The clear coat is one type of coloured raisin that is made from pigmented raisins. It is also known as the transparent layer of paint that is usually applied on thick layers of paint in order to protect that paint. Also, a clear coat doubles the glossiness of any painted surface as well as increases the durability of that painted surface. Therefore, many people now prefer clear coats as their finishing coat on paints for its multiple benefits.
However, people also get confused when they can use a clear coat over other sorts of paint. One of the main confusion they fall into is whether they can use a clear coat over latex paint or not. In this article, we are going to clear the confusion.
Can you clear coat over latex paint?
You can certainly apply a clear coat over latex paint because the clear coat will cover the latex painted surface perfectly. The clear coat will fully seal the latex painted surface as well as it will give the surface a glossier and an impressive look.
Table of Contents
A clear coat will not only protect the latex paint from external damages but also it will help to not let the paint get effected by abrasion or alcohol. Also, it will seal the latex paint perfectly and won’t create any cracks in the future.
When it comes to increasing the durability of paint, there is no coat available in the market that can increase the durability like a clear coat. A clear coat will increase the durability of the painted surface for longer periods. In addition, clear coats can be able to hold durability against any type of external damage for longer periods. Therefore, when it comes to durability there are no other coats like clear coats.
As you can see, a clear coat has so many benefits, therefore, you can apply it over latex paint without any hesitation. It will not only bond well with the clear coat but the chemical composition will be able.to complement each other. But, one thing to keep in mind is that latex paint dries off quickly, therefore, you shouldn’t apply the clear coat instantly. You should wait till the latex paint dries off or else the clear coat won’t stick together.
Also, another thing is to remember that latex paint is an oil-based paint, therefore, make sure you have used an oil-based clear coat over latex paint. Below there is discussion about different types of clear coat and whether you can use them over latex paint or not:
Rustoleum clear coat on latex paint:
Rustoleum clear coat can be applied on latex paint. As latex paint suits the oil-based coat perfectly. The chemical composition of latex and Rustoleum also complement each other.
Clear coat acrylic over latex paint:
Well, similar to oil-based coat, the latex paint goes along well over water-based coat. In addition, the clear coat acrylic protects the latex paint surface perfectly. Also, it doubles glossy finish over the latex painted surface.
Clear polyurethane over latex paint:
Clear polyurethane can be both water-based and oil-based and will easily get along with latex paint. Clear polyurethane can perfectly blend with the latex paint and also will be able to increase the glossy look of the surface.
Automotive clear coat over latex paint:
Automotive clear coat can be applied over latex paint. However, you have to make sure that the latex paint has dried fully or else the coat won’t work over latex paint.
Matte clear coat over latex paint:
Well, you can certainly apply matte clear coat over latex paint, but you will need to make sure that the latex painted surface has dried off properly.
Epoxy clear coat over latex paint:
Epoxy clear coat can be applied over latex paint and also the extra epoxy barrier will protect the latex painted surface from ultraviolet rays from the sun. But the durability of epoxy clear coats is limited.
Enamel clear coat over latex paint:
Yes, you can certainly apply an enamel clear coat over latex paint. As for being an oil-based coat, the enamel coat perfectly goes along with latex paint.
Water-based clear coat over latex paint:
Water-based clear coat can be applied over latex paint as the water-based coat perfectly mixes with latex paint. However, the water-based coat dries off quickly and that is why you will get limited time to prepare.
What happens if you apply a clear coat over latex paint?
When you apply a clear coat over latex paint then it perfectly seals the latex paint. Also, the clear coat doubles the glossiness of the surface of the latex paint. The chemical composition of the clear coat gives the surface of latex paint a much shinier look.
A clear coat increases the durability of latex paint for longer periods. Also, it holds the durability of the latex paint from external damages.
A clear coat also protects the surface from ultraviolet rays as well as weather damage. It doesn’t let cracks form over the surface of the latex paint. Therefore, many people prefer a clear coat as the finishing coat over latex paint.
How long should latex paint dry before applying a clear coat? When to spray a clear coat over latex paint?
Well, it depends on the quality of the latex paint. Usually, latex paint is oil-based paint and it dries off quickly. However, sometimes it takes more time for the latex paint to dry off but you should wait at least half an hour till the latex paint dries off.
In addition, the minimum you will need to wait is at least ten to fifteen minutes. But the most important thing is that do not to put the clear coat over liquid latex paint. Or else the clear coat will start to peel off from the latex paint.
You can spray a clear coat over the latex point after it completely dries off. The drying time of latex paint is usually quick. The drying time is between ten to fifteen minutes or sometimes it can be more. However, it is recommended by the experts that you should at least wait for half an hour before you apply a clear coat over latex paint.
What clear coat can be used over latex paint?
There are lots of clear coats available in the market that can be used as a clear coat over latex paint. But we have noted some of the clear coats that you can use over latex paint:
Oil-based clear coats:
You can surely use an oil-based clear coat over the latex paint. Latex paint is also an oil-based paint, therefore, it will go along very well with latex paint. Also, the oil-based clear coat will be able to protect latex paint from any sort of external damage. Some of the names of the oil-based clear coats are Rustoleum clear coat, enamel clear coat, clear polyurethane clear coat etc.
Water-based clear coats:
Water-based clear coats also goes along with latex paint. As the latex paint takes less time to dry the water-based coat will take more time to dry off. Therefore, the combination of these colours will be perfect. One of the examples of water-based clear coats is acrylic water-based clear coats.
How to clear coat over latex paint?
Applying a clear coat over latex paint is a very simple process. However, you should keep in mind that the latex paint needs to be fully dried off before you can apply a clear coat. Otherwise, the clear coat will peel off as soon as you apply it over latex paint. Below we have discussed the easiest way you can clear coat over latex paint:
Let the latex paint dry:
First things first you will need to latex paint dry. The drying time can last longer than half an hour. Before applying the clear coat make sure you check the latex paint has completely dried off.
Apply first coat:
Now you have to spray the first coat of polycrylic over the latex paint. Make sure you covered all the areas. Then you have to let it dry for at least four hours.
Apply the second coat:
When the first coat gets completely dried off then you have to apply the second coat. Then again you have to let it dry for at least three hours. For the third coat make sure you check if it still needs the third coat or not. Because overcoating may damage the surface completely by creating blisters. A blister usually occurs when the solvent cannot escape over the thick layer of the coat.
Final Thoughts
Well, latex paint is oil-based paint and clear coat is both oil-based and water-based coat. Therefore, the paint and the coat will go along perfectly and the coat will be able to increase the durability as well as the coat will make the surface shinier.