I have decided to paint the beast one more time....need a change for this cruise year. Anyway, Im doing Grecian Green, BC/CC....now, what clear do I use? Its not a show car, but I want a nice finish, obviously. Im told that the lower price clears, which I have previously used (and liked ) have no UV protection, and thats what makes them lower cost...many shops use them cause they dont worry about the base coat color going bad a few years down the road from the sun's rays...but that got me thinking, is that something I have to worry a lot about? My car is only out once in awhile, never out in the sun for long periods, and in 5 years I might want to paint is differently anyway. Seriously, is that what makes the cost difference in clear coats, and is it something that I have to be concerned with very much? Thanks, John

I don't beleive theres no UV protection.The only downside i have seen is with some the shine dies back after a while.Duponts Nason line of clear is really nice,i would swear its the same as the expensive stuff.A Dupont rep once hinted that it was but wouldn't confirm it.I used the econo-clears a lot in the field,but on my own stuff I use the good stuff,Your only talking about $50 or so on a gallon.When you consider all the time and hard work you put into a paint job,the most important thing in the end is the shine,so the clear may not be the place to skimp.Now if its a daily beater, thats a different story.

Well, thats a big decision to make. I spray PPG every day and use the global line. It is called global cause it is the same paint sprayed world wide. I also use a clear coat called Omni, manufactured by PPG but much more inexpensive than the norm 893 clear used. I use the Omni clear on older models and to me for the price, about $140 for the set up gal clear and hardner, it is a great clear. It also buffs out real nice too. I would suggest that clear before trying a real aftermarket brand that may not last longer than 6 months to a year. Ask around at the jobbers, or paint stores, too to see what is a popular les expensive brand near you.


good luck
http://budruski.myplace.com/

I have seen sub-standard clears cause all kinds of problems, like flaking off after a short time, yellowing, shrinking,tightening up, etc. Why take a chance? Use only the best clear you can get. I prefer Spies/Hecker because the quality is unmatched by any other brand, but at the very least, I would stick within the paint line of your basecoat to insure you won't have unnecessary problems.

Gordon VM
Restoration Motorsports

I tend to use the higher-end clears on "special" jobs or on my own stuff. But as 70isfine stated, Dupont's Nason line of clear was pretty damn impressive (in my eyes) for the cost. My Dupont rep wouldn't devulge the truth either. I thought the Nason clears "cut" time was sooner than the more traditional line of Dupont clears. But that could just be me. I have also used PPG clears in the past with good results. As others have stated, stick with the same paint manufacturer as your base, or something proven for compatibility.
I'd say go chat with one of your local suppliers.

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'68 SS-396 (still workin' on it)
"Children in the back of the car can cause accidents,
accidents in the back of the car can cause children"
-2 Below Custom Automotive
Fbks, AK.

[This message has been edited by tblw68ss (edited 04-02-2002).]

The difference I've seen in the quality of Clear coats is the quality of 'shine' and it's ability to last a long time.
Don't skimp here. Would you rather spend another $100 at this point, or possibly re-paint in two years?
PPG, Martin Senour, Sikkens, Glasurit, House of Kolor and DuPont are the names that are mentioned when I ask, "what kind of paint is that?" when I go to National show events and drool over the finest cars in the country.

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MY 69 (http://www.chevelles.com/cgi-bin/xchange/xchange.cgi?search_and_display_db_button=on&db_id=22&exact_match=on&photo_size=full)