Clear Coat

All about clear coat: protection and shine for your car

Clear coat is an essential protective layer over the color car paint. This transparent varnish not only protects the color of your car, but also determines the shine. Whether you want a high-gloss finish, a semi-gloss look or a modern matte look. The clarity of clear varnish preserves the original color and gives the surface a cared-for look. As a specialist in automotive paint and clear coat, at CROP online you will find the largest range of different types of clear coat in spray and can of professional quality. Discover more quickly now at Nonpaints.com!

Which clear coat do you need?

Which clear coat you need depends on your own wishes and what kind of gloss you want as a final result. As mentioned before, a clear coat is a protective layer that is clear transparent and is applied over paint or car paint. This layer has several functions: protecting the paint against external influences such as UV rays, dirt, scratches and stone chips, and determining the degree of gloss. There are 2 different types of clear coat: 1K and 2K. We are happy to explain the different between these two clear coats to you, so you know exactly which one you need!

Quick and simple with 1K clear coat

1K clear coat is a ready-to-use varnish that you can apply directly without having to mix it first. That makes this clear varnish ideal for smaller repairs, spot repairs, quick touch-ups or situations where you want to work efficiently. Because 1K varnish is air-drying, it cures quickly and has a relatively short application time. Therefore, the risk of dust inclusion or contamination is minimal. This varnish is often chosen by do-it-yourselfers and professionals who value speed and convenience, without sacrificing the gloss and protection of the finish. A 1K clear coat is available in spray can or can, and in different gloss levels such as high gloss, silk gloss and matte.

Durable protection with 2K clear coat for professionals

2K clear coat consists of two components: the clear coat and hardener (also called activator). Mixing these 2 components creates a chemical reaction that creates an extremely hard, wear-resistant and durable protective coating. This professional clear coat offers optimal resistance to scratches, UV radiation, chemicals, fuel and weather influences. This makes 2K clear coat the best choice for auto painters, bodyshops and anyone demanding maximum protection. Although application requires a little more preparation than with 1K clear coat, the end result is high quality and suitable for long-term use. 2K clear coat is also available in spray can or can, and in different gloss levels.

All at a glance: 1K vs 2K clear coat

Would you like a clear overview of the differences between 1K and 2K clear coat? Then read on below!

  • 2K clear coat for professional results
    • Two component lacquer (lacquer + hardener)
    • Extremely durable and resistant to chemicals, UV, fuels and more
    • Ideal for professional use and long-lasting results
    • Suitable for cars, motorcycles, yachts, industry and more
    • Tip: Choose 2K if you are looking for a durable and scratch-resistant finish
  • 1K clear coat for fast application
    • Ready to use, no mixing required
    • Fast drying, easy to apply
    • Perfect for smaller jobs or quick repairs
    • Tip: Ideal for those who value convenience and speed without compromising on appearance

Working with air-drying clear coat

Do you have little time or work in an environment without a spray booth? Then air dry clear coat is a smart choice. This varnish dries by itself in the air, without the use of an oven or infrared lamp. That makes the air dry clear coat ideal for smaller repairs, spot repair or mobile spray work. Despite the fast drying time, air dry clear coat offers a beautiful shine and good protection against external influences. Air dry clear coat is available in both 1K and 2K. Note that for best adhesion and durability, proper pre-treatment remains essential.

Tips from the specialist for the best result

Our car paint product specialists will be happy to give you advice, Tips and Tricks to achieve the best result. Regardless of your experience, these points will help you get the best out of your clear coat for a professional finish.

  1. Preparation is key: Clean the surface thoroughly. Remove dirt, grease and dust to avoid adhesion problems.
  2. Work smart: Choose a well-ventilated, dust-free area. Avoid drafts and direct sunlight.
  3. Thin is better than thick: Apply several thin coats rather than one thick one. This will prevent drips.
  4. Keep distance: Spray about 15 to 20cm away for an even coat.
  5. Let each coat dry: Wait for each coat to dry before applying the next. If desired, use an infrared lamp for faster curing.

Buy clear coat at CROP

Buy clear coat at CROP at the best price for both professional and DIY use. In our webshop at Nonpaints.com you will find a large assortment of aerosol clear coats and cans for your spray gun. Whether you want to repaint an entire car or repair small parts and a repair spot. We have the clear protective paint that fits your project! Order your clear coat before 10 p.m. and receive it the next day!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why use clear varnish?

Why use clearcoat if you have already sprayed the colour lacquer? The reason is simple, with a clearcoat you protect the colour lacquer so it stays beautiful for a long time and does not fade.

Which varnish is best?

Which varnish is best is determined by the user. For a plain uni colour, a 2K lacquer is best. If the colour lacquer is metallic or pearlescent, a 1K lacquer is best.

What is clear coat?

Clear coat is a transparent lacquer that you apply over a colour lacquer. This makes a clear coat the same as a varnish that protects the colour lacquer from scratches, discolouration by sunlight, impacts, weather, salt and more.

How do you apply clear coat?

Clear coat is applied with a spray can or a paint sprayer. There are several ways to apply clear coat. If you apply clear coat, make sure you apply at least 2 layers.

What is the difference between clear coat and transparent?

There is no difference between clear coat and transparent. A clear coat is transparent, which is why this varnish is also called a transparent varnish.

How many layers of clear coat should I apply?

Applying 2 layers of clear coat is enough to have enough layer thickness. Do you want the clear coat to have more ‘body’? Then apply another coat of clear coat.

When should you apply clear coat?

When you should apply clear coat depends on the base coat you're spraying over. You need to apply clear coat when the color coat is dry. This ensures better adhesion of the clear layer and prevents it from "reacting," burning in, or cracking with the paint.

Should you sand before applying clear coat?

A frequently asked question is whether you need to sand before applying clear coat. The answer is: No. We do not recommend sanding before applying clear coat. If you sand the car paint before the clear coat, the sanding marks will remain visible. That’s why we advise against sanding before applying the clear coat.

Can you polish clear coat?

Yes, you can polish clear coat to remove scratches or orange peel and to enhance the gloss. Keep in mind that for freshly applied clear coat, you should wait at least 24 hours before polishing.