dgerej2

I would like to clear coat my fog light covers. Does anyone have a good automotive brand they could recommend. I noticed quality differs greatly in the spray paint world. Is it true paint shops get much better quality product than what retail stores can ever offer? What brand should I use for my fog light protection project? Where can I get the good stuff? Thanks

DC2.2_GSR

brand doesn't matter as much as some people make it seem, as long as you buy a good name brand urethane clear. PPG, DuPont, BASF, Sikkens, Glasurit, Sherwin... they're all good names and they all have great products.

honestly the best way to go about it is to walk into a body shop and ask to buy a few ounces of clear and the proper reducer. i know i've never had a problem selling it to people in small quantities, and i can't imagine another shop would either.

the problem with going out to buy clear coat for an extremely little project like fog light covers is that you'll be wasting your money on a large amount of clear that you'll never use. clear coat is most commonly sold in gallons (rarely in quarts), with mixing ratios of 4:1, 3:1, 4:1:1/2, etc., which means you'll probably have to buy at least a quart of hardener and/or reducer to go with the gallon of clear. you'll end up with 5+ quarts (160 oz.+) of sprayable clear for a project that should require no more than 5 oz. that 5+ quarts could cost you as little as $50 with an off brand (supplier brand) like Kline's or Keystone, all the way up to a few hundred dollars with a name brand high end clear.

again, my advice would be to go to any good body shop in your area and explain that you have a DIY project that requires just a small amount of clear coat and hardener. tell them you want to buy a total of about 10 oz. sprayable (so that you have extra). they'll figure out how much hardener and reducer you need and should be able to give it to you in separate cans for you to mix when you're ready. ask for a small mixing cup that has the proper ratio, ask for a few paint strainers and maybe a mixing stick or two, and also a few quick tips on how to mix it. pay absolutely no more than $40 for that amount of clear and materials.

if you either can't find a good shop or can't find one that will sell it to you, find an automotive paint supplier. buy the smallest amount possible. remember, you'll only need about 5 oz. to clear fog light covers, but shoot for about 10 sprayable so that you have a little extra. if the supplier tells you all they have is quarts and pints, then you'll have to just find more projects!

dgerej2

Thank you for the detailed response. However, I was looking for something available in a can. I wouldn't be able to do anything you advised because I don't own a spray gun. What should I do?

DynastyRacer22

the ones off the shelf would be fine..i clear coated my front grill withit and it works fine..just make sure u get even coats on it and let it dry 10-15min in between each coat the more wetter you spray it the more glossier it is

Coop74

Dupont actually makes a really good can clear. It is specifically designed for small jobs, like door jambs and small spot-in areas. We use it to trim parts out, trim radiator supports, and other small areas, it works great. It dries quick and has great gloss retention. A can will set you back about $15. Try to find you a paint store that sells Dupont and they should have it.

dgerej2

Dupont sounds like good bet. I will look into some of the can options. I will make sure to avoid going to AZ or O'reily at all costs. Thanks

baggedSIcivic99

use a paint called glasurit made in germany its the best paint you can use

gorillafart

iTrader: (1)

"best paint you can use" really is a biased statement.

go with what you can afford. and if money isnt an option. then any of the top companies listed are just as good as the next.