Is it normal for the newly sprayed clear coat to lose its shine shortly after being applied?
2 Answers
Reasons for the loss of shine are as follows: 1. Quality issues: Poor quality clear coat tends to lose shine after application. 2. Concentration: High-concentration clear coat can cause fogging on the sides after spraying. The key to spraying is "thin and wet." 3. Technique: Improper spraying can lead to fogging and an uneven surface. The fullness of the paint mainly depends on the clear coat. For example, black paint may not appear as dark after spraying and may feel thin once dried, but polishing can restore a fuller appearance. Below is an introduction to painting and baking paint: 1. Baking paint: The original factory paint on cars is baked paint, also known as "high-temperature paint." It involves a very complex manufacturing process and can only be applied to a bare car frame. The process includes multiple layers such as body filler, epoxy primer, mid-coat primer, color paint, and clear coat. Some high-end brand paints undergo even more complex processes to achieve the best results, with treatment temperatures exceeding 200 degrees Celsius. 2. Spray painting: Spray painting involves dispersing paint into uniform and fine droplets using a spray gun or disc atomizer, applied to the surface of the object through pressure or centrifugal force. This method is commonly used in basic automotive repairs.
The clear coat looks very shiny right after spraying but quickly loses its gloss, which I think is abnormal. Possible reasons include high humidity or unsuitable temperature during spraying, causing the clear coat to not fully cure; or the product quality is poor, with solvents evaporating too quickly leading to surface fogging. I've personally seen a friend's car that was dazzlingly shiny right after spraying but became dull within days. He later found out it was due to poor ventilation in the paint booth and using a cheap clear coat brand. Under normal conditions, the clear coat should cure and stabilize within 24-48 hours, maintaining its gloss for months without issues. I suggest waiting a few more days to observe. If the problem persists, take it to the shop for a technician to check—it might need respraying or slight polishing with a buffer to prevent accelerated oxidation. From a safety perspective, don't ignore it. If the gloss loss becomes severe enough to cause bubbling, it could indicate deeper paint layer issues.
