Welcome.I deleted your other post because it really didn't belong there-no prob though,don't worry.First,when you say it changed hue do you mean it just looks flatter glosswise?That's normal for tape tracking.If you can see faint tracking that happens but if the folds in the tape and the edges really have an edge you got on it too soon with the tape.I'm way out of shape with lacquer but I would have let the black set a few days (at least one) then scuff and continue.If it's light tracking it'll dissappear with clear.2 things you don't want to do is put urethane over any of this or pile on the coats of lacquer.Put 3 or 4 on and let it sit,scuff and repeat.Try to avoid retarder but if you have to use it use it sparingly to slow down the slowest thinner if it's that hot.Using straight retarder actually takes months to evaporate.Don't try to speed it up by using a cooler thinner because it'll actually slow down the drying process.Going a little on the hot side won't hurt as long as it doesn't sag or run but it'll take longer to flash off and dry.My old rule of thumb was every coat got one day,in the sun preferably,after an overnight dry to let the solvents evaporate.Lacquer is very slow 'curing' but it never cures.It's a thermoplastic and always stays soft to a point,heat will reflow it and thinner will melt it at any time in it's life.Take care of it very well when you're all done for 6 months and then wax it,then continue to take very good care of it.After you block the edge out of the flame line I would do at least 2 sets of 3 coats of clear,that way you'll have one extra light buffing to clean up wiping swirls and scratches down the road.You're going to be pretty thick probably by the time you're done so if you're up there around 15+ coats don't shock the paint.By this I mean if it's inside and is warm don't pull it into a cold environment that will rapidly change the temp 50 degrees or so,15 coats isn't real bad but I've seen 20+ coaters on show cars shatter from a rapid temp change.Just makes you want to puke.
