Tri-Coat Instructions

Any color that has the word "Tri-coat" in the paint name listed on our site, has three different coats of paint applied at the factory. The first is a basecoat of color. Next a second coat of transparent color, called the mid-coat is applied and finally, a coat of clearcoat. The mid-coat color is applied very thin and adds additional depth to the paint. In order to successfully match a tri-coat, you should practice on a scrap piece of metal or plastic.

Application

First apply the basecoat. This is the main color coat. Make sure this has thoroughly dried for at least a few hours. Next, apply the mid-coat layer. This bottle (or spray can) will have a check by the word "tri-coat" (or "mid-coat") or a "#2" on the label to identify it. This color goes on very thinly and you must practice a bit to get it right. Finally, you apply the clearcoat to achieve the correct color. 

When spraying tri-coats, apply the basecoat first. Spray the mid-coat out even farther than the basecoat, or you will create a paint layer line. The best was to spray tri-coats is to spray the entire panel to the edge so there are no paint layer lines. Again, practice, practice, practice off the vehicle first before applying a tri-coat to your vehicle!

Make sure to get the primer and basecoat sanded very smooth before applying the additional stages of paint. The primer should be wet sanded before applying the paint. Once the mid-coat is applied over the basecoat, it becomes very difficult to smooth the basecoat paint. You can use #1000 grit sandpaper or rubbing compound to smooth the paint. Always let the basecoat dry thoroughly before applying the mid-coat. Then, let the mid-coat dry thoroughly before applying the clearcoat.

When you apply the basecoat and mid-coat, you follow the same directions for each coat. The real trick is applying the mid-coat over the basecoat to achieve the right color. It's like using a colored transparent piece of plastic (think Saran wrap with colors) over the basecoat to change the color. Add too little, and the basecoat won't be changed enough; add too much, and you will change the basecoat too much and have to start over. Make sure you PRACTICE OFF the vehicle to see how it turns out and keep comparing your practice work to the vehicle color. Mid-coats are best sprayed, but if you use very thin coats, you can do a reasonable job.