Why does the freshly sprayed clear coat lose its shine quickly?

[Gary]

Reasons for loss of shine are as follows: 1. Quality issues – poor quality clear coats tend to lose shine after application. 2. Concentration – high-concentration clear coats may cause a hazy appearance on the sides after spraying. The ideal technique is "thin and wet" application. 3. Technique – improper spraying can result in a hazy and uneven surface. Fullness mainly depends on the clear coat. For example, black paint may appear less deep after application and feel thin once dried, but polishing can restore a fuller look. Below is an introduction to painting and baking finishes: 1. Baking finish: Factory car paint is baked, also known as "high-temperature paint." It involves a highly 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, base coat, and clear coat. Some premium brand paints undergo even more complex treatments to achieve optimal results, with processing temperatures exceeding 200°C. 2. Spray painting: This method involves using a spray gun or disc atomizer to disperse paint into fine droplets through pressure or centrifugal force, which are then applied to the surface. Spray painting is commonly used for basic automotive repairs.

[DeCassandra]

Last time I sprayed clear coat on my car, it looked really shiny at first, but soon became dull. I think the main culprit was the humid environment during spraying. I chose a day with high humidity, and the clear coat absorbed moisture while curing, forming a hazy film. Plus, I might have thinned the clear coat too much, resulting in a thin layer that oxidized and lost its shine quickly under UV exposure. Also, if the car body wasn't properly sanded and cleaned before spraying, leaving behind grease or dust, the clear coat wouldn't adhere well. I recommend choosing a dry, sunny day for spraying, strictly following the recommended thinning ratio, and waiting at least two full days without moving the car to let the coating fully harden. Park the car away from direct sunlight and damp areas, and wash it regularly with a neutral cleaner instead of strong acidic products. Paying attention to these small details can help maintain the shine much longer.

[McAyla]

I've also experienced the embarrassing situation where the clear coat looked dazzling right after spraying but quickly lost its shine. The key factors lie in the spraying technique and the quality of the paint material. The clear coat I used that time might have been expired, with reduced active ingredients leading to weak protection. Improper spraying technique also played a role, such as holding the spray gun too far away or moving too fast, resulting in uneven coating where thinner areas lost their shine first. High environmental temperature can also cause the clear coat to age rapidly, especially when sprayed in summer and left under the sun, losing its brightness in no time. For prevention, choose reputable paint materials and check the expiration date, maintain a closer distance and even pressure when spraying. During the curing stage, ensure proper ventilation but avoid direct sunlight. For maintenance afterward, avoid using rough cloths that can easily scratch the surface, opting instead for mild detergents paired with soft towels for better safety. By sticking to these practices, the gloss won't easily fade away.

[DeLeilani]

I've personally experienced the loss of gloss after clear coat application. The main causes are external factors, such as when my car was parked outdoors for a few days after painting and got exposed to acid rain, which oxidized the clear coat surface. Excessive sunlight exposure can also accelerate the decomposition of the paint film, causing the gloss to fade. Another possibility is high humidity during painting affecting the drying process. Driving on sandy or dusty roads can also wear down the surface and reduce brightness. A simple way to avoid this is to park the car indoors in a shaded area for a short period after painting and perform regular wax maintenance to minimize environmental impact, significantly extending the clear coat's lifespan.

[DeJulia]

As a DIY enthusiast, I've also experienced the frustration of freshly sprayed clear coat losing its gloss within days. The main culprits are often overlooked details – failing to thoroughly degrease before painting or imperfections in the sanded surface compromising the clear coat's adhesion. Incorrect mixing ratios with excessive thinner create a fragile coating prone to rapid aging and gloss loss. Premature water exposure or high-temperature baking after spraying accelerates these issues. Learning from these mistakes, I now meticulously prepare surfaces, test environmental stability before starting, and patiently wait for full curing before driving.