Clear coat when using flat black paint?

[ryoungbronco]

If you paint a truck flat black do you still put a flat clear coat on it?

 

[Dave]

It depends if you are talking a rattle can driveway job or something you want to look professional. They make satin (flat) finish clear coat and/or flattening agents you can add to clear coat if you want a flat finish. It's a bit tricky to put on a flat clear as you don't have the option of sanding and buffing out mistakes. Do some practice pieces first.

 

[allenfahey]

Most paint lines have flattening agents for thier clears and single stage. Some also have a separate clear altogether. You have to get it right with no runs or dirt because if you buff it it will start to shine back up.

 

[Pa PITT]

My Answer is going to be very old school ....But I had a ? 1972 Vega 302 chevy and 400 auto Mariso everything ..... I painted it Bright Corvette Yellow with Flat Black Skunk stripes ...flat hood scope and flat tail lamp trunk besel...
But the flat crazed wheh I put the 2nd coat on ........Instructions said only put in the top coat .....Well my top coat didn't suit me so I was heading for a better coverage .............N O T ..............MAN what a paint job but it sure stunk when it wrinkled up .. I sold that project at that point ......
...read the instructions on the flatner

 

[Hal9000]

Basic rule: It will depend on the paint system you use. Wether it be flat, semi, or high gloss, some paint systems are designed as multi-stage base/clear systems, and some are designed as single stage systems.

Just follow the instructions for your particular paint and/or the advice your paint shop gives you.

 

[ep67bro]

I just saw that Eastwood Co. makes a single stage flat black paint that is for rat rods. Single stage with no clear top coat. Might be worth a try.