If you are like me, any scratches, damage, chips, or other imperfections on the clear coat of your aged paint jobs can be very triggering. Sometimes, the only way is to repaint the surface.
However, how exactly do you apply paint on a previously painted and clear-coated surface or object?
With so many different points of view regarding the topic, it can take time to figure out what to do.
Fortunately, you do not have to worry about the uncertainty. Stick around as I explored the topic, providing actionable steps when painting something that has already been cleated.
Can You Paint Over Clear Coat
No, you should not spray paint over a clear coat. By design, the clear paint coat is meant to be the outer cover of your base coat paint job. First, remove the clear coat finish before painting, or you will have a messy paint job, and the paint will not stick to the surface correctly.
Painting Over Different Types of Clear Coats
Knowing what type of paint coat you can and cannot paint over is important for the best results in your DIY painting project. Here are some of your questions answered regarding this:
Can you spray paint over clear coat?
Painting over a clear coat is not recommended. The main reason is that most types of paint adhere poorly to a clear coat finish.
The best thing to do is remove the clear coat before applying paint and then paint the clear coat finish on top.
Can you clear coat over enamel paint?
Yes, you can apply a clear coat over enamel paint. Enamel paints stick well to clear coat finishes.
Good shout-outs for clear coats that I use when clear coating enamel paint are Spray Max 2K and Rustoleum Crystal Clear.
Can you spray a clear coat over acrylic paint?
Yes, you can spray a clear coat over acrylic paint. In fact, it is recommended if you are painting surfaces or objects that will be exposed to the elements, such as direct sunlight in the case of doors, windows, etc.
The clear coat will protect the paint and give it additional shine.
Can you clear coat single-stage paint
Yes, you can paint a clear coat on single-stage paints.
Typically, single-stage paints are considered clear coats with added color pigments. Due to this, you may opt not to apply a clear coat.
However, if you choose to do so, it will be more advantageous to your paint as the clear coat layer will provide extra protection and shine.
Can you paint over a fresh, clear coat?
No, you should not paint over a fresh, clear coat. You can only do it if you apply another coat of the same clear coat.
Painting any other type of paint over your clear coat defeats the purpose of applying it in the first place. In most cases, the clear coat should be the last, and no other paint should be added afterward.
How to remove clear coat before painting fresh paint
How you remove clear coats before a new paint mainly depends on your project.
While some may require just removing a clear coat to apply a new one, other projects may require removing the whole paint, including the clear coat.
Discussed below are a few scenarios and how to handle removing clear coat for those specific situations:
Scenario 1: When the paint has deep scratches
If you have a surface with a deep scratch, remove the clear coat from the entire surface before doing anything else.
The best way to do this is by sanding. You can use either sandpaper or a sanding block for this task.
The best way to go about the sanding process is to first wet sand the surface with 800-grit paper and clean everything so it is dry and neat. This will let you see if you have gotten rid of the scratches.
If not, I sand with a higher grit wet sandpaper to remove any remaining scratches. This usually does the trick, and the surface is ready to be painted.
Quick Tip 1: Wet sanding helps remove any particles trapped on the sandpaper that add further scratches to the paint or surface.
Quick Tip 2: When dry sanding, frequently clean your sandpaper to remove trapped particles. Also, be gentle and do not use too much force pushing the paper against the surface – you do not want to exacerbate the situation you are trying to eliminate.
Scenario 2: When you want a paint makeover (new color)
Unlike the scenario above, where you do not want to get rid of all the clear coat previously applied to your surface, with this one, you may have to.
While you may use the sanding process outlined above, a much easier way is to use a paint stripper or remover.
I do this using a microfiber towel soaked in the removal solution and wiping off the old clear coat, base coat paint, and primer.
I repeat the wiping process until the old paint underneath is removed, and I have a clean and smooth surface.
It is important to note that you should always consider the type of surface you are working with, as the chemicals in the paint remover may damage it.
Using remover works when dealing with metal surfaces. However, if you use other surfaces that the remover is not recommended for, e.g., wood, you should sand the previous paint off.
Scenario 3: When you want to spray the base coat or new clear coat
In some scenarios, you want to spruce up the base coat or apply a new clear coat to a surface or object that was previously painted and sealed off with a clear coat.
In such situations, sanding is the best way to remove the old clear topcoat. Using the method detailed in scenario 1 above, wet sand by dipping your sandpaper or sanding block in water and then begin sanding from one end to the other in a back-and-forth motion.
This should be enough to remove the clear coat and rough up the surface for you to add new paint.
