Tough tough clears!

[highmess]

Hey guys in new to the site and love it! I have been painting for about five years professionally and do a lot of motorcycle wheel and aftermarket wheel painting. My preparation process is right on and have never had an issue with flaking or imperfections. My concern is that when my customers take their freshly painted wheels even after a dry time of around 4 days the tire guys always seem to chip them when mounting tires. Is there a super tough clear out there i could use to get close to the hardness of powdercoat? I know clear will not be as tough as powdercoat but i do remember using a super tough clear coat a few years back when i painted trains.

Thanks in advance!

 

[TAZ]

Sounds like you must be using a bc/cc. You might want to try a basecoat hardener in the basecoat.
Possibly what is happening is that your 'soft' basecoat is getting sandwiched between the rim and the clear thus making it easier to chip.
This might help.

I'm sure there are also tough clears out there, but I only use a couple and I wouldn't consider them super tough.

Good luck. Glad you enjoy the forum!

 

[Wydir]

PPG makes a product called Ceramiclear DC4125 maybe this could be something to look at?

 

[bondofreak]

I break the bead after the tire is installed. Back mask then base/clear. PS I sealed with epoxy before base.