TOPCOAT – Topcoat Mixing Procedure

TOPCOAT MIXING PROCEDURE

Adding topcoat is the final and most critical step in the Spectra Chrome process. Once your part is basecoated and silvered, the topcoat will serve as the final, ultra-durable protective layer – sealing the silver finish and safeguarding against scratches, impact, and UV rays. Your Topcoat 311 comes clear, with no color added. Adding tints to the topcoat allows you to achieve a reflective metal finish of any color. A complete set of Spectra Chrome tints is included with every system purchase.

Topcoat 311 is a three-component formula – consisting of the topcoat, a hardener, and a thinner (reducer). To prepare the topcoat for spraying, we will mix these three components together in an E-Z mix cup, using a ratio of 3:1:1. 3 parts topcoat, 1 part hardener, and 1 part thinner. When mixing the Spectra Chrome chemistry, be sure to always wear your safety gear.

MIXING PROCEDURE

We will prepare (2) volumes of Spectra Chrome topcoat, using the 8 oz. E-Z mix cup.

Identify the metal canister labelled Topcoat 311.
Open the cap using a pair of pliers if necessary.
Using the 3:1:1 column on the 8 oz. E-Z mix cup, pour the Topcoat 311 up to the second line in the 3:1:1 column – marked with an “3”.
Add the Hardener 311, filling the level to the next line of the column – marked with a “1”.
Add the Thinner 311, filling the level to the next line of the column – marked with a “1”.
Stir the three components together thoroughly using a wooden craft stick (craft sticks can be purchased at Wal-Mart or most arts and crafts stores).

The topcoat mixture is now ready to be poured into your spray gun reservoir.

Topcoat 311 (no color) will always be used as the initial clearcoat over the raw silver.

MIXED TOPCOAT 311 HAS A LIMITED “POT LIFE”

Once the three components are mixed together, you have a limited window of time to spray your Topcoat 311. The mixed components will slowly begin to thicken into a gel-like consistency – at which point the mixture becomes too thick to spray and can clog the spray gun. This window of time is called the “pot life” – the usable time after mixing the Topcoat 311 that the mixture still remains liquid enough to be sprayed.

The pot life of mixed Topcoat 311 is generally between 5 to 7 hours; but can vary depending on temperature. Any mixed topcoat left longer that 5 to 7 hours will inevitably become too thick to spray and will need to be discarded. To minimize solution waste, only mix a volume of topcoat that you plan on using up the same day. The Basecoat 812-E has a very similar pot life.

FILTER TOPCOAT MIXTURE BEFORE SPRAYING

If you are using the stock hopper that came with your spray gun, filter the topcoat mixture using a mesh paint filter as you pour it into the hopper.

As explained previously, the Universal Paint System (UPS) from Harbor Freight and the Disposable Paint Cup (DPC) system from Sagola both feature a filter built into the reservoir cap; which eliminates the need to pre-filter your basecoat mixture.