Every car owner or an auto detailer understands the problem of dealing with a hazy or chipped clear coat. Whether the car is old and you want to restore it to factory finish or you simply want to add some glam to your car, to ensure that you do it professionally it is important that you learn how to strip clear coat carefully. In this guide we will take you through each stage of the process so that the car paint can be prepped for its next look. Now get ready to know each and everything about How to Remove Clear Coat From Your Car?
What is the Clear Coat?
Now that we’ve gotten into the removal process, let’s discuss what clear coat is, what its purpose is, and why it matters. The clear coat is a layer that goes on top of the coloredpaint of your car and makes up color seal coat. It plays a function of acting as shield against conditions such as; ultra–violet light, dust, and abrasive surfaces. However, this coat can gradually discolour, peel or get damaged and thus removed to be replaced by a new one.
How to Remove Some Clear Coat Defects?
It is suggested that basically clear coat damages do not require radical procedures and before complete removal of the clear coat, other minor clear coat damages should be considered. These deficiencies may reduce the aesthetic value of your vehicle although repairing them can be quite easy they are: In terms of minor scratches or chips superficial for normal onlookers, then the use of clear coat repair pen is appropriate. Some of these pens are manufactured to fit perfectly into small defects and do not require a second coat upon polishing in a vehicle’s body, they can be used for quick repairs.
Washing:
The first step involves washing the area with soap and water in order to ensure that it is free from dirt, grease as well as debris which might hamper the repair process. One has to be very keen that the surface he or she has is clean because when one is applying clear coat anything that is left on the surface will actually hinder the clear coat from sticking to the surface properly. Lastly, avoid rubbinging the area dry but instead, use a microfiber soft cloth so as not to scratch the surface.
Dry Sanding:
Once the area is dry, fine-grit sand paper – ranging from 2000 to 3000 – should then be used to rub the affected spot. The reason of it is paramount is that it leaves the surface of repaired area abrasion free to enable the new clear coat to bond well. Take care at this stage; you do not want to go overboard to remove all the material as this will affect the paint around the area you are sanding.
Repair:
That leaves a fine dust behind and so after sanding it has to be cleaned using a clean cloth. Next, using the clear coat repair pen that you applied the clear coat following the instructions given when using this product. As a rule, it is suggested to apply the repair in successive thin layers to prevent dripping and achieve smooth surface.
Drying:
Once applied, they let the clear coat dry adhere to the car properly on its own. This may require between a few hours and even up to one full day depending on other prevailing circumstances.
Applying Wax:
If the area being worked on is still somewhat uneven, or if touching it feels a little rough after drying, the second roughly sanded the area with fine-grit sand paper, polish with car wax. This step will help to get glossy look and continuity from roof are other parts of a vehicle body.
Most of the time this will help to add the sparkle back to your car and give protection to your painted surface without having to redecoat again. Maintenance of the clear coat not only provides a more beautiful look to your vehicle but also keeps your vehicle save its value for longer years. Therefore, if you make an effort to repair any noticeable problems with the car on time your car will remain in optimal condition for many years.
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How to fix peeling clear coat?
When superficial repairs are not sufficient and you are thinking to fix peeling clear coat by covering one clear coat with another, knowing certain guidelines becomes vital in order to attain excellent finish and longevity. When your vehicle gets a new clear coat, it gets a new sparkle besides improving its protective layer; one has to be very keen when applying this coat.
i- Preparing the Surface
When applying the new coat, do not forget to begin with a very good wash of the car to ensure there is no dirt or wax that would prevent the new coat from sticking on to the car. Rinse your car with a car wash solution and make very sure that it is washed well. After washing it is advisable to pat dry the whole surface using a microfiber cloth so that there are no scrathches on the surface.
It continues by checking the current clear coat for things like scratches or deep abrasions where then it paints more clear coat. You should use fine abrasives – between 1500-2000 grit – to prepare the entire surface you would wish to refinish. This is an important step as results into a rough feel of the surface which assists the new clear coat to hold better. Handle the piece carefully so as not to destroy the other paint layers.
ii- Masking Off Unwanted Areas
Before applying the new clear coat, decide on which sections should not be painted by holding painters tape on areas such as the windows, the lights, and the door handles. Proper masking results to the coating being where it is supposed to be and are not evident anywhere else.
iii- Applying the Clear Coat
Select the best clear coat for the automotive job you want to carry out. If the product was packed in an aerosol can, shake it well before using, if your product was split into two or more parts, stir the constituents together before using. Before you do this, begin applying the clear coat while following a correct spraying pattern which includes consistent overlapping. Do not apply too thick and do not apply too thin and avoid dripping and sags on the surface of the coat.
