Car body spray topcoats are finishing products in a « paint system » or sometimes directly on a raw surface.
A clearcoat is a transparent topcoat, which can be glossy, matte, satin or with special features.
Car body spray topcoats are exactly the same products as can topcoats.
A spray paint consists of one part clearcoat and one part propellant in an aerosol can, so that spraying can be done without a gun or air compressor.
The spraying is done with a nozzle for which we give the choice between triangular nozzles to spray like a pistol or round nozzles to spray a round jet, which is particularly practical for painting motorcycle or bicycle frames.
Among the spray clearcoats, there are mainly two qualities :
• The simple and monocomponent topcoats : they are ready to use topcoats which dry quickly in contact with the air by evaporation of their solvents.
• The second type are two-component topcoats that include a compartment containing a hardener. When the hardener is triggered, the mixture between the topcoat and the hardener is mixed in the aerosol can and the product can be applied for a limited time. The sprayed product will be of a professional quality similar to that used by body painters. The hardening process achieves a permanent and irreversible level of hardness and resistance. For those who are looking for a long-lasting result and optimal quality, we recommend two-component spray paints. These also provide better thickness, gloss and resistance to all external aggression factors, such as petrol sprays, scratches and impacts, but also to weather conditions, such as rain and heat.
Which body topcoat to choose ? In can or spray ?
Most of Stardust's topcoats come in a spray can format, which is quick and easy to use and is of the same quality as the canned product. However, we absolutely recommend that anyone with a gun and a compressor use our canned versions of the product, as they are more economical.
In fact, it is important to know that in the total volume of a can of topcoat, only 30-25% is reserved for the product, while the rest is necessarily propellant (300 ml in 400 ml).
The result of the application of spray paints is similar and perhaps of equal quality to that achieved with products in a can with a gun.
Stardust spray paint cans contain only professional quality paint.
Tips for a successful spray topcoat :
The top coat is the final coat, it is the icing on the cake. It completes the application of the paint and gives it a shine : it must be perfect, shiny and smooth. To succeed without drips and orange peel, always keep the spray can at a distance of 15 cm, no more and no less. Always keep the spray can moving from left to right. No need to cross-coat.
You must apply two coats, no more, no less : one coat means one « back and forth ». Between two coats, you must wait for a sufficient evaporation time of about 5 minutes in high temperatures and 10 minutes in cold weather.
Safety and tips for use
Spray body paints contain gas, flammable and harmful products. It is very important to apply them once you are aware of the application conditions. Here are our main recommendations : when spraying paints, always make sure there is a good air extraction with a cabin or a sufficient horizontal air circulation, in order to protect yourself from harmful aerosol sprays, but also to avoid that the paint vapors fall on the room. Use a paint mask for protection, as well as gloves.
