[SactoJim]

The main difference in price between economy types of bases and premium lines is due to the amount of pigments in the color and to what extent the paint mfr goes to provide OEM color match. Premium lines of base are painstakingly hand color matched to all the OEM variances of each color. Combine the amount of time that takes along with the extra pigment in those bases and they have to be more $$$. The economy lines are typically computer matched (quicker and less accurate), have fewer (if any) variances, and contain less pigment (takes more to cover).

Clears typically differ from economy and premium in regards to how "clear" they actually are and how much UV protection they have. Less expensive clears will typically be a little yellow and have less UV protection in them.

Most everyone of the major paint mfrs premium lines of bases and clears are truly designed for the collision repair industry, where speed, color match, and mfr backed paint warranties are needed.

If you're doing a complete, it's fine to go with the economy base and for that matter an economy clear as well. If you know what you are doing, all the body work is sound, prep and spray it correctly, and take care of it afterwards, it should last a long time.