How to Fix Clear Coat

Automotive clear coats are sprayed over water-based or solvent-based paint products to provide a gloss finish and protective coating. During the spraying process, it can be quite easy for blemishes to occur because of the transparent qualities of the product itself. Problems with clear coat also can occur as a result of oxidization, excessive exposure to ultra-violet light and the presence of wet or damp weather conditions. Most common problems associated with clear coat applications can be easily fixed using established rectification procedures.

Instructions

Grit in Clear Coat

1

Grit in clear coat usually stems from the painting process and is caused by dust particles or dirt forced from incorrectly mask apertures by the air pressure created by paint guns. To remove grit, wrap a piece of P2000-grit wet-and-dry paper around a rubber sanding block and dampen it with clean water. Rub down the high spots created by grit by placing the flat surface of the sanding block onto an affected panel and applying light pressure while working in small, concentric circles. Once the blemish is completely flat, dry the panel with a piece of cloth.

2

Add a bead of cutting compound over the flatted area and place an electrical polishing machine fitted with a soft foam pad over the top of it. Turn on the machine and work the compound into the flatted area to bring the paintwork back to a shine.

3

Remove swirl marks created by the cutting compound by wiping the panel with glazing polish. Exchange the foam head on the polishing machine with a lamb's wool head and work the glazing polish into the panel. Wipe clean with a dry cloth to finish.

Runs and Sags

4

Runs and sags are caused by the excessive application of clear coat materials, often because of excessive thinning. Dampen a lightly abrasive clay bar with clean water and place it over the imperfection. Move the clay bar backward and forward, drying the area occasionally to check progress. Keep the clay bar away from hard edges to prevent rubbing through, and continue flatting down runs and sags until a uniform working surface is achieved.

5

Rub lightly a small application of cutting compound into the flatted area with a piece of cloth and bring back the shine using the polishing mop and foam head.

6

Stand at the rear of the vehicle and look down the line of the body panels, using natural light to cast a reflection over the affected area by moving your head. Light will expose any remnants of runs and sags and further rubbing with the clay bar may be required to ensure complete removal.

Poor Gloss Retention

7

The continued presence of poor gloss retention indicates inconsistencies in the painting process. This is usually caused by insufficient curing times for primers, base colors or a combination of both. Find the technical data sheet for all products used and refer to the correct flash-off (between coat curing) and curing times to prevent further occurrences.

8

Force-dry the existing paintwork wherever possible, using infrared lamps or a paint booth set on a 30-minute baking cycle at 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the heat has fully cured all of the applied materials, lightly rub down each painted panel with a very-fine grade sanding cloth.

9

Wash each panel with degreaser and wipe thoroughly with a tack cloth to remove dust and fibers created by the sanding process. Reapply clear coat using recommended flash-off times between coats to promote a hardened finish and better gloss retention.