How to Scuff Old Clear Coat to Apply New Clear Coat

Reapplying new clear coat to a car or boat results in a shiny new finish that protects the paint beneath. Before you can apply the new coating, you must remove the shiny finish from the old surface so the new coating will adhere. When scuffing the old finish, keep some things in mind. Read on to learn how to scuff old clear coat to apply new clear coat.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Prepare the entire section, even if you are only repairing a tiny chip in that section. Since clear coat will show overlap marks if applied in a single spot, it is necessary to scuff the whole piece.

2. Dull the surface with a superficial scuffing, using very fine sandpaper. Know that 1000-grit sandpaper is the best for scuffing the surface.

3. Use slightly coarser sandpaper if the chips are deeper. You will still need to remove the shine with fine-grit sandpaper but in the areas of heavier damage, choose a coarser paper.

4. Scuff carefully on the corners of a section so you don't remove the actual car paint beneath. Edges and elevated corners are at risk for over-sanding.

5. Use a foam sanding block for the final scuffing in order to flatten any rough edges around your chips.

6. Fill the chips with body putty, found at automobile repair stores, and smooth the surface of the newly filled chips until you can't feel any indentation when you rub your fingers over the surface. If you feel a variation, sand more. Any chips extending into the car paint itself must be touched up with matching paint before applying new clear coat.

Tips & Warnings

• Use care when sanding clear coat so you don't remove the actual car paint.