I appreciate your points, Andy. It sounds like you're suggesting that it is indeed possible to get a good, solid, durable finish using the paint I used, but it's mostly a matter of refining techniques, mixes, timing, etc. My problem is that, even if I was using a single system, I paint a frame maybe once a year or so, not nearly enough to effectively refine a system. The finish on the first frame turned out OK (though not great) as far as durability goes, but the second one is unacceptable, to the point where I'm considering stripping it and doing it over. It looks beautiful but it just chips and scratches way too easily. I took my time with it and tried to do everything right, used good materials, and had my friend at the autobody shop checking things out from time to time. I put down 2 coats of primer, 2 of base, and 2 clearcoats. Plus the contrasting color and detail work (outlining lugs, etc.). Maybe I should have just used more paint, I don't know. Now I have another frame that needs to be painted, and I'm thinking of brush painting it with Chromabase.
Cheers,
George