Clear Coating Necessary?

[BillJarrett]

Thread title says it all.

Is it?

I'm refinishing a bass, using some of Re-ranch's Nitro. If I'm interested in a 'low to no' gloss appearance, does adding a clear coat make sense.

Obviously the benefits of durability come to mind, but will the colored nitro laquer hold up without clear?

 

[joeyl]

I think you should add a clear coat, just because it usually makes the colored layer deeper. And during the wetsand process you can stop at 3000-4000 grit for the low-gloss (my preference some people like 2000 tops for low-gloss)
not sure I understand your question about hold up without clear? It will hold but it will rub off much quicker.

 

[BillJarrett]

Cool. Thanks for the reply.

In essence, the question was "If you are going for a low gloss/matte finish, is a clear coat necessary? Other than for providing a protective finish?"

I think you answered what I was wondering. Thanks again!

 

[Musiclogic]

Clear is never mandatory, but usually a good final step, and you can get matte or satin clear, and wetsand to 800 to keep a nice matte appearence.

BTW, I used to live at Club Med in Jensen Beach...LOL

 

[Hookus]

Are you not planning on using clear lacquer? I mean, you already have tinted lacquer on there. The finish does not care if it is clear or tinted. I would definitely make a pass or two with clear though, as stated above, makes the colors look deeper.

 

[BillJarrett]

BTW, I used to live at Club Med in Jensen Beach...LOL

No kidding, I work in a music shop right off of Morningside Drive. We could almost hit Club Med with a rock. Small World.

 

[Dark Horse]

The only colors I would recommend "never going without clear" on are things like Inca Silver, Firemist Gold, CAR, etc, etc - colors with high metallic content. Other than those you can go without, though I personally would still clear coat and just not buff it out completely so I got a matte look.

My $.02

 

[Musiclogic]

No kidding, I work in a music shop right off of Morningside Drive. We could almost hit Club Med with a rock. Small World.

Yeah, long time ago, early 90's, back when life was more interesting should we say...LMAO