Is this acceptable for applying clear coat?

[flyfishvt]

I'm still practicing before I take the plunge and paint my e36. Ive been concentrating on trying to eliminate orange peel. I saw a post that recomended putting on a coat of clear coat, letting it harden a bit then sanding it smooth and applying the next coat of clear coat.

I tried this today and it turned out almost perfect. My pracitce panel looks like glass!!!!!

My question is...I thought additional layers of clear coat had to be applied within a few minutes of applying the previous coats so it would "stick" to the base coat. If I appy the clear coat the way I just described will it last or will it just end up peeling off in a year or two? OMG I love the results. If this is acceptable I'm in heaven.

[zarbat007]

Yes, you can let a clearcoat to harden for a day or two, sand with it with a minimum of P800 grit or 3M gray scuff pad and apply more coats.

Why not try to get a glass finish in the first place? Not sure what your gun's recommendation is, but bump it a bit by about 5 psi and move a bit closer to the panel to lay it wet.

[ThaDriver]

You usually need to use 1000 wet on clear urethane to re-clear it. Also, use a good brand name sandpaper - cheaper brands can actually be too rough. If sanded well your clear should stick just fine.
HTH,
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"

Custom Fiberglass Parts (http://angelonearth.net/customfiberglass/)

[flyfishvt]

thanks for the replies. The first attempt at clear coat was done in my carport without blocking off the ends so I had a very slight breeze. Not much but the second attempt was done with the carport completely encolosed in plastic so it was completely dead air inside. It certainly felt a lot different while I was applying it. I guess I didn't realize how much of a difference that would make on a small panel.

My last step will be to do a whole basecoat/clearcoat on a test panel in the carport the way it is now and see what the results are.

My gun is an Iwata Wider 89. I have it set up at about 20psi. I am using it about 6" from the surface. I am hoping that my terrible results on my first attempts were just from lack of experience and not having an eclosed place to spray in.

[zarbat007]

I've never heard of Iwata Wider. All these years of reading autobody forums, I never heard anyone mention that gun. Do you have a pic of it? What is the tip size?


I do have an Iwata LPH400 that is one awesome clear gun. Very easy to get amazing results with it.

Here are my very first times using the Iwata, just after one practice on a test panel:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=997340

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1070466

In your case you are either losing air pressure while spraying (compressor not big enough) or the gun's tip size is not adequate.

[timmyc]

I like what zarbat says. I use that same gun for clear. But I would recommend backing off of the panel to get it to lay downa little flatter. Atomization varies with guns, but seems like the Iwata likes to be around 8 inches off of the panel with a little more air pressure than asked for. Then just slow it down a bit to get the film build. Obviously everyone paints differently and there are too many variables to count. One thing I will caution you on though is laying clear on clear. If it is sanded smooth, there is nothing for it to cling to so you have to be careful or it will end up on the floor. Everyone who has chimed in has given you good advice so your paint outta look great. Good luck:buttrock