clearcoat over basecoat

Hi all you paint sniffers. When its time to apply the clearcoat over the basecoat, should I water sand or just apply the clear before the last basecoat is completely dry? I am useing black enamel and will get some of the Basf expensive stuff someone was talking about here. Joe

Get all your paints together first, and make sure they're all compatible. Then follow the directions. All the high end stuff I've used is explicit on which method to use.

As a rule of thumb though, I think the enamels you usually sand, and the lacquers you melt.

(p.s. not the directions on the can, get the spec sheet! It has everything temp, humidity, gun tip sizes, pressure, mil thickness, thinners, pot life, compatible under and over coats, cure times, If it's important, it's there.)

Post edited by: jjdwoodman, at: 2007/10/14 00:24

10-4, will do. I just hope I can find the good stuff on a sunday. Might have to wait till monday for the good clear topcoat. Thanks for the info. Joe

Hey Joe,

I'd shop around a little if you have the time. Paint salesmen are like mechanics... If you can find a good one who's been around for a while, they usually have forgotten more than you'll ever know.

A lot can be gleaned over a cup of counter coffee!

Try to get clearcoat that is made by the same manufacturer as your base coat. If you are using a 2 stage basecoat/clearcoat system with the enamel, they both need to be the same. Paint systems are designed to compliment each other. In other words, a high end basecoat requires a high end clear. Be sure not to mix the two.

Post edited by: rdgrnr, at: 2007/10/14 11:04

No don't sand before the clear coat. If you need to sand something smooth put another coat of base then cleat it.
Mark

No sanding of the base......all the wet sanding comes after the clear is applied.