Clear Coat Over Metallic Paint: 5 Ways to Enhance Beauty

Many people do not consider the benefits of a clear coat until they face several problems like color fading and damage to the painting layer. Though clear topcoats are not necessary for all kinds of paintings, yet to enhance their beauty and depth, clear coats work magically. The primal purpose of this coating is to serve the right integrity to the painting by increasing its durability and vividness.

However, a clear coat over metallic paint is a must if you want the painting to last longer. Many vehicles with a layer of metallic paint survive for several years without any corrosion and rust just because there are clear coatings on the painting. Without a clear coat, there are numerous chances that the main layer of metallic paint might get affected by the scorching heat, heavy rainfall, pollution, rust, and damnation by other vehicles.

Therefore, it’s always safe to provide extra protection to your metallic paint by applying a clear coat. As a clear coat comes with the characteristics of transparency and stand-out features, it never ruins the painting. Instead, it helps protect the authenticity of the painting and seals it to make it shiny and survive for a long period.

Clear Coats that Fit for Metallic Paint:

Not all kinds of clear coats are going to work properly on metallic paint. Besides, clear coats come in different ranges regarding the base coat. Some clear coats are specially made for the job of protecting metallic paint. These clear coats are stronger and carry hard layers. As it requires sanding and buffing after the clear coat, the coat has to be thick enough to endure the trouble. Otherwise, a thin clear coat will not be able to tolerate the pressure and eventually will affect the base coat of metallic paint by stripping. Therefore, let’s know about the clear coats that are meant for metallic paint.

a) Clear Lacquers:

Clear lacquers have intense additives that work perfectly as a clear coat over metallic spray paint on a car. It provides a glossy finish for the shellac dissolved element which is very attractive to some extent. One of the best advantages of using clear lacquer as finishing is that it will assure you of the safety of the metal paint to an unbelievable point.

However, there are some downsides to the substance also. It’s because the product emphasizes the glossiness of the paint. Besides, though the finishing is quite top-notch, there is a possibility that the shiny texture of the coat might start to demolish over time. Apart from that, you can totally rely on the product for getting a hard and thick finish and it’s also recommendable over enamel paint.

b) SparyMax 2k Clear:

For metal which is used to make vehicles, fits for the usage of SprayMax 2k clear without any doubt. This product has great additives and pigmentation that sit on the basic paint to protect them like forever. Though it doesn’t provide glossiness like clear lacquers, it definitely shines gorgeously on vehicles and transportation.

Also, the product is very promising and does not create much hassle to rest on the basic coat permanently. It also dries super fast when you add some drying agents to it. Because of the thick layer, it allows sanding without impacting the painting. The long-lasting effect and smooth streaming ability of the substance make the product very reliable for professionals and DIYers as well.

c) Car Wax:

Another clear coat that you can use to provide long-lasting protection to your metallic paint is car wax. It is meant to provide the ultimate support to your metallic point in order to make it durable and stable. Besides, it helps to pop the paint and tackles the fluctuating weather cunningly. There are several best car waxes that you can witness.

But the wax that is added with PTFE offers an extra advantage to your hard work. You can have a nice experience with the substance as it is not only meant for metals that are used to make vehicles. You can use it on any metal paint and get the same kind of advantage. Besides, you will face less trouble and more time to enjoy as it doesn’t require wet sanding or buffing afterward.

d) Pledge Acrylic Polish:

As a clear coat pledge acrylic polish is definitely another reliable product for sure. Most people might think that it’s one of the polishes out of ignorance. But the truth is, it’s a clear coat that can be used on metallic paint without any second thought. Many people prefer this pledge acrylic polish for the topcoat of metallic paint because it is water-based and dries quickly.

You will have to not more than 30-60 minutes to get the coat dry over metallic paint. Besides, it doesn’t dissolve the base coat like many other heavy and thick clear coats. It spreads seamlessly over the paint making it shiny and worthy. You will not have to face any buildup of wax. Also, this clear coat is an expert in abolishing fingerprints on metallic paint and removing dust from it.

e) Floor Wax:

You might think that floor wax is for floors only but the actual fact is this substance is so versatile that you can use it as a clear coat. For metallic paint, using floor wax is becoming a convenient trend. This product has great use for it does not feel sticky after applying. Besides, it pops out the natural shining beauty of the base coat.

Also, because it is not so thin and not so heavy, there will be no messier situation while applying the coat. It rather helps the paint from wear and tear by creating a solid protective layer. Though it is mostly used for wooden floors, wise men also use it as a clear coat to protect metallic paint.

Ways to Clear Coat over Metallic Paint – In 6 Steps:

The coating is a job that requires seamlessness and patience to a great extent. And clear coating is the job that you need to do with your topmost attention. From choosing the right clear coat to applying it without creating any mess, there is a lot to do.

Most importantly, if you really want to protect your metallic paint and want it to pop, then following the right procedure will make it happen without any trouble. Therefore, we recommend you follow our steps to get a satisfying result after applying a clear coat.

Step 1: Get Yourself Ready:

With the first step, you are supposed to get ready both physically and mentally. Remember that you have to get attached to many toxic chemicals while accomplishing the whole procedure. Therefore, get the important things ready and bring the following things at once.

1. SprayMax 2k Clear
2. A respirator
3. An open space
4. Safety goggles
5. Hand gloves
6. A medium-sized sheet
7. Dried metallic paint
8. Soaked sandpaper
9. 2000-grit sandpaper
10. Tape
11. Car wax

Step 2: Prepare:

The next that you have to do is to check out the metallic paint. You need to take good notice that the paint is dry and there is no risk of coming out the paint if you touch it or rub it. Wet paint is in no condition to be coated again with a clear coat.

And paints that are used on metal are mostly enamel or epoxy-based as they come with the best adhesion ability. Also, they require time to be settled on metal after painting. Therefore, take at least 2 or 3 days or even a week after the painting and then think of applying the clear coat over it.

Step 3: Place the Paint on Open Yard:

Last Updated on August 6, 2024 by Rogers Weber