Re: New Paint Job

[Alex Kowalski <akowalsk@shrike.depaul.edu>]

Dave Lawson wrote:
> 
> Hi Paul,
> 
> >Now that I have the engine purring I'm about to take the ol TQC in for a
> paint
> >job. I've been told by some old timers that in Denver I should avoid clear
> coat
> >paint jobs. Something about UV and excess heat build up dulling the
> pigment.
> >Others have said that newer paint systems have eliminated this by adding UV
> 
> >filters. Does anyone have any comment on this.
> I had a base/clear paint job done on my '68 Corvette several years ago.  It holds up very well, 
in my experience, with 2 caveats:

1)  If the clearcoat gets hit with something and you don't reseal the edges with clear nail 
polish or touch-up, the clearcoat might peel in that area, locally giving you a spot of slightly 
different color and uneven surface.  Inspect it carefully each time you wash the car and maintain 
it.  Also, wax has a tendency to get trapped in the little teeny nicks in the clearcoat near the 
front end of the car, so you have to be diligent when waxing.

2) The appearance of the overall job is highly dependent on the quality of the base coat.  
Slapping a clearcoat finish onto a bad base coat is like polyurethaning a rough wooden floor.  
Instead of just rough, you now have rough and shiny, with any grit permanently trapped beneath 
the surface.  Make sure the shop takes its time getting the base coat right and pays attention to 
cleanliness, including giving the base coat adequate time to cure so you can assess it for 
imperfections before they seal it with the clearcoat.  Time is money, unfortunately.  

However, my clearcoat withstood a light wet-sanding and reglazing very well, and the finish 
afterward was mirror-smooth (lotsa elbow-grease, though).

Given adequate care in preparation and the professionalism of the shop, the 2-coat base/clear is 
a good alternative to a multi-coat standard paint job.  

Best Wishes,
Alex Kowalski
'84 4KQ
'68 Corvette 327 Roadster