Bug in clearcoat...

[Scotty]

I got a small bug in my clear, dead center of my gas tank, right after spraying. Apparently while cleaning the gun. The clear was soft enough that I dug him out with some doubled over tape, but he left a small grave in the clear, pretty deep. It was my last coat, and I didn't respray because it was 2 in the morning and I was smoke. There were other bugs that got in the garage and I could have been out there all night digging bugs out.

Now, I dont' think I can just sand and go, it's too deep. So can I repair that small area (sand down with 600 and respray that small area) or should I respray the entire tank after sanding, with a little extra attention to the repair area?

 

[JohnPSW]

That's not a bug, it's a feature!

... oops, sorry, that's for software, we're talking paint. What I meant to say was...
That's not a bug, that's a custom element! ;-)

 

[JohnPSW]

You will have a difficult time doing any type of repair that will look good and last over time. Your best bet is to sand it down and reshoot the whole tank.

 

[Scotty]

OK, thanks for the reply. I'm going to hit it with 600, take it down to where the divot is gone, and reshoot.

Will it make a difference in appearance down the line if I break thru the clear while sanding, if I'm going to respray the entire tank?

 

[JohnPSW]

OK, thanks for the reply. I'm going to hit it with 600, take it down to where the divot is gone, and reshoot.

Will it make a difference in appearance down the line if I break thru the clear while sanding, if I'm going to respray the entire tank?

No. Just make sure any the edges are feathered.