[ram4 judge]

1st todays painters add base to the clear to achieve a semi gloss for underhood and door jamb colors. You can add most companies base to there clear without a problem( metallics may blotch if put on to heavy) but not recommended for long term exposure to the sun/UV.

2nd as a 20 year veteran paint rep for BASF,Dupont, PPG, and Sikkens any single stage will give a deeper, cleaner look then BC/CC on solid colors. This is especially true on red and black.

3rd The grain that people see in the colorcoat under the new clears is part application and part which companies basecoat is used. The american companies like modified acrylic bases which has a grainy look over the european companies that use a polyester base which lays flatter when sprayed.The draw back to polyester is that the final sanding on the primer has to be a little finer on light metallics. SIkkens and BASF use a polyester and Dupont, PPG,Sherwin Williams use a modified acrylic. Most backyard painters prefer the american stuff because it will cover up bad prep.


The idea of putting clear in the last 2 coats of single stage is spot on. It gives you the look of single stage while also making it easier to buff.Also
for beginners ,with single stage you only go around the car 3/ 4 times.BC/CC you have to go around the car 6 to 7 times. Less chance of something going wrong the less time your in the booth.Single stage will also be more forgiving on the prep of the car.
Good luck