Flubbed a metallic paint job because I rushed the clear coat

I was pumped to try a metallic finish on my car's fender as a weekend project. Got all the paint and clear coat ready, but I mixed the clear too fast without checking the ratios. When I sprayed it on, the coat turned cloudy and lost all its shine. Had to spend hours sanding it back down, which really killed my vibe. Now I see why taking time with the mix is so important. My buddy says temperature can mess with it too. What do you all do to stop clear coat from going hazy? Any tricks for getting metallic paints to pop right?

3 comments

3 Comments

thead441mo ago

Taking time with the mix is key, like you said. I used to rush and mix by feel, thinking it was close enough. Then I had a hood turn out milky and dull, just like your fender. Now I use a mixing cup and follow the ratios to the letter. I also wait for a dry day or use a heater to control the temp. That way the clear lays down smooth and the metallic really pops.

grant_palmer1mo ago

Yeah, humidity can ruin it too.

ryan_hayes21mo ago

Guess I was wrong, but @thead44's story convinced me to measure.