
How To Fix Peeling Clear Coat Quickly And Easily
- Step 1: Prep The Panel For Work. If you haven’t washed the car in a while, do so in the driveway. Wipe it down and get...
- Step 2: Remove The Peeling Clear Coat. Grab your fine Scotch Brite (make sure it’s the automotive type) and start...
- Step 3: Scuff Up The Adjacent Areas And Create Blend Zones. After removing all the...
How to repair damaged clear coat?
How to repair clearcoat Prep area by wet sanding with 1500 grit sandpaper. Remove any wax and oil from area with wax removing wipes. Wipe area with tack cloth then apply clear coat paint and let dry. Repeat wiping and painting for two more layers of paint, letting it dry between each coat.
How to fix old, hazy and scratched clear coat?
There are several reasons this can be fixed, including:
- The base coat has had little exposure to the elements
- It’s in an easily blended area
- It’s small and out of the way so not likely to be seen.
How to repair clear coat fix 100% all types?
- Gather your materials. Luckily, you probably have most of the required materials on-hand. Here's what you'll need to fix peeling clear coat.
- Clean and mask off the area. Use the degreaser to get rid of any wax that may be leftover on the vehicle's surface. ...
- Sand the damaged clear coat. Use the 800-grit sandpaper to smooth the peeling clear coat until it is no longer rough. Lightly sand the area around the peeling.
- Apply the new clear coat. Before spraying the clear coat, shake the can for at least a minute. ...
- Sand again. Once you're sure the clear coat has fully dried, use fine-grit sandpaper to wet sand the border of the repair.
- Finish with a polish. Apply a rubbing compound and then polish the area with a buffer. Use a low setting and apply light pressure.
What is the best clear coat?
#1 SpeedoKote SMR-130/75-K-M Automotive Clear Coat
- Dries Quickly. The great benefit of the SpeedKote Clear Coat is it dries and cures super quick, so it is ready to buff within 4 to 6 hours.
- Activator Medium. SpeedoKote utilizes an activator medium that activates, when the temperature reaches 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
- UV Resistant. ...
- Notable Specifications
- Overall Verdict. ...

Can clear coat be repaired?
There's no easy fix, no magic product, no trick to deal with a peeling clear coat in 15 minutes. Once the clear is gone, it's gone. The only thing that can replenish the finish is more clear coat, and this is neither quick nor easy.
How do you fix a messed up clear coat?
How to repair clearcoatPrep area by wet sanding with 1500 grit sandpaper.Remove any wax and oil from area with wax removing wipes.Wipe area with tack cloth then apply clear coat paint and let dry.Repeat wiping and painting for two more layers of paint, letting it dry between each coat.More items...•
Can you repair badly damaged and peeling clear coat?
4:4312:27Can You Repair Badly Damaged and Peeling Clear Coat? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOr a gray scotch brite pad and this isn't just any scotch brite pad this is made specifically forMoreOr a gray scotch brite pad and this isn't just any scotch brite pad this is made specifically for auto body and paint repair.
Can you spray clear coat over clear coat?
– Clear coat can be applied over existing clear coat, as long as it is good condition. If old clear coat is de-laminating, or otherwise damaged, it is best to remove it all and start over with a base coat.
Can you spot repair clear coat?
That being said, it is still possible to do spot repairs to clear coat in certain situations. It is important to realize, though, that they should never be considered permanent repairs or even long-term repairs. Clear coat spot repair should primarily be limited to relatively new blemishes in less-seen areas.
Can you wax a car with peeling clear coat?
A faded or peeling clear coat is too late to save with preventative treatments. Even using the best car-wash soap, clay bar, and wax will result in a cleaner, better-looking exterior, but the damage is still easily visible.
How much does it cost to repair clear coat?
The short answer is anywhere from $500 to $10,000. But let me give you the parameters that determine the actual price to fix your peeling clearcoat. If you only have a small area of delamination, there is a chance that we can contain the problem by fixing just that one panel, which would save you some money.
Does paint thinner hurt clear coat?
It`s the clearcoat that you would be concerned about. Basically all clears are solvent based even over a waterborne base coat. If the clear has had a full cure time (90+ days) you will be fine using lacquer thinner.
