about 10" up. I was afraid to look, I was sure it took a huge chip out of the paint, but on close inspection I found not even a dimple in the clear. No chip, no scratch, no nothing at all! By comparison, my brother's car was painted in single stage DuPont acrylic enamel and looks like a rock chip farm, even though it's rarely driven. My last fastback was painted black lacquer and while it looked nice, it was full of cracks and chips. I like BC/CC because all you have to do with the color is get it on the car, and evenly. No need to worry about shine, just make sure it's even. Then comes the clear, and while I worked hard to make it lay down nice, any boo-boos, like dirt, peel, runs or bugs can be buffed out like it never happened.
This is a 2 day school put on by HOK, and is taught by Brian Lynch.
He's the behind the scenes guy that really paints the vehicles on Pimp my Ride.
Forget everything you THINK you knew about painting. This guy will set you on the right path. The cost cannot be beat. $200 for two days, and they feed you and put you in the Sheraton. Two days of hands on painting, and you can bring your own gun. In fact, he recommends bringing your own gun! Alls you gotta do is get to Dallas.
Oh, and your project is a mailbox, and YOU paint it the color and style of your choice. Just have to choose House of Kolor products. That is all.
You might try Matrix paints. It's cheaper than most of the good paints but is supposed to be very good. A shop near me that does show cars uses it and has very good results. I'm going to use some in the near future.
I have to agree on the new Duplicolor Lacquer paint for the first timer. I have seen some folks use it a while back and it really was a nice easy method to use. For the type of car you are building and your budget I think you should at least check it out for consideration.
Good luck, I hope your son knows how lucky he is.
Pak
You might try Matrix paints. It's cheaper than most of the good paints but is supposed to be very good. A shop near me that does show cars uses it and has very good results. I'm going to use some in the near future.