How to Spray a Clear Coat After a Base Coat

Clear coat paint, or unpigmented resin, is an integral part of many cosmetic paint applications. In particular, clear coat is an important part of automotive finishes as well as other paint jobs where shine is important. Proper clear coat application requires a paint sprayer because it must be absolutely smooth in order to have the proper luster.

Things You'll Need

  • Paint sprayer
  • Clearcoat paint
  • 1,500-grit sandpaper
  • Clean cloth
  • Foam pad
  • Polishing compound
  • Spray on one coat of the clear coat paint and allow to dry according to the paint manufacturer's instructions (usually this will be between 30 minutes and one hour). This should be done after the base coat is completely dry.

  • Spray on a second coat of clear coat paint, again allowing it to dry fully.

  • Wet-sand with 1,500-grit sandpaper to remove any imperfections in the surface.

  • Dry the surface with a clean cloth and check for any remaining shiny spots. Sand further to remove them.

  • Apply the polishing compound to a foam pad and rub onto the surface, using a circular motion. The clear coat will be dull after the sanding phase, but it will be made shinier than it was before sanding once you use the polishing compound, since sanding removes bumps on the surface. Buff with the foam pad and polishing compound for a few minutes, then wipe dry. The surface will have a very smooth, glossy sheen.