base coat clear coat WITH PEARL chameleon added

[roadkill636]

Im going to be painting my boat with base coat clear coat and adding pearl "dust" to the clear. The base is recommended black and 2-3 teaspoons of the pearl per quart of clear. I did this exactly while painting the motor block and it barly had an effect after 3-4 coats. Then today i mixed a LOT more of the pearl into the clear and BOOM the chameleon pearl really stood out. Soooo question is.... what effect will be if pearl is applied minimal over many coats vs adding LOTS of pearl to the clear and only 1-2 coats?

[1BadAction]

Theoretically: The additional mills of clear and space between the powder flake change the refractive properties of the pearl making it "pop" differently when more coats of less product are added vs less coats of more product.

Realistically: (at the same coverage) You'll never be able to tell the difference in tone unless two parts painted differently are right next to each other, and even then it will be minimal.

IMO: Mix it heavy to get your effect in 3 coats and remember that mix ratio in case you need to match it in the future.

[Scott in MN]

Generally, after the black base 1st stage is applied, the "pearl" is sprayed in a clear base 2nd stage and then the clear topcoat is applied over that to give UV resistance....regardless the pearl is added to a clear. The thing to remember is that the pearl needs to be applied evenly to prevent mottling which will be difficult to hide since you are at the translucent stage. Adding large amounts of pearl to your clear will make it more difficult to give an even application vs more coats with less pearl added. Small objects (engine block) are easier to make look right but when you spray a large object (boat) you may find it much more difficult for the pearl to lay out evenly.

[1BadAction]

Good point about the evenness of the sprayed pearl... There comes a point where more only hurts.

I use an agitator cup on anything that has solids mixed in, but some guys say they "damage" the pearl or flake.

[texasvector]

Yes..yes..and yes

We sprayed mine. .black base. .red flake in mid clear. ..top coat clear.

I can say this. .....fog or dust pearl on. ...the lighter the mixture the less chance of striping it. ..

We mixed the top of mine stronger than the bottom. ...put 3 or 4 coats of flake on each....bottom come out darker but even. ..top looks like zebra

When shooting it. .walk entire length of boat. .not section it out

[roadkill636]

Well. Here's how it turned out. Base black then 4 coats of Tamco clear with Copperhead Fire pearl added then a coat of clear.

[eli]

bitchen!!

[phillnjack]

that looks fantastic. once all the bits are back on its going to look something real special.