Yes, DiamondFinish Clear is specifically designed to be brushed and brush marks do flow out for a sprayed appearance. This eliminates the anxiety many DIY and hobbyist painters feel about brushing a clear coat. This guide covers why it works, technique tips, and when thinning may help.
Designed for Brush Application
DiamondFinish Clear is a 1K clear coat specifically engineered to be applied by brush and still deliver results that look like they were sprayed. This is not an afterthought or secondary capability; it is built into the product's design.
The high solids content and carefully balanced solvent blend mean that when you brush DiamondFinish Clear onto a clean, properly prepared surface, the brush marks do not stay visible. They flow out and level as the solvents evaporate and the coating hardens, leaving a smooth, gloss finish.
Why Brush Marks Flow Out
Understanding the science helps you apply the coating correctly:
Solvent evaporation: DiamondFinish Clear contains solvents that evaporate at a controlled rate. As they escape, the coating thins slightly and flows out on the surface, filling in the small ridges and valleys that brush bristles create.
High solids content: The high resin content allows the coating to level out smoothly without sagging or running. You get coverage with self-leveling properties.
Flexible film: Because DiamondFinish Clear is formulated as a flexible urethane, it doesn't crack, peel, or become brittle as it cures, which could lock in brush marks. Instead, it continues to level and flow.
Brushing Technique for Best Results
Proper technique unlocks the coating's flow-out capability:
- Prepare the surface thoroughly. A clean, properly scuffed surface is the foundation. Follow the application directions for prep.
- Use a quality brush. A good-quality natural-bristle or synthetic brush applies the coating evenly and releases it smoothly.
- Apply thin, covering coats. Thin coats level better than heavy ones. Build coverage with multiple thin passes rather than trying to cover everything with one heavy coat.
- Brush once and move on. Apply the brush to an area and move to the next section. Do not keep brushing the same area repeatedly. Overworking forces out the solvents and makes the coating cure too fast, preventing proper flow-out.
- Work in good conditions. Apply at the recommended temperature (55-82 degrees F) and humidity (30-85% RH). These conditions allow the solvents to evaporate at the ideal rate for flow-out.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brushing DiamondFinish Clear
Do brush marks flow out in DiamondFinish Clear?
Yes. DiamondFinish Clear is specifically designed to be applied by brush and still look like it was sprayed. Brush marks flow out and disappear as the coating levels, thanks to its high solids content and solvent blend.
What brushing technique works best for DiamondFinish Clear?
Apply thin, covering coats and do not overwork the brush. Brush an area once and move on. Brushing the same area repeatedly forces out the solvents, which can cause the coating to cure too quickly and leave visible brush marks that won't flow out.
Do I need to thin DiamondFinish Clear for brushing?
No, thinning is generally not required when brushing. However, if you need to improve flow-out on a particular project, you can thin by approximately 10 percent using KBS #1 Thinner.
Why does DiamondFinish Clear flow out so well when brushed?
DiamondFinish Clear is a high-solids 1K clear coat engineered specifically for brush application. Its solvent blend and formulation allow the coating to level and flow out after application, eliminating brush marks and creating a smooth, sprayed appearance.
Conclusion
DiamondFinish Clear takes the worry out of brush application. It flows out beautifully, eliminating brush marks and delivering a smooth, professional-looking finish. The secret is simple: apply thin coats, brush once per area, and let the product do what it was designed to do. For complete details, see the application directions.
