Best Automotive Clear Coats in 2022

Last update: January 15, 2023

Can I spray clear coat over clear coat?

Yes, you can spray clear coat over clear coat, as long as the clear coat is in good condition. If the clear coat is old and cracked, then spraying new clear coat over it will not work well.

Can you apply too much clear coat?

It is possible to apply too much clear coat to a vehicle. When too much clear coat is applied, it can cause the clear coat to become too thick, which can lead to issues such as cracking, peeling, and chipping. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying clear coat, and to only apply as much as is necessary.

Can you brush on automotive clear coat?

Automotive clear coat is a type of paint that is applied over the basecoat of paint. It is typically clear or transparent, and provides a layer of protection from the elements. Clear coat can be applied with a brush, but it is important to use a brush that is specifically designed for clear coat. Otherwise, the clear coat may not adhere properly to the paint.

Can you spray 2K clear on headlights?

Yes, you can spray 2K clear on headlights. This will provide a durable and long-lasting finish that will protect your headlights from the elements.


Speedokote Clear Coat 2K Acrylic Urethane, SMR-1150/1102-Q 4:1 Gallon Clearcoat Medium Kit Review:


To begin with, let me mention that I have been painting automobiles since 1994 and that I have sprayed so many various clear finishes that they are all different enough to make your head spin. I've been seeking for a budget-free zone to shoot the numerous automobile and motorcycle components that folks keep giving at me because I now paint as a hobby. Let me be very clear with this piece of advice: never ever diminish this clearcoat. Because it is so thin, it has a viscosity that is similar to water. Having said that, you should apply a third coat, allowing the clear to become slippery to the touch in between coats. My go-to gun is a vintage SataJet NR95 equipped with a 1.3mm fluid nozzle, needle, and aircap. Normally, I use my 1.5 setup with heavier clears, but this clear is too thin to work with. But without polishing, I was able to make a cheap clear appear to be on par with products from well-known brands. I'm interested to see how long it withstands the elements, but thus far, I'm satisfied with the outcomes. When shooting clear, make sure there is adequate ventilation in the space you are painting. Before turning off any fans, give it time to breathe after applying your final layer. With filters in the rear and a 4000cfm fan in the front, I constructed a booth out of PVC tubing and plastic sheeting in my garage. Take a peek at the photographs to see what this setup created.



SEM Paints SEM15243 Satin Black Color Coat Aerosol Review:


Tan interior was standard on my Miata. I wanted to change to black, but the tan portion of the dash prevented me (the dash contains the VIN plate so not a great idea to swap that out). All the other black interior components I was able to find, but I thought I'd try this stuff on the dash. I totally removed it from the vehicle, created a plastic sheet paint booth, and followed the SEM's three suggestions (prep, adhesion promoter, color coat). Nobody will ever know that my dash wasn't always black because the color is so similar! I'm deducting 1 star because the finish isn't quite as long-lasting as I had wanted (I realize that is asking a lot from a spray paint). The glove box handle has to be painted again shortly because of wear and tear from regular use. Without damaging the finish, I was able to install the dash and all the components. Awesome stuff!



Cquartz Dlux Wheel and Trim Coat 30mL Review:


really simple to use. For the finest results, you must spend time preparing the surface, just like with CQuartz UK Ceramic. This may entail using soap, Iron X, and an initial IPA wipe down. Everything went really smoothly. Unless they overheated the product, I'm not sure why some reviewers claim it was "tacky." I discovered that concentrating on a third of each 22" rim at once was effective. A whole set of wheels may fit two coats. After a month, I discover that it makes cleaning up brake dust so much simpler. on the brake calipers as well.



Nanoskin NA-IPR128-M MEDIUM UNIVERSAL REDUCER - 1 Gallon, 128. Fluid_Ounces Review:


This was for painting my tiny wagon, a 2005 Scion xB, with Omni paint. This was an acrylic enamel single metallic paint with hardener job, but no clear coat, therefore it may have been the Omni Gloss Enhancer's fault that I experienced plenty of runs in the paint for the first time ever. I want to repaint in November or December when there won't be any bugs because I no longer have a good paint booth and I'm 78 years old and retired. However, I used to do custom painting and I anticipate better paint jobs now.



