clear coat

[trader]

Well I've just finished applying acrylic paint to my OBX rear deck cover and in a few days will rub it back and brasso it. Just wondering after reading JimmyJ5's article on painting side skirts, if and why a clear coat is desirable. Does it increase the shine or make it more durable? I am concerned it might yellow or lift. There must be a trick in applying it as I've seen plenty cars where the clear has come away. Any views on clear over acrylic and at what stage do I do it (right now or after I sand it back? Ta.

[Jimmy]

The only reason i used a clear coat was to act as a barrier against stone chipping. I removed the stone protecting stuff to get a nice finish with the paint and compensated by using lots of clear coat. I dont think it is necessary at all. As long as the paint is protected with polish then it should be fine. Having said that, i am by no means an expert on this subject, i just thought id give it a crack and it worked in my favour.

Also, make sure the paint has fully cured if you decide to put a clear coat on. Ive seen people who put it on straight after painting then the paint cures and destroys the nice finish they were after. It can distort the clear coat and can make it crack/peel/bubble. Best to wait a week or 2 before applying.

[4sfed5]

have a look here..
http://www.autobody101.com/forums/topic-5-0-200.html

.i always thought the clear had to go on pretty soon after wards...the clear gives better UV protection than un cleard base coat.

[trader]

Thanks for that info 4sfed5... its a really great site you referred me to, giving me all I need to know about painting. Seems to be a bit of contention when to put the clear coat on though. I'm going to wait four days, wet sand, clean down and then apply a few coats of clear, wait another 4 days, then rub back and brasso and see how that goes.