painting question

[mkoch1]

I plan on spraying the car with a pearl or candy coat right on top of the blue gel coat. Has anyone here clear coated their car? If so what grit sand paper did you scuff the gel coat with? Any problems with the clear not adhering well or seeing scuff lines through the clear. What brand clear did you use? I plan on testing different grits on the pieces I cut out of the dash for the gauges, but that won't tell me anything about long term adhesion.

mark

[Steve_D]

It is normal to etch prime when painting over gel coat.
Abrading the surface is not sufficient.
Try paint manufacturers to see if a clear etch paint is available.
Also ask about aqueous based paints. They are very common now and may not have the same requirement for etching.
Steve

[mkoch1]

If I was going to paint the car a different color, then yes I would prime it, then paint it, then clear it. I just wanted to keep the blue color and give it a little more personality.

Never heard of a "clear etch paint" I'll have to go back to the paint store and ask. There where a couple of body shop guys there last time I went and they said if I scuff with 400 or 600 grit and use a high quality clear it should be fine.

I was just hoping someone had already tried it.

mark