USC SprayMax 2K Glamour High Gloss Aerosol Clear Review:


What a fantastic item. I recently built a guitar and wanted a good clear finish that wouldn't yellow and wouldn't cause the base color (front) or wood go amber (back).Mahogany makes up the neck and back. Before sanding to 400 grit, I filled the grain with polyester resin (the same substance used to lay fiberglass).The top (or front) is made of maple, which I sanded to 320 grit before filling the grain with a resin that had been drastically thinned out (maple has much tighter grain to begin with). I primed the top after masking, then sanded it to 400 grit. A silver base was next laid, followed by layers of silver metal flake and red candy clear that were alternated, allowing the red metallics to show through in different colors.After the final color had dried, I LIGHTLY wet sanded to 600 and applied 12 coats of this 2K front and back, waiting 10-15 minutes between each coat.Simple to use—just put on gloves, a suitable respirator, and operate in a well-ventilated area. Actually, I'm not sure how many coats I applied because I bought two cans and utilized them both completely.After giving it approximately a week to fully cure, I wet sanded the surface down to 5000 grit, then hand-buffed it because using the buffer on something this size wasn't worth it.The SprayMax 2k is excellent for small projects like this, for motorcycle tins, or for individual car panels. However, I wouldn't paint an entire car with these spray bombs because it would be expensive to do so. Instead, I'd buy a big can of 2k clear with hardener and use my HVLP. However, for those small projects, it's not always worth setting up the gun (or have to worry about cleaning it after).



LODY Car Scratch Remover Cloth, Upgraded Version Scratch Removal for Cars, Nano Technology to Repair Car Scratches and Car Surface Polishing, Used for Light Paint Scratch Remover to Repair Scratches Review:


I purchased this cloth to use on the automobile my son was selling. It was heavily scratched and scraped. One was a considerable strip where he had side-swiped a blue object. I attempted to buff it out for several hours with an expensive compound wax, but I was unsuccessful. It was roughly two feet long and was fully removed by this cloth. A deep scratch that left black lines on the car and damaged it was also present. Although you could still feel the damage if you ran your fingertips over it, the cloth removed the black lines and made the dent no longer be seen. Although the product can be used on any color of car, my son's was white. This product is fantastic, and the price is unbeatable.



USC Spraymax Matte Clearcoat 3680065 Review:


Goalie masks that I airbrush. I use Spraymax 2K gloss for the majority of my work, but there are times when I require a matte finish. I think this product is excellent for modest chores. I usually apply 4-6 coats of paint on the goalie mask and rear plate using two cans. I understand that using your own spray gun is less expensive, but cleaning my clear coat spray gun is such a hassle that this is a terrific tool for little projects. Thorough paint preparation, including sanding, priming, and base coat, is the secret to a good clear coat. That solves a number of issues. Before applying clear finish, make sure the paint is completely dry. I usually leave it alone for a day or overnight. Be patient as well. Start with a very thin coat, allow it to dry, and then add more wet coats of clear. A lot of time should always elapse between coats. I usually work for 20 to 30 minutes. I can use these two-part clear coatings on hockey goalie masks since they dry completely to a very robust finish. Although the pot has a 48-hour shelf life, I find that it behaves differently even the next day. You be safe, make sure to schedule the entire project for one day.



SEM 15013 Landau Black Color Coat - 12 oz. Review:


