Expert: Gary - 6/26/2008

Question
Gary, thanks again about the blend ease info. I have another question. Since I painted my 67 Mustang two months ago with PPG Acrylic enamel metallic blue, I then put down white racing stripes. I want to know if I can put a coat of clearcoat over it to even the paint, eliminate the raised edges on the stripes, and protect the finish from chipping. Have you ever heard of clearcoating over acrylic enamel? if so how would I do it and what product should I use? Thanks Gene

Answer
Hi Gene,

Yes, you can clearcoat over Acrylic Enamel if you used activator (activator, hardener and catalyst is the same thing, the automotive industry uses those words interchangabley) in it when you painted it. Any type of Acrylic Urethane clear will work great. You will want to sand the finish very lightly before clearcoating. I say lightly because if you get too aggressive with it you will streak the metallics in your blue. You'll want to use probably a 1000 grit wet sand paper (make sure you soak it 30 minutes prior to use). You can then apply about 3 coats of clear. Wait overnight then wet sand with 1000 grit and get it nice and flat. Then put 2 more coats of clear and buff it with a good quality buffing system like 3M's Perfect-It 3000.