Base coat prep

Rbm

Rbm

Professional amateur
I was following a shouting match on another page and the discussion was over whether to tack basecoat before clear. Any opinions ? I trust you guys a little more.
 
I will let someone else answer the whether you should or shouldn't. Personally I only tack off the base when I deem it necessary to do so.
The one thing I would caution anyone about using tack cloths, is to make sure you buy a quality tack cloth. The cheap ones often contaminate the surface and cause you more problems.
 
I would say conditions you are spraying in play a part. In a downdraft spray booth with minimal flash time before clear, probably not necessary. In a typical home style booth, with hours before clear, I would say yes, tack it. Lots of dirt and dust floating around. There is also a certain amount of base overspray that lays on top that is not stuck. It is a good idea to remove that, also, before clear, IMO. Using a tack rag like the Surgical Blue, that is not quite as sticky as say a Crystal tack rag, helps eliminate the glue transfer that can occur. Unfolding the tack rag into a fluffy ball and not applying pressure is the correct way to use them. I usually tack the paper first, also, to "detack" a fresh tack rag before wiping the painted surface.
 
texasking said:
I would say conditions you are spraying in play a part. In a downdraft spray booth with minimal flash time before clear, probably not necessary. In a typical home style booth, with hours before clear, I would say yes, tack it. Lots of dirt and dust floating around. There is also a certain amount of base overspray that lays on top that is not stuck. It is a good idea to remove that, also, before clear, IMO. Using a tack rag like the Surgical Blue, that is not quite as sticky as say a Crystal tack rag, helps eliminate the glue transfer that can occur. Unfolding the tack rag into a fluffy ball and not applying pressure is the correct way to use them. I usually tack the paper first, also, to "detack" a fresh tack rag before wiping the painted surface.
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1000% agree. For me it's mandatory. A no brainer. You got to unfold the cloth. I then loosely fold it and let it glide over the surface. Never use any pressure. Surgical Blue is my favorite. Gerson Blend Prep is good but doesn't last as long,
 
The only issue I get on the tech line is using a yellow tack rag; blue is best white is second.
I tack the base before clear but also tack between coats of base, BUT im letting the base set between coats 30 mins and most of the time a lot longer.
 
Is the white cloth the Gerson Tek Prep? I've been using it all wrong. Who makes the blue cloth? I can't say that the Tek Prep works that well.
 
i think i have tacked off by base on every job i have done for 20 years. i used surgical blue for many years then a few years ago i switched to the sikkens ones. they are way bigger and better quality. cost more of course but still not bad. i think they are just private labeled crystals. ppg has interesting ones as well. they are more like a very light tacky blue shop towel. i hated those at first because they were just different i guess. i really got to like them after i used them awhile.
 
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