How much does it cost to redo clear coat?
The short answer is anywhere from $500 to $10,000. But let me give you the parameters that determine the actual price to fix your peeling clearcoat. If you only have a small area of delamination, there is a chance that we can contain the problem by fixing just that one panel, which would save you some money.
How long until you can sand clear coat?
Clear coat should be allowed to harden for at least 24 hours before attempting to use a buffer.
What will you need to perform a clear coat car repair?
You will need two buckets, some car soap, and a microfiber cloth for washing your car using the two bucket method. This method is used by professionals to get the best clean possible for your car.
How do you fix a clear coat on a car?
If there is a spot on the door panel, clean the entire door. Take a bucket of clean water and a bucket of water combined with the car soap of your choice. Wash the area thoroughly and dry the area completely with a microfiber cloth of your choice.
Can you recoat a clear coat?
You can recoat over a clear coat, however, the results will not be the same as it would be if you sanded down the old paint and started over fresh. The combination of the remnants of the old clear coat, the old color, and no fresh base coat, will prevent the new clear coat from ever really locking in and creating a permanent fixation with the base.
Can a clear coat be repaired?
A clear coat can be repaired. There are different versions of repair, ranging from a garage repair to a multitude of different DIY repair options. The DIY option that is provided to you here is a tried and true repair method with results comparable to the body shop option, with a fraction of the cost.
How much does a clear coat repair cost?
If you were to take a vehicle to a repair shop to apply a clear coat by a professional, you would find yourself spending anywhere from $500-$5000. The price will be determined by the condition of the area that needs to be repaired and the total amount of peeling evidence.
Conclusion
This repair method should be used to fix small peeling clear coat sections and you should not expect it to last a lifetime without sanding down to the bottom and starting from scratch.
How to apply clear coat?
Before you start spraying the clear, read the manufacturer’s instructions. There should be information about the following: 1 How to mix in the hardener 2 How many coats you need to apply 3 What flash time to wait before applying the next coat 4 How far to keep the spray nozzle from the surface 5 How fast to move the can
What is clear coat?
The clear coat is the top-most layer that comprises the paint of your vehicle. It’s a type of synthetic polymer substance - usually an acrylic or urethane plastic. These are pretty durable, as it’s their job to protect the paint and primer layers from just about anything.
How to get rid of peeling flakes on clear coat?
Use light to medium pressure and try to knock off all the peeling flakes. If the color coat is exposed, use very light pressure and focus on the borders. You can also use fine sandpaper - test with 1500-grit and go up or down depending on the hardness of the specific clear coat.
How long does it take for clear coat to peel off?
There’s no easy fix, no magic product, no trick to deal with a peeling clear coat in 15 minutes. Once the clear is gone, it’s gone. The only thing that can replenish the finish is more clear coat, and this is neither quick nor easy.
What is the best product to use for clear coat?
However, they wear off rather quickly and require more frequent applications. Arguably, the best product is the ceramic coating. It’s applied either in liquid or spray form, and it cures to a thin but solid, glass-like layer on top of the clear coat.
Why does clear coat peel?
The reason clear coats peel is because there isn’t a proper bond to the underlying color coat. As the clear eventually deteriorates and wears off, the lack of adhesion will cause the clear around the damaged area to peel back, starting a chain reaction that requires immediate repair. Nothing lasts forever.
How to remove masking paper from clear coat?
After the clear coat has hardened, you can remove the masking paper by pulling the tape away from the coated panel. Again, after all this work, make sure you’re not stripping away the clear you just sprayed. Be careful!
What to use to clean clear coat?
Rubbing Alcohol (isopropyl) Buffer. Wax. Use a degreaser to remove leftover polish and wax, and thoroughly clean the entire body panel with a good quality carwash detergent to remove any leftover degreaser and foreign contaminants which could mar the clear coat.
How long does it take for clear coat to dry?
Depending on the temperature, humidity, and thickness of layers applied, you should allow the clear coat to dry anywhere from an hour to 24 hours before continuing. One fully dried, use 2000 grit sandpaper to wet sand and grind down the border of the repair, blending the new clear coat with the older clear coat.
