I bought some Rustoleum Gloss Protective Enamel to paint the roofs of my boxcab engines. I really did not want gloss, so I overcoated the red with Rustoleum Matte Crystal Clear. The first result was terrible. I think it is called "Crazing". The paint puckered up. Here is a closeup of the roof. I applied the clearcoat about 2 hours after the gloss paint.
So I went back and re-read trhe instructions. I really did not understand what they meant the first time I read them. It is pretty clear that I did it wrong. The instructions say "Apply a second coat or clear coat within 1 hour or after 48 hours"
As an experiment, I got 4 Altoid mint cans, and painted them with the Gloss Enamel. The first one (On the left in the picture below was clear coated within 1/2 hour. This looks like what I had in mind. The second tin was clear coated 2 hours after the initial painting. You can see the "Crazing".
To complete the set, I waited 48 hours to clear coat the 3rd tin, on the left below. It also came out as desired, The fourth tin, on the right below is what the uncoated Gloss Enamel Looke like.
I hope this info helps someone to avoid the problem I had.
I have not yet decided what to do about the engine in the 1st picture. I may leave it as is, and say it is "Distressed" to look weathered.
Thanks for the tips. I never use Rustoleum. I've always used hobby paints. I use Dulcoat to get rid of the gloss.
God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of the NRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified
Now you know why they have those instructions!
I've seen a similar effect when I got impatient quite a long time ago, so I figured that's the reason for the wait. However, I've primed and painted all in one day, keeping the time to less than an hour between any of the coats, that worked out fine.
The reason for that is the subsequent coat (clear, or paint) will allow the undercoat to dry if applied within 1 hour. Subsequent coats applied after an hour interfere with the underlying paint's drying process. After 48 hours the first coat is completely dry and there's no more issue.
Echoing what John said--follow the instructions!
Good point about the drying, I guess I should have mentioned why it does that.
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