First Ever Auto Model

Welcome to car modeling. No, not mix them, but you can paint the color, then put clear over that. Just remember to use like paints, as you can spray enamel over lacquer, but not the other way around.

I found this out ..............the hard way. Never lacquer over enamels...............ever.

I'll give you some information you can use here. Go to the link below and order this DVD. Follow it step-by-step and you'll be fine. It's one of the most thorough explanations to painting that I can find for automotive finishes. The guys name is Donn Yost. Just order the DVD. You can't mess it up.

http://www.oldmansmodels.com/id76.html

The problem with gloss paints is that you need to put on a fairly thick coat in order to get a good gloss.  With gloss enamels, this can lead to runs.  Using fast dry paints like acrylics and lacquers avoids the runs, but neither is very glossy as sprayed.  Lacquer tends to be glossier than acrylics.  Acrylics need gloss coat- a clear but glossy finish.  Lacquers can be polished with polishing compounds to bring up the gloss.  So there is no single way, all three types of paint will work- you just need to use the appropriate method for the paint you use.