SEM had previously told me about this product. It had been mentioned online numerous times. Even a nearby upholstery company admitted to me that they frequently repair anything on automobiles at dealerships with this material. You must definitely experience it for yourself in order to believe it. Yes, the price is more, but it's worthwhile.The difference in hues and shine between the Landau black and satin black was not as noticeable, I will admit. I utilized each. Given that the Landau is nearly $2 cheaper per can, it must be more well-liked. It does have a slightly glossy appearance, but not in a way that would blind you or reflect light. The satin is more uniformly colored than the Landau on a vinyl or plastic surface, though I couldn't see much of a difference when I put it right up next to it.Titanium dioxide and colorant are listed as ingredients on the back of the can, though the colorant is likely processed in the form of a liquid dye. The only other items in the can are those two and a small amount of petroleum. Once you begin spraying it, you will be able to tell for sure. Use open ventilation when doing this, and get a respirator if you intend to do more than a piece or two because doing so will make you develop cancer. Other than that, it needs some time to air out and smells strongly of nail paint. Due to the majority of the contents being alcohol, the mist adheres to the surface you are spraying, spreads evenly, and dries very quickly. It doesn't gather up on carpet or the headliner to give off the impression of sticky paint. Once you are finished, simply brush the carpet.I will advise against changing the color of your carpet from light to dark if it is thick. Simply because it needs to conceal any light hue that might come through, it requires two to three times as much material. Only around 1/4" to 3/16" of the carpet threads can be penetrated. Even though it can appear fine, the original color can be seen if the threads are folded over or stretched out with your palm. Even headliners that transition from a light hue like gray to a dark color like black need far more fabric. When finished, it still looks fantastic.Use of this product over vinyl or plastic is recommended for optimal results. Changes in hue from light to dark don't seem to be an issue with these materials. Spray several thin applications, doubling the amount with the final coat to make it somewhat wetter. It actually takes a lot of material to get that to operate, but it has worked well for me. To get it to run, you essentially need to remain still for a second or longer.I did learn that for application, it only like to be sprayed with the can completely upright for the smoothest, most constant spray pattern. Because the spray pattern will vary from full to half and anywhere in between, holding the can horizontally will only allow you to spray maybe 5-6" sweeps at a time. Hang your components up and spray them with the can standing up since it simply feels like it doesn't get as much steady pressure. Additionally, spraying it when it is not upright has a tendency to release tiny blobs here and there that may be as thin as a pencil head.In essence, there are application considerations. The product is simple to use. If you are spraying a large portion that is 10 to 12 square feet in size, the nozzle is a little tougher to depress and can tire your finger. I haven't yet experienced any adhesion problems, but time will tell. Others I know use this for restoring muscle cars and they vouch for it. Clean your component completely. I use a brush and a degreaser like Simple Green. Utilize a microfiber towel to remove it. If you are concerned about residue, wipe it down with a wet microfiber cloth. After that, it is prepared to be painted, but if you want to take one more step, wipe it clean with acetone. Although that final step is a part of SEM's prep goods, I haven't had any concerns with dirt thus I typically don't need to use it.The bottom line is that this is a product for you if you're sick of the color of your interior and want to change it without going to an upholstery shop, you need to make something look more like new (it won't cover up a worn surface, just change the color), or you want to spruce up something to get it sold. What it could achieve in comparison to vinyl and plastic astounded me much. There is no sign of coating. I received several compliments despite the carpet and headliner. Give it a shot since you have nothing to lose.



KBS Coatings 8304 DiamondFinish Clear Coat Pint, 16. Fluid_Ounces Review:


I used this coating in place of polyurethane. Compared to polyurethane, the finish is undoubtedly more gorgeous and lustrous. This stuff, however, dries quite quickly. I could feel the stuff solidify as I was applying it while wearing vinyl gloves. I've discovered that the product doesn't have a particularly long shelf life once it's been opened. Given the high cost of this item, you might only need to purchase a limited quantity. My two cents, only...**Update- Although this is still the most attractive finish available, once opened, it loses its effectiveness after roughly six months.*** Once the can is opened, be sure to cover it with plastic wrap between the can and lid. The finish will bond the can shut if you don't!



KBS Coatings 8404 DiamondFinish Clear Coat - 1 Quart Review:


I used this coating in place of polyurethane. Compared to polyurethane, the finish is undoubtedly more gorgeous and lustrous. This stuff, however, dries quite quickly. I could feel the stuff solidify as I was applying it while wearing vinyl gloves. I've discovered that the product doesn't have a particularly long shelf life once it's been opened. Given the high cost of this item, you might only need to purchase a limited quantity. My two cents, only...**Update- Although this is still the most attractive finish available, once opened, it loses its effectiveness after roughly six months.*** Once the can is opened, be sure to cover it with plastic wrap between the can and lid. The finish will bond the can shut if you don't!


How do you get orange peel out of clear coat?

How long does 2K clear coat last on a car?

2K clear coat is a high-performance clear coat that offers superior durability and protection for your car. It is formulated to resist fading, chalking, and chemicals, and it will not yellow or crack over time. 2K clear coat will last for years on your car, and it will keep your car looking like new.

How long should clear coat dry before sanding?

You should allow the clear coat to dry for at least 24 hours before sanding. If you sand too soon, you risk damaging the paint.

How many coats of 2K clear should I use?

It is typically recommended to apply 2-3 coats of 2K clear coat for best results. However, more coats may be necessary if you are looking for a high-gloss finish or if you are trying to achieve a thicker layer of protection.

How many coats of clear coat does a car need?

A car needs at least two coats of clear coat for protection. The clear coat protects the paint from UV rays and keeps the paint looking new.

How thick should clear coat be?

A clear coat should be applied thinly, in multiple coats if necessary, to avoid runs and sagging. The thickness of the clear coat should be consistent, and should not be too thick or too thin.