How to clean clear coat after sanding?
Wipe clean with a lint-free cloth and rubbing alcohol to remove any contaminants left by sanding. To spray new clear coat, shake the aerosol can for at least 60 seconds, then apply a light first coat.
How long to spray clear coat?
To spray new clear coat, shake the aerosol can for at least 60 seconds, then apply a light first coat. Overlap the application onto the entire sanded area, not just the damaged area. Let the first coat dry for five minutes, and respray. Wait another five minutes to see if it requires a third coat. If not, gently remove the masking tape ...
How to fix a clear coat on a car?
First, use a degreaser to remove any leftover wax. Then clean the entire body panel with a good car-wash soap. This removes any leftover degreaser and foreign contaminants that could mar the clear coat. Mask off the repair area using painter's tape, applying about an inch outside the damaged area. Source | Andy Jensen.
How long does it take for clear coat to dry?
Depending on the temperature, humidity, and thickness of layers applied, you should let the clear coat dry anywhere from an hour to 24 hours before continuing. Once fully dried, use 2,000-grit sandpaper to wet sand and grind down the border of the repair, blending the new clear with the older clear coat.
How to prevent clear coat from peeling?
Regular waxing can help prevent clear coat damage by placing a thin invisible barrier between the clear coat and the sun's damaging rays. A faded or peeling clear coat is too late to save with preventative treatments. Even using the best car-wash soap, clay bar, and wax will result in a cleaner, ...
How to clean a sanded area with clear coat?
To spray new clear coat, shake the aerosol can for at least a minute, then apply a light first coat. Overlap the application onto the entire area you sanded, not just the damaged area.
Why does my clear coat peel?
Ultraviolet light slowly degrades the outer layer of paint protection, burning it white and rough. Road debris also causes damage, and small scratches or pits can lead to clear coat peeling if ignored. On rare occasions, the factory slips and allows the base coat too much time to dry before adding the clear coat.
Why does my car have a clear coat?
Clear coat damage is caused by a number of factors, but the primary culprit is the sun's UV rays—the same rays that crack your dashboard, fade your carpets and cloth upholstery, and cause plastic rot on interior trim panels.
How long does it take for a sanding tape to dry?
Overlap the application onto the entire area you sanded, not just the damaged area. Let the first coat dry for five minutes and spray another light second coat. Wait another five minutes to see if it needs a third coat. If not, pull the tape off slowly, at an angle away from the repair.
What to do if clear coat is failing?
If your car’s clear coat is failing, you can take it to a body shop to have it rectified. The problem with this is it costs a ton of money and will leave you without your car for a few weeks. Luckily, there is another option, and we are going to tell you all about it. Reasons your coat is failing.
Why is my clear coat dry?
When the base coat is left too long, it becomes completely dry. A completely dry base coat makes it difficult for the applied clear coat to settle. This makes it much easier for the coating to flake or even peel off quicker. You can take your car to a body shop for a quality solution.
How long to let sand dry before spraying?
Once you’ve done that, wipe the sanded area with the cloth dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Now you can proceed to spray the coat. However, before you do, make sure you shake the can for no less than a minute. Then, apply a light coat to the whole sanded area and let it dry. After five minutes, spray a second light coat.
How to repair a sanded coat?
Place the tape about an inch from the damaged area to be safe. Using the sandpaper, sand down the damaged coat until you can no longer feel it. Lightly sand the surrounding area as well. Once you’ve done that, wipe the sanded area with the cloth dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Now you can proceed to spray the coat.
How long does it take for a sanding tape to dry?
Then, apply a light coat to the whole sanded area and let it dry. After five minutes , spray a second light coat. Wait for another five minutes and add a third layer if you feel the need to. If not, slowly pull off the tape at an angle facing away from the rectified area.
How long does it take for a coat of paint to dry?
Depending on the conditions, leave the coat to dry for a period ranging between a one and 24 hours. Once the coat is completely dry, lightly sand the border of the repaired area.
Why does my car's clear coat peel?
The pits and scratches that sometimes occur can cause the clear coat to peel if left unattended. However, the most significant cause is the UV rays from the sun. The rays degrade your car’s coating, slowly burning it rough and white over time.
