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Unpopular opinion: The new water-based clear from our supplier in Portland is a nightmare to blend
I was finishing a 2018 Ford F-150 hood last Thursday and the blend line just would not disappear, even after three tries with the 800 grit. The old solvent-based stuff laid down smooth, but this new batch flashes way too fast in our booth. Has anyone else had to adjust their whole process for these newer paints?
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robert646mo ago
Man, the flash time is a pain but 800 is way too coarse for a blend on that. You're leaving sand scratches it just can't flow over. For these fast waterborne clears, you gotta step up to at least 1500, maybe even 2000. It feels wrong coming from solvent, but the finer grit lets it melt together. Try a gray scuff pad on the blend area too, that helped me a ton.
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scott.anthony6mo ago
I hear you on the 2000 grit, but I've had way better luck sticking with 800 for my blends. That coarser scratch just seems to give the clear something to really grab onto.
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xena_fisher495mo ago
Wait, is it really that big of a deal? I've used 800 for blends before and never had clear just fall off. Maybe it's more about the specific clear coat brand? Some are just super picky.
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