Question on clearcoat from noob.. - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Bill 1ss/rs m6 · 02-20-2011, 02:59 PM

Will it gloss up a flat finish or just protect it and keep it flat?

Ben · 02-20-2011, 03:04 PM

Depends on the clear coat. They have flat and gloss clear coats. The cosmetic section probably has some helpful answers.

Caspers2SSRS · 02-20-2011, 07:27 PM

I'm not sure what you're applying the clear coat on/too but if you're actually using a two stage paint base color/clear coat process they're many steps you may take that allows you to control the amount or percentage of gloss you'll end up with.

The first stage or base color is basically flat in appearence, but can appear similar to a mat finish as the coverage of mutiple coats build. In general terms the number of base coats you'll need for proper coverage can vary depending on whether you're using a solid color or metallic base. There are many other variants to the use of these types of base colors.................... in addition how they may be used while repainting over a previously painted surface that already has a good final finish or whether the surface is receiving a primer out of neccesity.

Automotive clear coating is a multi step protective finish and to arrive at the best appearance results it can be lots more complicated than simply squirting the product on any given surface. There are additives available that may be mixed with clear coats that are designed to add additional gloss potential to the product.

The clear coat is applied on top of those base color coats. Generally the clear coat is applied in two or more coats, for bulid. This product build up will allow for the other neccesary processes as you work towards glossing up the finish.

The final product/gloss/look you'll end up with also depends a lot on whether/how you stage up the initial and final wet sanding processes (beginning with 1000 grit, then 1500 grit, and finally 2000 grit). Those wet sanding steps occur after the clear coat is applied. Then you've got the high speed compounding, polishing, the application of a swirl remover if neccesary and in the proper amount of time........ waxing accordingly.

If you're planning on clear coating decals...............thats a entirely different matter.

Good Luck!

02-20-2011, 02:59 PM	#1
Bill 1ss/rs m6 Drives: 2015 1SS/RS M6 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Johnston, R.I. Posts: 180	Question on clearcoat from noob.. Will it gloss up a flat finish or just protect it and keep it flat?

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02-20-2011, 03:04 PM	#2
Ben Drives: 2011 RJT 2ss/rs l99 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: phoenix, az Posts: 55	Depends on the clear coat. They have flat and gloss clear coats. The cosmetic section probably has some helpful answers.

02-20-2011, 07:27 PM	#3
Caspers2SSRS Caspers2SSRS Drives: Summit White 2010 2SS/RS Camaro Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Somewhere north of a midlife crisis. Posts: 2,865	I'm not sure what you're applying the clear coat on/too but if you're actually using a two stage paint base color/clear coat process they're many steps you may take that allows you to control the amount or percentage of gloss you'll end up with. The first stage or base color is basically flat in appearence, but can appear similar to a mat finish as the coverage of mutiple coats build. In general terms the number of base coats you'll need for proper coverage can vary depending on whether you're using a solid color or metallic base. There are many other variants to the use of these types of base colors.................... in addition how they may be used while repainting over a previously painted surface that already has a good final finish or whether the surface is receiving a primer out of neccesity. Automotive clear coating is a multi step protective finish and to arrive at the best appearance results it can be lots more complicated than simply squirting the product on any given surface. There are additives available that may be mixed with clear coats that are designed to add additional gloss potential to the product. The clear coat is applied on top of those base color coats. Generally the clear coat is applied in two or more coats, for bulid. This product build up will allow for the other neccesary processes as you work towards glossing up the finish. The final product/gloss/look you'll end up with also depends a lot on whether/how you stage up the initial and final wet sanding processes (beginning with 1000 grit, then 1500 grit, and finally 2000 grit). Those wet sanding steps occur after the clear coat is applied. Then you've got the high speed compounding, polishing, the application of a swirl remover if neccesary and in the proper amount of time........ waxing accordingly. If you're planning on clear coating decals...............thats a entirely different matter. Good Luck!