We appreciate your concern about the time gap between applying the base coat and the clear coat. Because many people don’t know how bad things can go when they wait too short or too long before applying the clear coat.
So, here’s the answer- you should wait at least 30 minutes before applying the clear coat. But how long is too long for waiting for the clear coat application? And, how many times should you apply the clear coat on your vehicle?
To know all the details, stay until the end. This article will cover:
- How long to wait before applying clear coat
- When you should apply the clear coat
- Why applying clear coat is important
- What you should do after applying the clear coat
- Some topic-related questions
- And, a whole lot more!
Table of Contents
How Long Should You Wait Before Applying Clear Coat Explained!
As we said, wait for around 30 minutes after the base coat application and then proceed for the clear coat. The main intention is to let the base coat dry properly.
Most of the time, the base coat takes somewhere between 30 and 40 minutes to completely dry. However, changes in the humidity or temperature may cause the base coat to take up to 60 minutes to dry.
Sounds complicated? Hey, it’s simple to make sure whether the base coat is dry or not. Touch the base coat and see if it’s smooth instead of your fingers dragging on the coat while touching it.
As waiting too short for applying the coat isn’t recommended, make sure you’re not applying it after too long. Suppose, you’re planning to apply a clear coat after 48 hours of applying the base coat. Guess what can happen?
You’ll find the base coat is too dry to stick to the clear coat so you won’t be happy to see the result.
When to Apply Clear Coat? Is It Necessary to Apply Clear Coat?
So, what’s the best time to apply the clear coat? After 30 to 40 minutes of applying the base coat.
Then, start applying the clear coat and apply 4 to 5 wet coats. Make sure the coats are wet, not dripping. And, yes, wait 10 minutes between each application of the clear coats. You’ll want each coat to be dry to the touch and then you should move on to the next.
Once you’re done applying the clear coat, leave it for a minimum of 24 hours and then proceed to the next to-do’s.
Now, some words for why it’s necessary to use a clear coat. Well, it protects the base coat against wear and oxidation. A clear coat is a reason for the deep and glossy shine you get from a perfect paint job.
Yes, a clear coat is so tough that it offers defensive armor against several elements. But there are chances, the coat may wear out or at least fade when it’s constantly exposed to harsh weather or harmful UV rays.
So, the clear coat also needs protection. This is where the wax comes in. It’s highly suggested to wax the paint regularly. As the cleat coat protects the base coat, similarly, wax protects the clear coat.
Things You Should Do After Applying Clear Coat
Once you’ve applied the clear coat, and wait 24 hours to set it well, it’s time you should buff it out to a higher shine. So, how to buff a clear coat?
We’ll show you some easy steps to do the job.
Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle
Start by washing your car. But before doing so, take 400, 800, 1000, & 1200-grit sandpaper and put them in a clean water-filled bucket. Wait for up to 1 hour and let them soak.
Then, wash your car with a car washing sponge/brush and soapy water. After cleaning it, dry the car using a microfiber towel.
Step 2: Wet-Sand the Clear Coat
Start with 400-grit sandpaper for the wet-sanding job. And, gradually move up to 800, 1000, & 1200-grit.
Then, before you sand the car, make sure you tape the areas that are delicate and you don’t want to sand them. Such as headlights, edges of panels, and molding. After that, sand your car applying light and steady pressure.
Finally, dry the sanded areas and move next.
Step 3: Apply The Polish
Apply polish to a foam pad and carefully use a circular motion for applying the polish. To clean off the buffed spot and remove any remaining residue, a spray detailer will help. Finally, use a liquid wax and coat the buffed areas.
FAQs:
Can I apply a clear coat the next day?
It’s not recommended. But if there’s no way other than this, you can still apply the clear coat the next day. But before doing so, spray the base coat once again, wait for 30 minutes, and then apply the clear coat.
Do I wet sand after a clear coat?
Yes, it helps replace the orange peel with finer scratches. Then, the scratches will be filled with polish.
Does a clear coat make paint shiny?
Not necessarily. You’ll need to buff the vehicle after applying the clear coat to get the shine.
Do I need to sand before a clear coat?
No. Unless you have to wait for too long after applying the base coat, don’t sand the surface.
Verdict
Hopefully, now you don’t have to overthink about how long to wait before applying clear coat.
Do not apply clear coat too soon or too late as the insufficient time between different materials matters a lot. Also, make sure that the clear coat isn’t applied too thinly. If you’re sure that everything is okay, don’t worry, you’ll love the outcome after applying the clear coat.