[mitchgto]

will clearcoat highlight any imperfections or will it do the opposite? Ive got a dark metallic blue basecoat and am concerned with a few small imperfections.
thanks in advance

[Jeff Walker]

From what I have experienced it will make it show worse. The glossier a surface is the easier you will see any flaws. What kind of imperfections do you see in the base?

[mitchgto]

Right at the wheel well there are a couple of streaks, probably from not sanding good enough. Maybe I will sand this area down again to get a better finish. I thought the paint going on thicker would get rid of this but it hasnt.

[mitchgto]

BTW, how many coats of clear do you suggest?

[CDJr]

Thats a tough question, mitch. Jeff is right for the most part, clear will make sanding scratches and such look even worse. So if you can see em now, itd be best to fix it somehow before laying clear. However, on the up side, it also will hide some minor imperfections, such as dust specks, etc. Id suggest 3 coats of clear, as thatll give you more protection against sanding through to the basecoat.

[mitchgto]

Thanks CDjr!

[Jeff Walker]

CDJr is right about the amount of coats of clear to put on if you plan on sanding and buffing it. You can get by with two coats if you don't plan on sanding and buffing it. HTH

[mitchgto]

what grade paper should I use to sand the clear?
thanks again guys for the valuable info.

[tom bryner]

1000, 1500 grit then buff. I would fix the problem in the base coat before you spray your clear.

[mitchgto]

Thanks Tom

[Cammer-6]

with base coat /clear coat you want ALL the body work done before applying
You can get by with minor imperfections if you plan on wet sanding and buffing but thats limited to stuff that gets in the clear and minor sags,runs in clear coat.