Multi-stage painting is an automotive painting process that involves applying paint in layers, including primer, basecoat, and clear coat. It provides vehicles with long-lasting exterior paint durability compared to single-stage painting. The multi-stage process is commonly used when restoring a vehicle's faded or scratched paint through automotive detailing, which strips old paint and applies new primer, basecoat containing the color and visual effect, and a clear top coat for a glossy protective finish.