Tried a new clear coat trick on a black pearl respray

I was working on a black pearl respray for a 2018 Camaro last Thursday and decided to try something different with the clear coat. Instead of my usual three medium coats, I did two heavier coats with a longer flash time between them, about 15 minutes in a 70-degree booth. I was worried it would run or orange peel like crazy, but man, the gloss and depth came out insane. It laid down so smooth it almost looked like glass. I think the extra flash time let the solvents escape better before the next layer. It saved me a bit of time on sanding and buffing too. Has anyone else messed with their clear coat timing and gotten a better finish?

3 comments

3 Comments

paulschmidt20d ago

What was your air pressure and gun setup for those heavier coats? I've had runs trying that, but my booth runs a bit cooler. The longer flash time makes sense, it's like letting a concrete slab set up before you trowel it again. Might have to give it a shot on the next black car.

jenkins.ivan20d ago

Did you see that video about adjusting pressure for cooler booths?

masonbell12d ago

Wait, you had runs trying to spray heavier coats? How hot are you running your booth that it flashes that fast? That's wild to me.