- What is Clearcoat?
- Clearcoat is a transparent layer of paint applied over a basecoat to create a glossy finish and protect the underlying paint from harmful UV rays, weather, and chemicals. It’s essential for all paint colors, regardless of whether “clearcoat” is mentioned in the description.
- Why is Clearcoat Important?
- Gloss and Shine: Clearcoat enhances the color’s shine and depth, creating a brilliant finish.
- Protection: It shields the basecoat from sun damage, fading, and environmental elements.
- Clearcoat on Metal vs. Non-Metal Surfaces
- The same clearcoat can be used on both metal and non-metal car parts. However, for non-metal surfaces, using an adhesion promoter like SEM Adhesion Promoter is crucial to ensure proper bonding of primer, basecoat and clearcoat.
- Types of Clearcoat
- Catalyzed Clearcoat in a Spray Can: Our SprayMax 2K clearcoat is catalyzed. This clearcoat is sold in a special spray can which when activated, mixes in the catalyst with the clearcoat, This clearcoat will dry with a shiny finish which does not need to be polished. We recommend a full Tyvek suit, automotive quality respirator and gloves when spraying the catalyzed clearcoat.
- Standard Clearcoat: Our 1K clearcoat dries fast and needs to be polished to properly shine.
- Water Based Paints and Clearcoat
- While some paints at Paintscratch.com are water-based, our solvent based clearcoat can still be used.