Years ago, cars didn't have the added luxury of a clear coat of paint to protect the base color coat. Now there are two- and three-stage paints that require a final clear coat to protect the paint and give it a glossy finish. A clear coat of paint can be added to almost any base coat of paint if you take the proper steps. While a professional job may show the best results, anyone can add a clear coat to their car to finish a current paint job.
Wait 20 minutes after spraying the final coat of base color paint. The base color doesn't need to be completely dry, but it should still be wet.
Spray the clear coat paint by holding the sprayer 10 inches from the surface. Move the sprayer left and right, overlapping each stroke a few inches for even coverage.
Spray a total of 3 to 5 thin coats of clear coat paint on the car. Let each coat dry for 10 minutes before adding the next coat. Let the final coat dry for a full day before handing the surface.
Sand the car evenly with a gray scuff pad to prepare the surface for the clear coat paint. Scuff every area that will be painted with clear coat paint.
Place masking tape and paper over all parts of the car that don't need clear coat paint. Cover the glass, lights, trim, wheels, key holes and door handles. Wipe the surface with wax and grease remover and a microfiber cloth to get rid of grease from fingerprints and from the sanding dust.
Spray clear coat paint over the car. Hold the sprayer 10 to 12 inches from the surface of the car. Move left and right, not up and down. Overlap each coat by a few inches for even coverage. Begin at the front of the car and work your way to the rear.
Spray a total of four or five coats of clear coat paint. Let each coat dry for 10 minutes before spraying the next coat. Let the final coat dry for a full day before handling the surface.
