Application Instructions, Tips, and Frequently Asked Questions

Application Instructions

Car-Rep 2K Primers
Surface Preparation: Clean the surface thoroughly. Sand if necessary. Start with 320, proceed with 400, then wet sand with 600 or 800. Clean the surface with a pre paint cleaner, such as degreaser (No thinners or acetone). For previously painted surfaces, make sure the previous layer is fully cured before overpainting if not advised otherwise.

Aerosol spraying distance: 15-25 cm (6-10 in)

Coats: Maximum 3 layers

Flash-off time: 3 min between layers

Application: It is better to apply more thin layers than a few thick layers. Final layer should always be a wet layer. Application and curing temperature 18-25°C (64-77°F)

Sanding instructions: After curing overnight or 20 min @ 70 °C (158 °F). Wet sand with 400 and proceed gradually up to 800 and if desired finish with 1200. Clean with pre paint cleaner (No thinners or acetone).

Clean nozzle: By holding the can upside down and spraying for 5 seconds

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Car-Rep 2K Clear Coats
Surface Preparation: Make sure the surface is clean before application. Sand if necessary. When applied over base coat, clean the surface with a pre paint cleaner such as degreaser. Make sure the cleaner doesn’t contain strong solvents such as thinner or acetone. For previously painted surfaces, make sure the previous layer is fully cured before overpainting if not advised otherwise.

Aerosol spraying distance: 15-25 cm (6-10 in)

Coats: Maximum 3 layers

Flash-off time: 3 min between layers

Application: It is better to apply more thin layers than a few thick layers. Final layer should always be a wet layer. Application and curing temperature 18-25°C (64-77°F) Polishing: After curing overnight or 40 min @ 70 °C (158 °F)

Clean nozzle: By holding the can upside down and spraying for 5 seconds

Download Product Detail Sheets:

Car-Rep 2K Top Coats
Surface Preparation: Clean and sand the surface thoroughly. Start with 320, proceed with 400, then wet sand with 600 or 800. Clean the surface with a pre paint cleaner such as degreaser. Make sure the cleaner doesn’t contain strong solvents such as thinner or acetone. For previously painted surfaces, make sure the previous layer is fully cured before overpainting if not advised otherwise.

Aerosol spraying distance: 15-25 cm (6-10 in)

Coats: Maximum 3 layers

Flash-off time: 3 min between layers

Application: It is better to apply more thin layers than a few thick layers. Final layer should always be a wet layer. Application and curing temperature 18-25°C (64-77°F)

Dry: After curing overnight or 40 min @ 70 °C (158 °F)

Clean nozzle: By holding the can upside down and spraying for 5 seconds

Download Product Detail Sheets:

Tips for Best Results

Planning all the steps ahead is the best way to succeed

Before beginning your project, make sure to have all things necessary for the project on hands. Make sure the surface material is compliant with the paints you are going to use. In your mind, go through every step of the painting project from start to finish.

Preparations take the most time

The most time-consuming part is surface preparation. Clean and sand the surface thoroughly. Start with 320, proceed with 400, then wet sand with 600 or 800, then finish with 1200/1500. Clean the surface with a pre paint cleaner. For previously painted surfaces make sure the previous layer is fully cured before overpainting. Cover the parts as well as the surroundings that you don’t want to paint. Mind the overspray.

Test spraying on a non-visible spot

Never begin spraying from the center of the object. Start by testing the spray on a non-visible part and make sure everything functions as intended. If everything goes smoothly, you can start painting the object itself. Begin painting from the most complicated parts such as the edges or corners and finish off with the easiest parts such as flat surface.

Spraying several thin layers is better than spraying a few thick layers

Begin spraying a very light first layer and slowly build up to the intended number of layers. The final layer should be painted wet so that maximum flow is achieved for the whole surface. Do not spray too much paint at once.

