sjaguar13 Posted November 20, 2003 Report Share Posted November 20, 2003 I painted a guitar with a high gloss paint. I think I'm done with the paint coats now, but should I sand it before putting on clear, should I just spray the clear, or should I just leave it alone because it's already shiney? If I should sand, what grit should I use? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
butnut Posted November 20, 2003 Report Share Posted November 20, 2003 If you have a metallic or kandy color, a clear would give it more depth and shine. Lots of automotive 'solids' like white black and red have no clear...just buffed out. 'Color sanding' is done to remove surface imperfections...especially 'orange peel'. It smooths the paint to glass just before buffing. I usually do the 1200,1500 and 2000 grit (wet sanding) before I hit it with the buffer. Make sure your paint is thick enough or it will cut through...especially edges. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjaguar13 Posted November 20, 2003 Author Report Share Posted November 20, 2003 It's red, but it's not automotive. Should I clear it, or just buff it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Bell Posted November 21, 2003 Report Share Posted November 21, 2003 Should I clear it, or just buff it? I'd like to know the answer to this too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
butnut Posted November 21, 2003 Report Share Posted November 21, 2003 Is it enamel or lacquer? Brand? The clear, if used should be the same brand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjaguar13 Posted November 21, 2003 Author Report Share Posted November 21, 2003 It's Valspar Interior/Exterior High Gloss Protective Acrylic Finish. The clear is the exact same, just high gloss Ultra Clear. Should I use it? Will sanding the shiney red make it look stupid when I add clear? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southpa Posted November 21, 2003 Report Share Posted November 21, 2003 Each successive coat should have a good foundation to bind with. A light scuffing with a fine grit will roughen it up so your clearcoat has firm anchorage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
butnut Posted November 21, 2003 Report Share Posted November 21, 2003 With lacquer, I don't sand between coats as I shoot the next coat as soon as it flash dries. Since you have let the red dry a few days, you'll need to scuff as Southpa sez. Use a Scotchbrite pad or a 800 grit to evenly dull the red. Tack rag the dust off and don't touch the body with your hands, use gloves to handle and spray your clear. Spray several light coats, let each coat dry about 5 minutes than shoot the next. The final coat can be a little heavier and wet for max gloss...be careful, you don't wanna run it. Let it dry a few days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devon Headen Posted November 23, 2003 Report Share Posted November 23, 2003 Wow....you go on a fast schedule. When I spray clear (nitro mind you, never worked with acrylics) I give 2 hours minimum, and only do 3 coats a day. Then I let it dry for at least two weeks before the final buff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
butnut Posted November 24, 2003 Report Share Posted November 24, 2003 Yeah, I shoot automotive products, acrylic lacquer is my choice for kandies for the fast build and fast dry. I usually clear with auto poly which I wait 1/2 hour after my last coat of lacquer. I don't have time to watch paint dry...or grass grow. I shot nitro for the first time on a neck...looked good over the amber toner. I'm gonna spray some nitro on a poly Tele and relic the finish next. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjaguar13 Posted November 26, 2003 Author Report Share Posted November 26, 2003 What do I do after my last coat of clear, just buff it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackyB Posted November 26, 2003 Report Share Posted November 26, 2003 Yeah, but give it some extra time (At least a few days) to fully settle in and dry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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