If you're using base coat/clear coat, the base coat is supposed to be dull. The base coat is only color pigment mixed with a propellant to enable you to spray. The shine and luster comes from the clear coat. If you're using a single stage enamel what you're describing is called "blushing". It comes from painting when it's either too cold or too much moisture in the air. Sometimes it occurs when there is no air circulating in the shop and the overspray lays back on the paint after it has tacked up.Your only fix for blushing is sanding the paint and letting it cure. Then re-apply paint when the weather warms up or dries out.

 

vivid black has a semi-gloss look to it when drying. If it's flat, it could be too dry when sprayed or mostly due to humidity.. i agree with the never spray in high humidity or low temps...

 

so what should i do?? should i wet sand, then buff, then clear?

wet sand, then clear?

just clear?

buff, then clear?

thanks

 

all the other parts i sprayed dried nice and shiny. it seems like the fender has this "blushing" you are talking about, i bet it is from the fact it was raining yesterday.

how much should i sand? just a wet sand? then do i buff and then clear?

thanks

 

Wet sand, clear, then buff

 

Wet sand where it isn't smooth w/400 then 600.
Clear coat. Wet sand down to 1500 or 2000 & buff. You never paint on a rainy day or use buffing compound between coats. Had your paint been glossy,the wet sanding would have dulled it anyway which helps the gloss coats stick. good luck - Jim

 

now i am even more confused. i have read on several websites to wet sand, then buff, then clear. but you all are saying not to buff before clear, i don't know what to do

 

you wont gain anything by buffing the base. And being essentially partly cured paint you have a high risk of burn through with buffing. wet sand 1000 grit and clear then you can buff. Remember the paint takes weeks/months to fully cure. Besides its a rattle can....You will not get caviar results from bait! Kinda like puttin 20 inch wheels on a pacer.....

 

Your gloss coat will stick better w/o buffing. If you don't get all the compound out. The gloss wont laydown right or stick. Buffing just isn't needed till the end.
everyone does it different. Practicing on some scrap 1st is something we would all agree on. You'll get confidence & find what works for you.

 

Buffing compund is clears worst friend, if you buff before you clear you will have terrible craters in the clear coat.

I would wet sand then clear. I would use 800 to 1000, then clear, 1500-2000 then buff.