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Aerosol Instructions

Important: Practice on something other than your vehicle. Perform every step on a test surface before applying any paint to your vehicle.

Color Match Testing

  • Always test the paint for color accuracy before spraying your vehicle.
  • Clearcoat or primer will not correct a mismatched color.
  • If the match is off and paint is applied, you’ll need to remove it with lacquer thinner or by sanding.

Safety First

  • Always use an approved automotive paint respirator.
  • Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect your skin and eyes.
  • Ensure good ventilation.
  • Read all instructions before beginning.

Compatibility and Surface Preparation

  • Do NOT apply over enamel paints or primers.
  • Use SEM Adhesion Promoter on non-metal surfaces before primer.
  • Avoid direct sunlight during application.
  • Keep temperature between 50°F and 80°F, ideally around 70°F.
  • Keep humidity below 50%.

Spray Nozzles

  • Each can includes:
    • One standard white nozzle.
    • One adjustable nozzle for different spray patterns.
  • Do not interchange nozzles from other cans, as this can damage the plunger.

Quick Steps – Spray Cans

  1. If this is your first time, practice on a small area from start to finish before doing the full repair.
  2. Allow the basecoat to dry for at least three days. Then buff the area using a clean, soft, cotton cloth and a medium duty rubbing compound.
  3. Once the basecoat is dry to the touch, apply two wet coats of clearcoat. Extend slightly beyond the basecoat to reach a panel edge.
  4. Apply two even, wet coats of basecoat. Allow each coat to dry for 20 minutes. Wet sand the final coat if needed to remove imperfections.
  5. Check environmental conditions: temperature should be around 70°F (not over 80°F) and humidity below 50%.
  6. Scuff the surface using wet/dry sandpaper for better paint adhesion.
  7. Clean the area thoroughly using soap and water or a wax and grease remover.

 

  1. Clean with soap and water or wax/grease remover.
  2. Scuff the surface with wet/dry sandpaper.
  3. Ensure ideal temperature (70°F) and low humidity.
  4. Apply two even, wet basecoat coats. Dry 20 minutes between coats.
  5. Once basecoat is dry to the touch, apply 2 clearcoat coats beyond the repair area to a natural edge.
  6. Let dry at least 3 days. Buff using a clean, soft cotton cloth and medium duty rubbing compound.
  7. Practice on a small test area first.

Paint Compatibility Warning

  • Avoid applying our paint over recent work from Maaco, Earl Scheib, or budget paint shops. It may cause lifting.
  • Test on an inconspicuous spot first.

Spray Can Coverage

  • Each 12 oz. can covers ~4 sq. ft. with two wet coats.
  • Do not apply heavy coats or too little paint.
  • Work in a dust-free environment.

Addressing Rust

  • For surface rust only (not bubbling), sand thoroughly with 220-grit or use a wire brush.
  • Use One-Step Rust Converter before applying primer.
  • Smooth with body filler or lacquer putty, then prime.

Sanding and Adhesion

  • Use 600-grit for scuffing before basecoat.
  • On non-metal surfaces, apply SEM Adhesion Promoter:
    • 1 light coat, dry 5 minutes.
    • 1 wet coat, dry 15 minutes.
  • Wait 15–30 minutes before applying primer.

Primer

  • Use only compatible automotive primers (no enamel).
  • Primer must be applied to bare surfaces or over sanded paint/body filler.
  • Build up scratched areas gradually; primer shrinks as it dries.

Paint Technique

  • Use masking tape to protect surrounding panels.
  • Spray even, overlapping coats.
  • Wet sand between coats as needed using 1000-grit paper.
  • Allow basecoat to fully dry before applying clear.

Blending to Panel Edges

Feather paint outward to avoid visible lines. - Whenever possible, end at a panel edge, molding, or natural boundary. 
13. Clearcoat Application - Shake can 2 minutes before spraying (no metal ball inside). - Do not apply in direct sun or on hot surfaces. - Let dry 3+ days before using rubbing compound. 
14. Catalyzed Products – Professionals Only - Catalyzed basecoats and clearcoats are for professional use only. - Require full respirator, safety gear, and spray booth. - Do not apply additional clearcoat over catalyzed paint. - Allow catalyzed basecoats to dry 2 days before sanding or recoating. 
15. Adjusting Paint Shade with Clearcoat - Lighter finish: Spray clear from farther away. - Darker finish: Spray closer. - This varies by paint type and must be practiced off the vehicle. 
16. Using Rubbing Compound - Wait at least 3 days after clearcoat to apply. - Use only medium-duty compound (not polishing compound). - Use a soft, clean cotton cloth (never paper or terry towels). - Apply in circular motions with even pressure. - Buff to a high gloss.
17. Common Issues & Solutions 
Issue: Spider veins 
Cause: Sprayed too far from the surface or in high temperatures. 
Solution: Spray closer and avoid temperatures above 80°F. 
Issue: White haze or streaks 
Cause: Sprayed in high humidity. 
Solution: Wait for humidity to drop below 50%, scuff and reapply. 
Issue: Scratches 
Cause: Used a dirty or inappropriate cloth. 
Solution: Use a clean, soft cotton cloth such as an old T-shirt. 
Issue: Difficult to buff 
Cause: Area too large for hand buffing. 
Solution: Use a power buffer or visit a detail shop. 
Issue: Dull finish 
Cause: Used heavy-duty compound or polishing compound. 
Solution: Use a medium-duty rubbing compound. 
Issue: No shine 
Cause: Not enough clearcoat applied or no clearcoat at all. 
Solution: Apply more clearcoat and reapply rubbing compound. 

18. Final Finishing 
Let the paint cure for 30 days before waxing. 
19. Using Your Own Spray Gun - Only 2 oz. products need thinning: 1:1 ratio with fresh automotive lacquer thinner. - Do not use generic or old thinner. - Gallon, quart, and pint sizes are ready to spray. 
20. Tri-Coats - Tri-coats include a basecoat, midcoat, and clearcoat. - Midcoat goes on thin; must be practiced. - Spray to full panel edges to avoid visible layers. 
21. Electro Deposit Primer (EDP) - Factory EDP coating provides rust protection. - To prep: lightly scuff before applying primer. 
22. Hazards & Safety Warnings - Keep out of reach of children. - Extremely flammable and hazardous—do not store in heat or freeze. - Contains chemicals known to cause cancer and birth defects (CA Prop 65). - Use in a well-ventilated area with proper PPE.