Why is the film build of clearcoat so important?

Clearcoat is one of the most important parts of a quality paint job. From a simple repair to an overall restoration, the final appearance is most notable. It's what people see first. To maintain a quality finish, the film build of your clearcoat is very important. Film builds that are too high or too low can diminish your hard work.

• Too low of a film build (< 2 mils dry) - can lead to premature film failure, dieback, and overall poor appearance.
• Too high of a film build (>3 mils dry) - can lead to solvent pop, dieback, and even potential adhesion failure.

Dry film builds in the range of 2-2.5 mils are most recommended. When spraying any clearcoat for the first time, it is recommended to measure your film builds. This will help you gauge how your application techniques affect final film thickness. You can then adjust accordingly. So next time you're getting ready to pull the trigger on your clearcoat, remember this tip to produce a quality finish for long-lasting first impressions.

Click here to learn more about clearcoats and view training materials.

While matte finishes are still a popular look for many custom paint jobs, they are not just for the custom market anymore. Many OE manufacturers offer low gloss finishes as a way to differentiate their products and give consumers a way to stand out in the crowd.

A good low gloss finish has a smooth and uniform appearance and PPG has many tools to help you create this. From products to how-to videos and low gloss chip guides, click on the link below to see all of the items available to help you create a fantastic low gloss finish with ease.