I have had my disappointments in KBS products. The 2k Max is a good coating BUT it only comes with a moderate reducer and that will not work in hot climates at all. It must have a slow slow reducer. The fact they sell it with a moderate reducer in hot climates is flatly a ripoff. They should know better. I have told them. Those who work with clears know this is the single most important factor. Clears require surface melt. In a hot climate, using a moderate reducer, all you get is orange peel.
That said, the Diamond Clearcoat Single Stage Gloss is an underrated Clear. It is a single-stage in a world of "YOUTUBE PAINT EXPERTS" OMG, that do nothing more than echo two-stage clears based on one idea which is cross-linking. The concept of crosslinking is that once cured you can spay something on top of it. That is a fallacy. Spray clear on a prior clear and you could get lift off and peel from hell. And sometimes with 2k clear, it can peel off in sheets for crosslinking on the surface of a prior coating and not adhering. 2k Clears can surprise in a very bad way.
I don't care what two-stage you use, you can easily get a solvent reaction while wet. The Diamond single stage is moisture cured and I have never had it react to a cured surface including INDUSTRIAL ENAMEL. Try to remember that Picasso loved industrial enamels. They have a richness lacking in any other kind of paint. I digress.
The Diamond Clear in the spray can be used to remedy bad or non-adherent clear. It can be used to spot flaws after spotting in some basecoat or paint coat. It is amazing how well it does in these kinds of applications. On Youtube the idiot will tell you to sand down the entire door panel for example. I say that's nuts. Spotting flaws works great. Breached edges are where you get into difficulty.
It is possible with the spray can to get a little overspray. That is where the 1000 sandpaper comes in. It will smooth the miro orange peel easily. If you are going to do large areas then buy the Diamond Clear in a pint or quart and use Thinner or Xylene ONLY and 10%-15% is normally adequate. DiamondFinish Clear can be thinned up to 30%. Thinning helps it flow but it also helps it drip. Remember Xylene is a solvent so it can react with undercoats. So I don't recommend thinning. Just keep your wet edge and it will melt nicely. Any overspray can be easily tamed by 1000 sand and an orbital DA.
While KBS claims it is clear that is not actually true. It has a slight amber cast if put on at 2 mils thick. In Hot climates, I encourage 3 mil thicknesses and sanding before buffing with 1000, 1500. and 2000. That will make buffing to a marvellous plastic shine and enough thickness to block UV. Try to remember that Clear obtains its UV protection by thickness, not some pretend additive to block UV. No such additive exists. So it must be thick. Hot climates are full of cars with peeling clear. Hoods get direct sunlight and under the hood the engine gets hot. So go thick in a hot climate.
I say that Diamond Clear single stage is vastly underrated due to a large amount of noise made by the "car painting youtube crowd." These are clowns that think a $500 spay gun makes you a pro. There is no truth to this or a thousand other myths. Diamond Clear single stage is just as good as 2k clear and less toxic, less dangerous to use, and if you have a screw up you can STOP. With 2k you have a paint gun full of catalyzing clear that has to be used OR WASTED.
I am an artist... I leave you with this sentiment... that you may all be artists in your own way.... and being an artist means you must find your own way...
“A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.” Louis Nizer
| Brand | KBS Coatings |
|---|---|
| Color | Clear High Gloss |
| Finish Type | Gloss |
| Size | 1 Pound (Pack of 1) |
| Item Volume | 16 Fluid Ounces |
| Special Feature | Crack Resistant, Fade Resistant, Rust Resistant, Scratch Resistant, Chip Resistant |
| Unit Count | 16.0 Ounce |
| Paint Type | Acrylic |
| Specific Uses For Product | Interior/Exterior |
| Surface Recommendation | Metal |
| Indoor/Outdoor Usage | Outdoor, Indoor |
| Item Form | Spray |
| Included Components | Aerosol Can |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Is Waterproof | True |
| Package Information | Can |
| Color Code | Clear |
| Coverage | 35 sq ft |
| Water Resistance Level | Waterproof |
| Manufacturer | KBS Coatings |
| Item Weight | 1 pounds |
| Package Dimensions | 9.3 x 2.6 x 2.6 inches |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Item model number | 8114 |
| Exterior | Aluminum,Gloss,Painted,Steel |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 8114 |
| Special Features | Crack Resistant, Fade Resistant, Rust Resistant, Scratch Resistant, Chip Resistant |
