Paint Question:Urethane Clear???

I've been using lacquer all my life and I'm still happy with it but this is a question for all the guys out there that use Urethane Clear. I'm doing some Kustom work on a car and need to use Urethane clear. What kind of clear is everyone using?Thanks

 

PPG's 2021 clear shoots nice. I add a little extra reducer and increase the air pressure a little. I also like to let it tack up a little more than most to get some build on it. I've used it on several cars without ANY problems. Just be sure you follow the P-Sheets (info and instructions for their product)

Mike

 

I prefer PPG's DC4000 when I have my choice. Lays out like a cheaper clear but settles like glass. It is one of PPG's more expensive clears but you'll know where your money went. Most clears are gonna lay out OK for you if you're not picky. Everyone has their preferences. What base are you using? I'd stick with whatever line you ordered the base in.

 

house of kolor uc-35 or ufc-19 .... they both rule . definately buy good clear . not omni or nason .it will not last as long as good clear... i swear once you get used to urethanes you will not bo back to lacquers ..... see you in paso this year ?

 

ppg's dcc2042 or 2002 flows pobably the best i have used.
low pressure and a 4-1-1 ratio. leaves a not so orange peely effect.

 

Hey, John...long time no see!
My 55 Olds was done when Candy Urethane was still pretty new, the chopped Cobalt Blue and silver one.
Paint still looks OK for over 20 years old.
I used all HOK products. Highest quality custom paint out there.
I use theri UC-35 on most custom jobs, even over different basecoats.
The only tip I'd add is watch out when using their other clear (Flo-Clear), over custom paint. It does flow out better, and have a longer 'sand and buff' window than UC-35, but don't put it directly over taped out graphics. It stays wet too long and will run the colors down. I prefer to seal up the graphics with UC-35, then if I want to use the Flo-Clear, I wait a couple days, and then sand and re-clear.
You still go to the Spectacular? I might go this year, if my 'new' Dodge seems reliable enough.

 

Since you've used lacquer forever, I'd suggest PPG 2021 catalyzed with DFX 11 (aka "Supercharger"---ya gotta love that name! )

It's about as close to lacquer as I know........flashes/dries/cures FAST--you almost gotta use hot thinner with an overall job. Spray it like you want it to look(yeah, it flows very little depending on the reducer/temp/mix ratio) Cut and polish in 24 hrs(if you HAVE to ) Stable. Durable. Rock hard.
Mixes 1:1. Not cheap.....but what IS anymore??

It works for me.

 

I hate all urethane clears. They suck. They leave that sub-surface "cellulite". They're more difficult to level and buff than lacquers. But now that that's outta the way, I prefer UC-35. I tried the UFC-35 and the polishing "window" is just too freakin long. You think it's done and flawless and 2 weeks later it dried even more and peeled up a little. This was after waiting 30+ days to level and polish. The UC-35 has a pretty long window as well. Not near as much or as bad as UFC. And PPG 2002 is horrible for that. It gets soft as you polish so you need to find your own little secret hand shake with the shit to get results. Price-wise...try some Evercoat Ever-Clear. Thick as crude and a clear/catalyst package is under $120. But being so thick you can reduce it 25% or more and get awesome wet results and a quick easy polish. My only hesitation using it exclusively is I don't know the UV ratings regarding how long it will last in bright sunlight. I did use it on a bracket racer and it held up real well but he sold it 2 seasons later. That's all I know to offer.

My take will be to do my personal stuff in HOK lacquer and just take care of it regularly. From what I understand the formula is still the same and will remain the same until it's completely outlawed. Lacquer is the only mat'l I know that does not get the dreaded cellulite from using urethanes. All of you seasoned vets reading this know EXACTLY what I'm talking about.

 

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions on Clears,Here's my problem I laid everything out yesterday and Tuesday with PPG basecoats and when I shot my clear(transtar)(a friend told me about this last summer)it crazed on the corners or the deck lid,also looks like lifting,also did it on my glovebox on the 59 EL Camino last summer.Here are some pics,It looks like Orange Peel, I thought I would practice on my 95 Grand Am before I put it on something important