It is painted with several thin layers, with each of the layers allowed to flash off partially or as directed by the manufacture. Described by most experts, usually it only takes three to four layers to attain an optimum finish of the surface. Here. then, is where patience and precision will pay off with a more a refined result.
iv- Allowing Adequate Drying Time
When it comes to the final surface layer, let the clear coat dry till it cures. The drying time differs with temperature and humidity, but normally takes one day or 24 hours. It is at this time highly imperative that the car be kept as clean from dust, so that particles will not stick on the wet surface.
v- Final Touch-Up
In the event that there are gaps or other finishes that need further coat, then do not proceed with clear coat since, once applied it is almost impossible to modify its results, next after the clear coat has been applied, allow it to dry up, and look for any irregularities. If you notice some areas around the car to appear as if they have not been evenly sanded, then wet sand that particular area with ultra fine grit sand paper and then polish the surface with a compound. This step is very important they assist in mixing the new coat with the existing one in a perfect way.
If you have followed these steps you can thus apply another clear coat over the current one in order to make your car look as good as new and keep its value high. With proper application of the products on your car and proper upkeep, you will be able to keep the car’s glow and give the car that brand new look.
Tools and Materials
To have a good and safe removal of clear coat on your car you need to have the right materials and other necessary equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
i- Abrasive paper (from 800 to 2000)
ii- Dual action (DA) sander or a piece of sanding block
iii- Masking tape
iv- Curtains of plastics or equivalent drop cloths
v- Safety goggles and gloves
vi- Microfiber cloths
vii- Polishing compound
viii- Carnauba wax or sealant
ix- A plastic holder containing water and a nozzle on top
How to Remove Clear Coat From Car: The Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Work Area
Beginning with the arrangement of your working area in a proper manner with sunlight and proper ventilation and free from dust and any other related materials. Cover other parts of your car with a plastic sheeting or drop cloths to give protection from the sanding. In case you don’t wish to sand specific areas like edges, trims or even a specific part of the furniture, use masking tape in those areas.
2. Clean the Surface
Clean your car thoroughly to get rid of all the dirt and grime that may exist on a car. This is important as they’ll otherwise cause scratches or other damages on the surface when the paint is being applied.
3. Begin Sanding
First use the 800 grit sandpaper. In case you are using a DA sander, you should work on the clear coat in a constant circular motion. When sanding with hands, make sure a sanding block is used to avoid uneven sanding on your wooden surface. Make sure to spray the surface with water often; this is because it will keep the temperature down and reduce the surface friction and in the process eliminate dirt on the paint.
4. Gradually Increase Grit
After peeling most of the clear coat, switch to finer abrasive papers (1000, 1500 and 2000). These passes play a role of preparing the surface for polishing hence the progression of the passes helps in leveling the surface. Once more, ensure the area is wet and monitor the process to make sure you don’t overdo it with sanding.
5. Polish the Paint
After the clear coat is stripped, it will be possible to polish the existing surface of the car. Use polish with a microfiber material or a polisher machine. This will help polish the top exterior and clear any very slight marks that may be remaining after sanding.
6. Apply a Wax or Sealant
To protect from the sun and anything else that might harm it, wrap it up in a high-gloss carnauba wax or a paint sealant. It will also create a new coat thereby adding the protection your car needs to retain its brand new look for quite some time.
Safety Tips
For your eyes wear safety goggles while for your hands are also advised to wear gloves while handling the product.
Inhaling dust often or fumes when painting is dangerous, so work in a well-ventilated room.
Be patient; forcefulness might harm you or other participants and diffuse the energy of the process.
Conclusion
Stripping clear coat from your car isn’t something you can really think lightly of but it is definitely do-able if you know how to go about it and if you have enough time to do so. If you will be able to follow these steps correctly, you will find that your car will be as good as new as far as the exterior is concerned. For a beginning, I recommend first working with a small portion of the auto because this way you will gain confidence.
If you’re ready to offer your car a brand new beginning, then Look no further. Find these preparing materials and position yourself, and let’s start working right now! If you have any tips or experiences to share please post a comment below. Good luck in having safe drives and happy detailing.
