A question for all the auto paint experts

[kilodawg]

I recently completed a detailing of my wheel wells and fender lips. The paint in both areas was worn down in spots. In touching up the paint, I had a local body shop mix a quart of Dupont Chroma Premier in my body color (just the basecoat). I used a brush since all these areas are undercoated a spray really wasn't required. I have noticed that the durability isn't very good on the fender lips. I did a bit of reading about the paint on the Dupont site and noticed that an activator is added prior to use.

Here are my questions. Can I at this point use some type of clearcoat to "protect" the basecoat application? If so what should I use and can I get something in a spray can? My thought was that with electrical tape I could neatly mask the lip edge, re-apply the basecoat with a brush and then use the spray clear coat to "lock" in the basecoat and give the proper shine to the painted area.

Am I on the right track? If not can I take it to a bodyshop and just have them re-spray the fender lips for me?

Thanks,

[rjp911]

Why don't you brush on the clear coat as well. The basecoat paint by itself will offer no protection at all from chips and scratches.

[kilodawg]

I'd prefer a spray since the clear coat via brush might react with the basecoat underneath. Regardless, I'm really trying to find out if the plan is sound and would be durable and if so what product to then use.

[rjp911]

The protection you need will require a gun application, as the spray can paint is thinned too much for good coverage. Use the Dupont ClearCoat that is made for the Chroma Color system, buy a cheap touch up gun to apply it. Practice a while on some scrap metal and you will be fine for the area you are redoing. Remember the mixing of hardener and reducer is important to the texture of the paint. Follow manufactures instuctions.