Applying aerosol clear coat effectively involves a few key steps to ensure a smooth, even finish. This process primarily focuses on technique, distance, and layering. Here’s how you do it:
Steps for Applying Aerosol Clear Coat
1. Preparation is Key
Before you even pick up the can, make sure your work area is well-ventilated and free from dust or debris. The object you’re coating should also be clean, dry, and free of any imperfections. Any surface issues will be magnified by the clear coat.
2. Distance and Technique
- Hold the Can Properly: Maintain a distance of 4-8 inches between the nozzle and the surface you're coating.
- Smooth Sweeping Motion: Use a consistent, even, sweeping motion. Avoid starting or stopping the spray while over the surface to prevent pooling or uneven areas.
- Overlap: Overlap each pass by 50-75% to ensure full and uniform coverage. This prevents streaks or thin spots.
3. Applying the Coats
- Multiple Thin Coats: Apply 2-3 thin coats of clear coat rather than one thick coat. This minimizes the chance of runs and provides a better, more durable finish.
- Waiting Time: Allow approximately 10 minutes between each coat for the solvents to evaporate. This allows the coating to build up properly.
- Recoating Window: If you need to apply more coats after the initial 2-3 coats, make sure it’s done within two hours. If more than two hours passes, it is recommended to wait until after 48 hours before applying any additional coats.
4. Curing and Finishing
After the final coat, allow the clear coat to fully cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which could be as little as a few hours or as much as 48 hours. Avoid touching or handling the item during curing.
Example:
Let’s say you are clear coating a small wooden box:
- Clean the box with a tack cloth.
- Hold the spray can about 6 inches from the box.
- Spray using a smooth, sweeping motion overlapping each pass by about 60%.
- Allow 10 minutes between coats.
- Apply 2-3 coats and then allow it to cure.
By following these steps, you’ll achieve a professionally-looking clear coat finish using aerosol cans.
