Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Sep 01, 2010 10:42pm | #1

   The purpose of putting clear finish over paint should be aesthetic.  Paint is at least durable as a clear coat, and it is arguably easier to fix damage to paint than to fix clear coat over paint, especially since severe damage would typically affect both coatings. 

   But,to answer your question, yes, clear coats can be applied over paint.  The two finishes must be compatible, for example lacquer cannot be applied over most paint because the strong solvents could damage the paint.   

2. 
   roc | Sep 02, 2010 02:17am | #2

   Sure just look at all those old cars that look like they got a sun burn and are pealing.  I know . . .

   that wasn't much help.  Seems like there is an article here in FWW on line on milk paint and they mention clear coating it makes it glossy instead of flat.

   Here we go; here is one :

   https://www.finewoodworking.com/Materials/MaterialsPDF.aspx?id=30759

3. 
   hammer1 | Sep 02, 2010 09:45am | #3

   For an ordinary paint job, its not neccessary to add a clear coat but using something over things like a distressed finish, decorative paint on paint, etc. can be done to coat those additions to the paint surface. Compatability can be an issue. I've used a waterborne poly over a distressed finish done in latex. The latex paint was distressed, fly specked and a glaze was used for highlights. In this case, those additions needed a ccoating for durability.

   
4. 
   hammer1 | Sep 03, 2010 09:29am | #4

   Thanks, Mick. The moldings were from a kitchen I did some time ago. My camera was malfunctioning and I only have some poor pictures of the finished product.

   I started with a red primer, then applied a coat of latex paint, artichoke, I think. I tried using an acrylic in my samples but couldn't get it to sand out and feather. I abraded the paint in areas for a worn look. I mixed artist colors, venitian red, with an oil based glazing liquid and applied that to the surface, leaving some in the crevases. I dipped a tooth brush in matte black acrylic and flicked the bristles for the fly specking. Coated everything with a satin waterborne poly. Buffed it out and waxed the surface.

   This faux painted look was somewhat new at the time and there wasn't any info on the techniques, I winged it. After a few samples, I had what the customer was looking for. Today, some are using colored lacquer. I guess it depends on the colors you want. The rest of the kitchen was a stain with glaze on cherry.

   
1. 
   Mick182 | Sep 03, 2010 05:01pm | #5

   Outstanding! Thanks for sharing your procedure. Even more impressive that you didn't have all the present day info that exists today when you tackled the finishes.

   When I finally get around to "my" project, I'll let you know how it works out with this look.

   Kitchen pix are sweet! Thanks again.

5. 
   Grovey | Jan 18, 2011 07:31am | #6

   It is entirely possible to apply a clear finish over paint. I have been doing so for years. Why? Paint has never given me a furniture smooth finish. My formula is prime with Valspar primer, sand lightly with 220, remove dust, paint with flat Valspar paint one or two coats, sand lightly with 320 or 400, remove dust, let dry for a day then use water based clear. All of my finishes are sprayed. Not all paints are created the same. I have found that Valspar available at Lowes is easy to apply and smooths out nicely. I won't argue whether or not paint is as durable as clear. I use this method to create a furniture smooth finish.