Auto body repair & detailing: Clear coat, dcx8, mg td

Question
QUESTION: Gary, first off thanks for any information you can provide. I am restoring a 52 MG/TD and have used some TRANSTAR clear coat for the dash. The clear coat seems to be so soft that even using 3000 wet leaves deep scratches.I have re-sanded the dash atleast 3 times and thought it was perfectly flat only to buff it and find more scratches and low spots. The transtar clear is #6844 and the activator is #6854 mixed at the 4-1 ratio. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Ralph

ANSWER: Hi Ralph,

I sold Transtar clear for a short time and I had the same issues with it. Needless to say, I no longer carry that product. I would recommend either stripping and re-coating or you might try to sand and re-clear over it. The only problem is, I'm afraid that if you do choose to clear over the existing clear you'll get real bad die back and sand scratch swelling through the new clear.

Unfortunately, your best bet would be strip and re-coat. I know that stinks but in the long run you'll save yourself a ton of headache.

Use a good quality clear when you re-clear. Something like DCU2021 or D894. It does cost more but you'll definitely see it in the end result. If I can help you any further feel free to ask!

Gary

http://www.repaintsupply.com

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QUESTION: WOW Gary thanks for the instant reply.  I think I will re-sand and try the DCU2021,I think that is a PPG product right?  Now I would like to know if I can get by with using 600 wet to get enough scratches for adhesion and still fill those scratches with the clear?

Again thank you very much for your help.
Ralph

Answer
Ralph,

Sure, no problem.  

DCU2021 is a PPG product, you will also need hardener; either DCX61, DCX8, or DCX9. I would recommend going with DCX61. You will also need a DT series reducer. Choose according to temperature you're spraying in.

I would recommend going with 800 wet. The clear would fill the 600 grit fine but you really want to avoid cutting very deep into that soft clear. By using 800 it will help minimize sand scratch swelling.

Gary