Quick Tip: If you intend on only adding a new clear coat, be careful when sanding so you do not scratch the base coat paint job. Just sand enough to remove the top layer of the clear coat and rough up the surface to allow the new paint to adhere properly.
How to spray new paint job after removing old paint
Assuming that you have followed the removal processes outline above based on your situation, the surface should be in good condition to move on to painting.
Let’s look at the supplies you need before I take you through the painting process.
Supplies you will need
- Spray paints (base coat and primer).
- Sandpaper.
- Cleaning supplies.
- Drop cloth.
- Painter’s tape.
- Other supplies.
Step 1: Cleaning and prepping
After removing the previous paint, you must clean and prep the surface before painting.
Use a drop or microfiber cloth to dust off and clean the surface to ensure you remove any dirt and grime.
After you completely clean the surface, you should tape up the parts you do not want to be painted.
Now we are ready to start painting.
Step 2: Applying primer
You can skip this step if your project does not require it.
Apply a thin layer of primer evenly across the whole surface. Let the primer coat dry completely; whether or not you apply the second coat depends on your needs.
Step 3: Applying a base coat
After the primer dries, paint the base coat to your object or surface.
Hold the spray can or gun around 10 inches away from the surface at an angle of 45 degrees. This will help you avoid paint splatters.
Start spraying from one end to another in one sweeping motion and continue until you cover the whole surface with paint. Remember to apply enough paint evenly across the surface.
Again, let the first coat of base paint dry off completely before you spray another one. In most cases, 2 or 3 base coats are enough.
Afterward, let everything dry, and then you can move on to the next step.
Step 4: Finish off with a clear coat of paint
I recommend spraying a thin coat. Do not worry about getting all the paint on your surface with a single coat.
After the first coat dries, apply a second clear finishing coat and let everything dry and cure.
How do I make my clear coat shiny?
Hand polishing is one of the simplest ways to polish your clear topcoat and make it look shiny.
This is where you use a polishing compound and use an applicator pad or foam to apply the compound.
After applying the polish, you use a microfiber buffing cloth to wipe it off. This will give your clear coat the shiny look you desire.
Other methods involve using waxing and buffing equipment. While these tools are good for correcting significant aesthetic problems with your clear coating, they will also require some skill.
Can you put a matte clear coat over gloss paint?
You can apply a matte clear coat over gloss paint. A clear matte finish can be a great option to avoid the glossy shine of gloss paint.
Painting a matte clear coat over gloss paint can be good for objects exposed to light as this will limit light bounce.
A good product that you should try if you want to spray paint a matte clear coat over your gloss base coat is Rustoleum’s Specialty Clear Matte.
Why should you polish your clear coat?
Polishing your clear coat will help keep it in pristine condition and make it shine. Also, it helps remove some of the wear and tear that comes with time.
Most polishing compounds include a protective substance that will give your a clear coat and added layer of protection.
FAQs – Can You Paint Over Clear Coat
How many layers of clear coats should I apply?
When applying a clear coat, you should apply more than one layer of paint. Usually, 2 or 3 thin layers of a clear coat finish should be enough. Remember to let each paint coat dry before spraying on the next one.
How do you prepare a clear coat of paint?
You have first to sand the surface – wet sanding is the most advisable method. Next, you must clean the surface and remove any sanding particles or dust from the surface. You can the prep and paint the surface.
Is sanding necessary when painting clear coat finishes?
Yes and no. It all depends on the project. If it is a fresh paint job, then sanding is not required. However, if it is a previous paint job, you must sand the surface to rough it enough so the new paint will stick.
Can you paint on top of the topcoat?
No, you should not paint over a topcoat. A top coat should be the last coat of paint that you apply. If you have to paint anything, you should do so before and finish with the topcoat.
What is the easiest way of removing a clear coat before painting?
The easiest way to remove a clear coat is by using a paint remover or stripper. This is especially true if you want to remove the previous paint job completely. However, I recommend wet sanding if you want to remove the clear coat only.
Content Summary – Painting over clear coat
Occasionally, there is a need to repaint or spruce up previously painted surfaces so that they may look better. One of the main problems that can arise is if you do not follow the right process.
This is particularly true if you want to paint something with a clear coat. You should only paint over a clear coat directly if it is a fresh coat of clear finishing.
If you want to paint a surface or object that was previously painted and clear coated, you should first remove the layer of clear coat.
With the detailed and actionable instructions I have provided above, removing a clear coat and repainting your object or surface should be easy.