Hi Guys,

Long time lurker first time poster.

In the past 5 years I have done overalls on about 10 cars, many many parts and panels.

When I painted my first car (1970 Camaro project) I was choosing clear at my local jobber and either I picked or somebody recommended, for my first clear, a high solids Euro clear from Transtar. It is a 2:1 high solids clear. I was never really able to lay it down the way it should be. To get a nice finish gloss. . I often ran it, and still do.

I want to try an SPI clear coat product but I desire the following properties from my new clear choice:

1. Easy to lay down with average skills and below average spray guns
2. Except for minor nibs, I want to eliminate any serious cut and buff, a medium cut buff is acceptable. I have always had pretty serious OP with the stuff I am using and it is getting old.
3. HIGH gloss and durability. For the most part, I spray personal project restorations but am rapidly moving to paint motorcycle bodywork on projects which are garage kept.
4. If a cut and buff is necessary it should require minimal effort to work back to maximum gloss
5. I prefer a deep shine and am not afraid to built mil thickness to get it but would prefer the quality be in the clear rather than created with build.
6. I often do custom candy and pearl work so often am spraying over mid coat or adding pearls to clear.

I really feel that my gun skills are above average because I have a decent amount of experience and have been earning $ on the side with minor collision repair for friends and family. While they are nearly always happy. . .it just takes me too long to finish my OP or runny clear!! LOL

Any suggestions appreciated. It looks like from Barry's post I may want to start with Universal Clear or Medium Solids products. I may work my way back to a High Solids product but for now I need a breather. . .my arms and hands hurt from buffing an all over I did last weekend! Please advise so that I can order and try SPI

Thanks in Advance,
Brent

Hands down, no if or but's--Universal.

Everything your asking for - UNIVERSAL CLEAR!!!

I'd say the Universal as well, or the Euro 2020 for your collision work. Your Orange Peel issues can be worked out with gun adjustment. The Transtar Euro you used on your first project is a great clear, I used many gallons of it on production work before I became an SPI junkie. You should've been able to spray that with minimal peel. If you can't, and you're comfortable with your "gun skills" then the issue is in your equipment. Make sure you have ample air volume (CFM) cheapie guns are often serious air hogs. If that's not the issue then it's time to ditch the cheap gun and get a nice one. You'll find the rig of choice here is the Iwata LPH400. It'll pay for it self on the first all over you can send out the door without buffing.

Thanks for the replies guys. Brian, it is likely that I need to invest in a new clear gun. It has been awhile and I can afford to. . .especially if better results from the gun equals less time cutting and buffing!

Thanks Again.

Brent

The other thing that will really make a difference is a few practice panels, either right before or in the few days before you shoot the real thing. If I followed my own advice on this one, I'd be years ahead

I have sprayed several sets of motorcycle bodywork and 1 overall that are all SPI except for base.

I ended up choosing Universal Clear and could not be more happy! That does not mean that i will not, later on, experiment with other forms of SPI clear.

I suppose that I am like most others, once you find something that you can make work, no matter how hard you have to work at it, it becomes like your bride and you will defend it to the end LOL!

I cannot say enough about the SPI products I have used so far. I am certainly glad that I finally questioned what I was doing (working my butt of with hard to spray clear), bought a new gun that actually atomizes clear and moved forward.

Brent

there is no substitute for quality tools . i have friends who still use their old guns and constantly fight solvent pop and thane peel. wont listen so i just watch. imo the iwata is the best gun going. the uv clear is as good as it gets.