Finishing Carbon - V2 - Clear Coat and Acrylic Paint¶

Goal¶

Quick, low-effort finish using only spray coats: clear, colour, then clear again; no sanding or resin topcoat.


Clear coat → colour coat → clear coat result

Type	Hours
Implementation	0.1 h
Waiting	24 h

Material	Quantity	Unit Cost	Line Cost
Clear Coat Spray Consumable Two light passes for sealing and gloss	0.2 400 ml can	£8.00 per 400 ml can	£1.60
Acrylic Car Paint Consumable Single colour coat between clear layers	0.25 400 ml can	£8.79 per 400 ml can	£2.20
Printable vinyl decal sheet (optional) Consumable Gloss white adhesive sheet for logos Optional branding layer	1 sheet	£1.50	£1.50
Total			£5.30

Tool	Purpose
Gloves	Protect your hands from paints and solvents
Safety goggles	Protect your eyes from overspray
Dust mask or respirator	Avoid inhaling paint mist
Lint-free cloth	Wipe dust and fingerprints before spraying

Prep the surface
- Wipe the cured carbon with a lint-free cloth to remove dust and fingerprints.
- Mask any areas you do not want painted.
Clear coat – base seal
- Spray a light, even coat of acrylic clear.
- Allow to flash off per the can instructions.
Colour coat
- Apply one light coat of acrylic car paint.
- Let it flash off fully; avoid heavy passes to prevent runs.
Optional decal
- Apply the vinyl decal after the colour coat is dry to the touch.
Clear coat – top seal
- Spray a second light coat of clear to lock in the colour (and decal if used).
- Leave to cure undisturbed for 24 hours.