single stage urethane question

[roanokeSpider]

Im using urethane paint but instead of singe stage i am putting clear on top which shouldnt be a problem, but i have a question what should i do to prep the color for clear as in what grit to fix imperfections? Ive painted other cars before but never using urethane. Thanks

[htchevyii]

You might want to check with the MFG or supplier, although I did the same ,( clear over single stage) and because of some bad info from my supplier it had to be redone. In short, my painter didn't want to use the single stage metallic paint and asked me to buy clear. The store said just wait 1 hour and shoot the clear over it. DO NOT DO THIS! The metallic got all splotchy and mottled after the clear was applied. I was later told we should have waited 24 hours and not 1. It you haven't bought he paint I'd recommend just purchasing base/clear. If the paint has metallic in it, it can't really be sanded without messing it up.

[roanokeSpider]

Theres no metallic in my paint just coca-cola red and black, adhesion wont be a problem chemically. Im just wondering how the color will look under the clear depending on the grit thats used. Normally i just use scotchbrite pads that are equivalent to 0000.

[dom]

The color wont change by sanding if there is no pearl or metalic but you dont want to scratch it deeply. Even 600 grit is fine for a solid color, the scratches wil be fine enough to not show up in the clear. But you should wait several days in between color and clear and thats one reason why base clear is a better option. Once the color is on its too late to fix imperfections. Why are you clearing single stage paint?

[roanokeSpider]

Clear coat adds another layer of protection. Fixing imperfections is possible on solid color orange peel can be sanded flat and if there are any runs you can scrape them with a razor then sand smooth. I've fixed problems in the past successfully. As for waiting days in between coats ive always let the paint breathe, because i can fix things in that period. Its not like i have a paint booth or 500 dollar gun, but i have also seen shops spray clear urethane over single stage with only a 20 min tack time with good results. Thanks for the info just wasn't sure not much time i had to put in going up grits.

[dom]

The imperfections you speak of are the result of a poor paint job and you will have the same imperfections with the clear unless you do a better job. You are basically doing the job twice hoping the second time it comes out better. I guess thats because u dont have a booth so by the time you get good coverage it will need a clean up. You can wait 20 minutes or so depending on temperature before u clear because the paint has not begun to harden chemically but once it starts you have to wait for it to completely cure. Treat the color as if it was your final coat so u have less to fix up before u clear.

[roanokeSpider]

The only problem areas are the lower panels that wrap under the car even with it on jackstands. Its quite difficult when you cant really see what your doing. I don't have a booth but i have a makeshift one i constructed with box fans and house filters for ventilation otherwise it'd just be a car covered in bugs. I'm no professional but i can usually get a descent paint job and a great paint job from 5 to 10 ft away. Although i'll let everyone be the judge of that when i finish clear and buffing.