c.c.c I'll add to vettefella's metallic question. Why don't you want to incorporate clear into process? Also don't remember what year you velle was. Grew up spraying and blending lacquer. Have several options for blending. Solvent choices are crucial. If finish to be painted is in very good condition, one method is to prep entire panel for blend at roof pillar. Use 600 grit on all areas not primed, or really good compound buff, prep sol, wash with h2o. Clear entire panel, use FAST thinner or even non penetrating thinner, two coats clear, should be slightly over reduced, plenty of flash time between coats. Color area of damage, extending beyond primer a little farther with each color coat. DO NOT SOAK material on vehicle, tack off between all coats. Just before you have coverage over primer increase reduction of color by about 10 to 20%. Try to blend out any dry spray as you achieve coverage of primer. Clear coat entire panel, approx 4 coats, spray a little wetter but DON'T SOAK panel. Use fairly fast thinner. Another method is to add 50% clear to color starting when you first achieve coverage of primer, keep adding 50% clear to each additional coat. DON'T SOAK panel. It is not really practical to try a blend in the middle of a panel. a blend is a compromise, Can easily be done in small areas when you have an edge to start from. CAUTION::::: Very mature finishes, which may have multiple coats of paint (thick) are VERY prone to swelling & splitting of materials if subjected to lots of solvent. Caveat:: most urethane products do not react well to lacquer as an underbase. Sometimes a waterbase barrier coat can act to insulate products from each other. Many lacquers,enamels, acrylic enamels are failing now, if subject to extreme, heat, cold, sun, etc. Crows feet, checking fading etc. If your finish is already failing it may split, craze, or swell when you start adding new material, especially if sprayed WET. It will be fun to see how the new SUPER PAINTS hold up. If you look closely, even a really good blend shows. If you polish regularily to maintain gloss the blend will become sharper over years. Repeat::: If your existing finish is VERY good, and you have no plans to strip & paint entire car do everything you can to figure a way to keep this repair to as small an area as possible. There are ways to blend without clear, depending on color, however they often do require the use of slow solvents, retarder, and some soaking of panel. Sorry this response is so disjointed. Karl
