DiamondFinish Clear 1K Aerosol is applied in three steps: clean the surface with KBS Klean, scuff with 320 grit only where needed, then spray 1 to 2 thin coats from 8 to 12 inches out. Apply between 50 and 85 degrees F at 70 percent humidity or lower, and recoat within 15 minutes or after 48 hours.

DiamondFinish Clear Aerosol Application — At a Glance

50° to 85°F
Ideal Temp Range
1 to 2 Coats
General Automotive, 1 mil each
15 Min or 48 Hrs
Recoat Window
35 sq. ft.
Coverage Per Can, Single Coat

To achieve expert results, please take the time to carefully read and understand the following directions before you begin your project. These directions are meant to be general guidelines only and do not cover every application or environmental situation. If you have remaining questions or concerns, please contact us for technical assistance.

ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE GLOVES AND SAFETY GLASSES. ALWAYS WORK IN A WELL-VENTILATED AREA. Please heed all labeled warning and caution notices on all products. Always use a NIOSH/MSHA approved air supplied respirator when spraying DiamondFinish Clear Aerosol.

Coverage:

Theoretical coverage of DiamondFinish Clear Aerosol is 35 sq. ft. single coat coverage. Material losses during application will vary and must be taken into consideration. Expect up to 50% less coverage on bare wood, rough, or sandblasted surfaces.

Plan can quantity around the number of coats the job calls for: 1 to 2 thin covering coats for general automotive work, and a minimum of 2 to 3 thin covering coats for marine or industrial work.

Surface Preparation:

Apply DiamondFinish Clear Aerosol to clean and dry surfaces. Use KBS Klean to effectively remove all surface contaminants. (Avoid solvent-based cleaners and tack clothes which leave invisible residues that can affect the adhesion of DiamondFinish Clear Aerosol.) When needed, lightly sand/scuff with 320 grit paper then clean and dry surface before applying DiamondFinish Clear Aerosol.

Applying Over Another Aerosol Paint

IF APPLYING DIAMONDFINISH CLEAR AEROSOL OVER ANOTHER AEROSOL PAINT: It is always best to wait at least 3 days and then first test the cured aerosol paint by scuffing it a bit with sandpaper. If the aerosol paint gums up, wait longer before applying DiamondFinish Clear Aerosol. As always, test a small section for wrinkling.

DiamondFinish Clear Aerosol Application:

FOR BEST END RESULTS. Apply DiamondFinish Clear Aerosol to prepared surfaces as described above. ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE GLOVES AND EYE WEAR when using DiamondFinish Clear Aerosol. Always use NIOSH/MSHA approved air supplied respirator.

For best results, apply when surface temperature and air temperature are between 50-85F. Apply only in moderate to dry atmospheric conditions (i.e. 70% humidity or lower).

Shaking the Can

Shake can for at least one minute after listening for rattle or mixing ball. During application, shake can intermittently for approximately 10 seconds at 1 to 2 minute intervals.

Spray Technique

Press valve all the way down. Do not extend finger beyond the valve. Hold can about 8 to 12 inches from surface to be sprayed. Do not cover with continuous spray. Move back and forth, releasing spray-head after stroke. Overlap each stroke.

If spray-head clogging develops, turn sprayhead 1/4 turn or remove and clean spray-head. Do not stick pin or other objects in to can opening. With spray-head pointed away from you, reinsert spray-head with gentle twisting motion.

IMPORTANT: Apply thin coats rather than heavy coats. If paint runs or sags, paint is being applied too heavily or paint can is too close to surface.

Number of Coats

Apply 1-2 thin covering coats for general automotive applications. For marine or industrial applications, apply a minimum of 2-3 thin covering coats.

Building Maximum Gloss

NOTE: Flow and gloss are increased with multiple coats. For maximum gloss, apply 4 passes (single coat), wait 10-15 minutes, then apply 4 more passes (another single coat). Repeat as needed.

REMEMBER: ALWAYS APPLY THIN, COVERING COATS!

Dry Time, Recoat & Curing:

Re-coating can be done once first or consecutive coat is dry-to-touch. For best results, always apply coats consecutively within 15 minutes of each coat curing or after 48 hours.

Full cure is usually achieved within 48 hours. Maximum 5H pencil hardness (ASTM D 3363) is reached after 5 days.

Why the 15 minute to 48 hour rule matters. Coats fuse together while the previous coat is still chemically open, and that window closes about 15 minutes after a coat dries to touch. Spraying between 15 minutes and 48 hours lands on a surface that is skinned over but not cured, which is where intercoat adhesion problems and wrinkling come from.

