CAPS is Central Alberta’s go-to for automotive refinishing supplies. If you’re a shop looking to stock up or a DIYer looking for the best advice for your autobody supplies. Our staff is trained and knowledgeable in the best options available to you.
Clear coats are essential for protecting your paint from gloss and enhancing the durability of your vehicle paint. Automotive Art is a trusted brand that provides a professional-grade finish.
There isn’t just one kind of clear coat, and they won’t all work the same. This blog will cover the types of clear coats we carry at CAPS, how to choose the right one, and a few application tips to get you started.
What is a Clear Coat, and Why Does It Matter?
The purpose of a clear coat is for protection, UV resistance, and to enhance a glossy finish. The average formula for a pro finish to your paint job is Primer + Basecoat (colour) + Clearcoat = Flawless Finish. Automotive Art clear coats are designed for high performance, versatility, and efficiency. When applied correctly, you’ll see a noticeable difference in the results.
The Automotive Art Lineup at CAPS
Automotive Art 4:1 Clear Coat 84-51
- 4:1 Hardeners: Slow, normal, fast
- Low VOC clear coat
- 4:1 mixing ratio
- Used for spot, panel and overall repair.
- A high gloss and fast drying.
Automotive Art HS 2:1 Clear Coat 82-42
- HS Hardeners: Slow, normal, fast and universal fast
- Higher solid content than normal HS Clears
- Weather resistant and yellowing
- Good surface hardness and easy to polish
- Allow the basecoat to dry for 15 – 20 minutes before applying the clear coat
Which Clear Coat is Right for You?
The best place to start when deciding which clear coat is best for you is to consider the job size and the type. Will you be doing spot repairs or a whole body respray? Next, you’ll need to determine how much drying time you have and what each clear coat can do. Some jobs are quick turnaround jobs vs. long-term projects.
An important step if you’re DIYing this project is to make sure you have a safe environment. The temperature and humidity can affect how the paint and clear coat appear and their drying time. Lastly, what is your desired outcome? Do you want a showroom finish or just something that is scratch-resistant?
CAPS staff can help you answer these questions and find the perfect clear coat for your project.
Get a Pro-Level Finish
There are essential steps to get the right finish for your project.
- Proper mixing ratios: Stick with the same brand products, like the Automotive Art hardeners and reducers.
- Prepare your surfaces: Before you begin the clear coat. Let the basecoat fully dry and wipe with a tack cloth to create an ideal surface for the clear coat.
- Depending on the product, apply 2-3 coats, allowing flash dry time between coats and the final cure.
CAPS has Your Clear Coats Covered
CAPS chooses Automotive Arts products because of the professional quality and variety in their product selection. Our staff knows which product will suit your needs, and we are here to help guide you through the steps towards your ideal finish. CAPS has clear coats, activators, reducers and all the tools you’ll need to complete your project.
Need help choosing the perfect clear coat? Stop by one of the three CAPS locations or contact us today.