Complicated surfaces need extra caution when painting

Painting complicated surfaces, such as curves or corners require skill and patience. Begin painting from the parts you think are the most complicated and finish off with the easy flat parts. Do not spray too much at once. Prefer several thin layers rather than a few thick layers.

Let the surface dry well before handling

Too many perfectly painted surfaces are ruined when being too eager to move the painted object. Let the surface dry for at least 12 hours before moving it anywhere. The surface will last for decades if you give it enough time to cure. Be patient.

Patience is the key to long-lasting and flawless surface

The chemical reaction of 2-component compounds takes time. Although the painted surface might feel hard and cured, it takes up to 8 days to reach full hardness and to obtain chemical resistance. Water might also interfere with your recently painted surface so be sure to give your beloved project enough time to cure before bringing it into use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Car-Rep® 2K?

Car-Rep® 2K is a 2-component spray paint intended for serious automotive enthusiasts. With Car-Rep® 2K car refinish products, you’ll guarantee OEM quality car refinish job with ease.

What is the difference between 1-component and 2-component paints?

1-component paints are air-drying, whereas 2-component paints harden trough chemical crosslinking of the resin and the hardener. The chemical hardening process of 2-component paints enable unequaled properties such as extreme bonding, superior corrosion resistance, resistance for chemicals such as acetone and gasoline as well as extremely durable and diamond hard surface.

Why should I choose a 2-component product?

Car-Rep® 2K is for serious automotive enthusiasts, who only wants the best for their four-wheeled jewel. 2-component products enable unequaled properties such as extreme bonding, superior corrosion resistance, resistance for chemicals such as acetone and gasoline as well as extremely durable and diamond hard surface.

Is there something I should address before painting with a 2-component product?

Painting with Car-Rep® 2K products is as easy as painting with a regular 1-component solution. However, the unequaled properties of 2K paints guarantee that the painted surface is going to last whether you liked it or not. Be sure to perform proper surface preparation before application as removing Car-Rep® 2K is going to be a tough job.

How should I prepare the surface before painting?

Clean and sand the surface thoroughly. Start with 320, proceed with 400, then wet sand with 600 or 800, if desired finish with 1200/1500. Clean the surface with a pre paint cleaner. For previously painted surfaces make sure the previous layer is fully cured before overpainting.

Do I need to activate the 2K product before use?

No. The paint and the hardener are already mixed together inside the can and begin cross-linking when released to the atmospheric pressure by spraying. Your only concern is to shake the can for 3-minutes upside down before painting. Reuse always when needed.

Can I paint outdoors?

Painting outdoors is possible in the right conditions. Optimal painting conditions are at 18-25°C (64-77°F), relative air humidity 35% – 75%. Do not expose to water or dew before 12 hours.

Can I combine 2-component products with 1-component products?

Yes, you can. For a serious car refinish job, 2-component products are often used for priming and clear coating, whereas the OEM color layer is often 1-component. The 2-component primer ensures extreme bonding and superior corrosion resistance whereas the clear coat provides extremely durable and diamond hard surface that is resistant to chemicals such as acetone and gasoline. However, if you only need a solid color such as black or white, you can simply use our Car-Rep® 2K Top Coats, which will ensure the same adhesion and corrosion resistance properties as the primers combined with a diamond hard and chemical resistant surface. Note: Some alkyd paints might react with Car-Rep® 2K. Test before application.

How long does it take for the surface to fully cure?

The final hardness together with chemical resistance are obtained in 8 days. The surface should be handling dry in 12 hours, but patience is important. The key to a flawless long-lasting surface is letting the object dry accordingly before use.

Have a Question?

Have a question we didn’t address in the FAQs above? Looking for additional information about Car-Rep products? Please don’t hesitate to reach out… we’d love to help.

The Car-Rep® 2K Automotive Spray Paint System

Car-Rep® Automotive 2K Aerosol Paints are available in a full assortment of primers, clears, and stand-alone color top coats — all featuring Wise 2K™ quality with unlimited pot life.