Laid new paint. Should I clear coat or something now?

[WhereToRodeo]

I just got done painting, using Rustoleum spray cans. I feel like the paint is going to scratch and/or chip away really easy. Does it?

Do you guys that have used spray paint on the exterior/interior advise applying any sort of protectant layer on top of the actual paint? It's currently sitting like this:

 

[skidplate]

I'd just leave it. Touch up is cheap. Looks good by the way.

 

[cult45]

Yeah looks mad as. Black that frame and you're done.

 

[Demon061]

Looks great for a rattlecan job

 

[WhereToRodeo]

SAWEET. Thanks guys!

 

[77 Mike]

Which Rustoleum color is that? Flat camo? I've got 4 different cans of tan spray paint because I can't make up my mind. Could you post pictures once you're done assembling?

 

[mruff]

I would leave it. You only have 8 hours to clearcoat after you paint anyways. Plus if you scratched it you can just spray over it

 

[Coastline]

Now, take it out somewhere challenging and drive it into something.

 

[Soul_Man]

1.) Fixing clear coat is harder (have to reclear the entire panel)
2.) Too late to clear unless you sand/scuff the whole thing.
3.) If you do get a scratch all you have to do is hit it again with your Rustoleum.
I'd leave it. Looks good.

 

[Diskord]

Leave it alone, looks great. Easy to touch up.

 

[WhereToRodeo]

That makes that easy. Leaving it as is.

Which Rustoleum color is that? Flat camo? I've got 4 different cans of tan spray paint because I can't make up my mind. Could you post pictures once you're done assembling?

Yeah flat camo khaki. Rust colored primer.

 

[miker]

your cruiser color goes very well with your dog color

 

[Blue77FJ40]

That's a beautiful chocolate.

 

[WhereToRodeo]

Haha thanks, I'll tell her you guys say so ;]

 

[UZJ40]

Looks nice! I'd like to check it out sometime

 

[melvinjo]

Well, you cant have it all

Rattle cans do not have hardener in it that will protect from gas spills, etc. I used to spray bomb all the time, BUT........

Rattle can paint will scratch, peel and chip much easier than a real base/clear coat. Like I said, spill gas on rattle can the first time, big stain.

Frankly, if you are willing to clear coat it, like a real base/clear coat, the clear will have hardener that is added to it.

Yes, you can touch up rattle can easily. But after awhile, it will begin to look a little ratty touching up chips, runs, stains, etc.

Saving grace though: You can spray automotive clear over your rattle can, as long as the clear is compatible with the rattle can you used (laquer or enamel?). Even after 8 hrs you can spray clear over it, but your rattle can surface must be clean and free of all grease/silicone

Another issue: If you shoot clear over it, it will turn glossy. Ask for a flattener agent to add to the clear so it stays flat

Shoulda just shot auto grade one step with a flattener/hardener in it. Gallon of cheap automotive grade would've cost about the same as all the spray bombs you used to get where you are now

 

[melvinjo]

pic of base/clear coat job

Flatennibg agent was added to the clear

 

[WhereToRodeo]

Looks nice! I'd like to check it out sometime

Flying for GOM rigs down there? Let me know when you're in town next, love 40's and helicopter talk! I was in a hurry to get it painted so I can get moving to check out a CO and a couple OR heli schools to decide where to finish up at. Otherwise --Melvinjo -- I totally wouldve done it right. Even talked to a paint supply store guy about it but dont have a spray gun, etc.

Melvinjo again --So you think I can still clear it though? I dont care if it's flat or whatever, more concerned about protection, as you mentioned. The paint is Rust-Oleum Camouflage flat Khaki (Lacquer? Not sure) THIS ONE. What do you think I should do?