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Can you paint over a clear coat?

I tried to do a minor paint touch up for the first time. After I thought I had finished and had already added a layer of clear coat, I noticed that I didn’t use enough paint to cover the scratch. Is it ok to paint over a clear coat?

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Natalie Todoroff · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
If you just paint over a clear coat without sanding it off, the fresh paint will not stick to your car’s exterior and you’ll end up with a mess on your hands. You will need to sand off the layer of the clear coat before you add more paint.
You will have to take steps to wear it down first:
  • Wet a piece of 400 grit sandpaper
  • Sand down the clear coat with the wet sandpaper
  • Use dry 600 or 800 grit sandpaper to finish sanding
With the clear coat successfully sanded off and out of the way, you’ll be able to finish your touchup job. Just make sure to wear a mask when sanding so you don’t inhale any particles!
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