Clear Sprayhead:

To clear aerosol sprayhead for future use, turn aerosol can upside down and spray for 3 seconds.

Clean Up:

Use KBS #1 Thinner, lacquer thinner, or Xylene for immediate clean up.

IMPORTANT: Remember DiamondFinish Clear Aerosol must be cleaned up before it dries. DiamondFinish Clear Aerosol cannot be removed by any solvent once cured. Always wear protective gloves to avoid skin contact and temporary staining. If skin contact accidentally occurs, immediately remove with #1 Thinner or lacquer thinner followed by soap and water.

REMEMBER: ALWAYS APPLY THIN, COVERING COATS!

Technical Data:

Characteristics
DiamondFinish Clear 1K Aerosol (Gloss and Satin)
Generic Type
Single-component (1K) acrylic clear coat
Color
Clear
Finish
Gloss: 90 to 95% gloss. Satin: 45 to 55% gloss.
Dry Film Thickness per Coat
1 mil
Theoretical Coverage
35 sq. ft. per can, single coat. Up to 50% less on bare wood, rough, or sandblasted surfaces.
Number of Coats
1 to 2 thin covering coats (automotive). 2 to 3 minimum (marine or industrial).
Drying Time at 1 Mil
Dust Free
3 to 6 minutes
Dry to Handle
20 to 40 minutes
Dry Through
24 hours
Recoat Window
Within 15 minutes of each coat curing, or after 48 hours
Full Cure
Within 48 hours. Maximum hardness after 5 days.
Pencil Hardness (ASTM D 3363)
5H after 5 days
Cross Hatch Adhesion (ASTM D 3359)
4B to 5B after 48 hours
Temperature Resistance
Up to 250°F with no yellowing
Application Temperature
50° to 85°F, surface and air
Maximum Humidity
70% relative humidity
Spray Distance
8 to 12 inches from the surface
Clean Up
KBS #1 Thinner, lacquer thinner, or Xylene, before the coating dries

Frequently Asked Questions — DiamondFinish Clear Aerosol

Apply when surface temperature and air temperature are between 50-85F, in moderate to dry atmospheric conditions of 70% humidity or lower. Both the part and the air need to be in that range, so a cold part in a warm shop still needs to come up to temperature before you spray.
Re-coating can be done once the first or consecutive coat is dry-to-touch. For best results, always apply coats consecutively within 15 minutes of each coat curing, or after 48 hours. Spraying in between those two points lands on a coat that is skinned over but not cured, which is where intercoat adhesion problems and wrinkling come from.
Apply 1-2 thin covering coats for general automotive applications. For marine or industrial applications, apply a minimum of 2-3 thin covering coats. One can gives 35 sq. ft. of single coat coverage, so buy cans for the number of coats the job actually calls for rather than stretching one can.
Yes. Wait at least 3 days, then test the cured aerosol paint by scuffing it a bit with sandpaper. If the aerosol paint gums up, wait longer before applying DiamondFinish Clear Aerosol. As always, test a small section for wrinkling first.
Only when needed. Apply to clean and dry surfaces, using KBS Klean to remove all surface contaminants. Where the surface is glossy or contaminated, lightly sand or scuff with 320 grit paper, then clean and dry the surface again before spraying. Avoid solvent-based cleaners and tack clothes, which leave invisible residues that can affect adhesion.
Flow and gloss are increased with multiple coats. For maximum gloss, apply 4 passes (single coat), wait 10-15 minutes, then apply 4 more passes (another single coat), repeating as needed. Keep every pass thin. If the paint runs or sags, it is being applied too heavily or the can is too close to the surface.
To clear the aerosol sprayhead for future use, turn the can upside down and spray for 3 seconds. If clogging develops mid-job, turn the sprayhead 1/4 turn or remove and clean it, and never stick a pin or other object into the can opening. For cleanup, use KBS #1 Thinner, lacquer thinner, or Xylene immediately, because DiamondFinish Clear Aerosol cannot be removed by any solvent once cured.
At 1 mil, DiamondFinish Clear Aerosol is dust free in 3 to 6 minutes, dry to handle in 20 to 40 minutes, and dry through in 24 hours. Full cure is usually achieved within 48 hours, and maximum 5H pencil hardness (ASTM D 3363) is reached after 5 days.

More DiamondFinish Clear questions and answers: DiamondFinish Clear Questions & Answers

Still have questions about DiamondFinish Clear Aerosol? Our technical team is ready to help.

Contact Us for Technical Assistance

Instructional & How-To Videos

How to Flush an Aerosol Can for Future Use
Order DiamondFinish Clear Aerosol — Ships Same Day
Logo