Respraying entire clear coat as PM?

[AP9]

Have several spots with chipped or scratched paint. I plan on doing touch-up paint on them and clear-coating over.

But I'm thinking: the vehicle is almost 14 years old, and even though the finish and gloss looks great for its age except for those spots, I'm wondering if it's worth it to just throw some new clear coat over the whole vehicle while I'm at it. I'm thinking that may help the touch-up blend in better too.

Is this something that is commonly done? Or is it best to leave well enough alone?

 

[friendly_jacek]

Wouldn't you have to sand it some before spraying new paint?

 

[AP9]

Even the clear coat?

 

[cmorr]

Originally Posted By: friendly_jacek
Wouldn't you have to sand it some before spraying new paint?


Yup, would need to wet sand the whole care, new clear needs that to bond. Also a thorough grease/wax removal using Prepsol or similar

 

[Astro14]

The prep work in respraying the clear coat is the same as repainting. The only difference is in the application...you're spraying fewer coats, but the cost savings over a completely new paint job would be small...

Of course you have to prep (remove trim, mask, sand) the entire car...the clear coat is a paint, and won't stick without prep!

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: friendly_jacek
Wouldn't you have to sand it some before spraying new paint?


Yes the surface must be properly prepped or you'll have a whole new set of problems, probably a lot worse too.

 

[DoiInthanon]

14 Chicago winters and still in good condition. I would keep doing what you have been doing.

 

[FordTrucks71]

Originally Posted By: Astro14
The prep work in respraying the clear coat is the same as repainting. The only difference is in the application...you're spraying fewer coats, but the cost savings over a completely new paint job would be small...

Of course you have to prep (remove trim, mask, sand) the entire car...the clear coat is a paint, and won't stick without prep!


I used to live in Virginia Beach..right off Great neck rd! Still own/rent a home there in fact. Now that ive lived elsewhere I wont be moving back there..ever! Dont miss those navy jets out of Oceana base flyin LOW over houses constantly & transient nature of area.

 

[Vikas]

Alright, that was a first! Who would have thought we would get somebody from Detroit Metro area taking gratuitous potshot at Virginia Beach resident? This can't be real!

 

[RTexasF]

The cost of a proper respray might exceed the value of a 14 year old vehicle.

 

[AP9]

I see, so it's pretty much just keep it waxed, and claybar/polish regularly...

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: AP9
I see, so it's pretty much just keep it waxed, and claybar/polish regularly...


Exactly.

 

[SatinSilver]

Properly touching up the chips will make a world of difference. I'd start with that. link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xi3xmeO6C4

 

[friendly_jacek]

Originally Posted By: satinsilver
Properly touching up the chips will make a world of difference. I'd start with that. link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xi3xmeO6C4


This is the best video on touching-up I've seen. My touching-up is ugly in comparison. Where do get the sticks?