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DiamondFinish Clear

Can tints, pearls, and metal flake be added to DiamondFinish Clear?

Tinting, adding pearls, and adding metal flake to DiamondFinish Clear is extremely common. DiamondFinish Clear is a moisture cured urethane, so it is key that anything that is added to DiamondFinish Clear be 100% dry, meaning is does not contain moisture. 

In general, tints, candy tints, pearls, and flakes that work well with DiamondFinish Clear are those that are designed for urethanes and these tints, candy tints, pearls, and flakes can be found at most local body supply shops.

Pro Tip: Only mix what is needed for an application session as the pot life of DiamondFinish Clear might be diminished once the tints, candy tints, pearls, and/or flakes are added.

Please check out the complete DiamondFinish Clear Application Directions before you begin your project.

Can DiamondFinish Clear be used as a concrete sealer or clear concrete paint?

Yes. DiamondFinish Clear is a single-component, ready-to-use, high-solid content, moisture-curing urethane with exceptional adhesion properties. DiamondFinish Clear is specifically formulated to seal porous surfaces like metals, wood or even concrete. Concrete is an alkali material readily susceptible to moisture and chemicals because it is very porous.

DiamondFinish Clear is an inexpensive and simple solution for protecting and sealing concrete permanently. Unlike other high-performance concrete coatings, DiamondFinish Clear is a single-component product with no mixing ratios involved. Simply stir and use. There is no special equipment needed.

When first applied, DiamondFinish Clear's thin viscosity wets and penetrates the surface and, as it combines with atmospheric moisture, the curing process of resins begins. This unique curing mechanism allows DiamondFinish Clear to expand and interlock within the pores of the concrete enabling it to become part of the surface. This extremely tough, yet flexible coating then seals the surface, blocks all pores, and prevents all access to moisture. DiamondFinish Clear is also highly resistant to mechanical abrasion and impact.

Once concrete is sealed with DiamondFinish Clear, its finished surface will become extremely tough, durable, and chemically resistant allowing for easy clean up with little or no maintenance.

Please review the complete Concrete Sealing Application Directions before you begin your project.

Can DiamondFinish Clear be used to clear coat rusted metal to preserve a patina look?

Yes, you can apply DiamondFinish Clear over rusted metal to keep that vintage look and prevent the rust from spreading. You can even lightly sand the DiamondFinish Clear with steel wool 24 hours after the final coat to take some of the gloss away and give you a matte finish.

Clean the surface first with a KBS Klean solution (10 Parts Water and 1 Part KBS Klean). Rinse and let dry thoroughly. Then apply DiamondFinish Clear in thin and never heavy coats. For rusted metal, at least three coats are typically required.

Please check out the complete DiamondFinish Clear Application Directions before you begin your project.

Can DiamondFinish Clear be used on industrial equipment as a protective clear coat?

Yes, DiamondFinish Clear is used all the time as a protective clear coat on industrial equipment.

DiamondFinish Clear is exceptionally durable, makes cleaning much easier, and is also good to 300F without yellowing.

Please check out the complete DiamondFinish Clear Application Directions before you begin your project.

The paint is peeling off my hood on my car, could I lightly sand it and apply DiamondFinish Clear to these areas?

Yes, DiamondFinish Clear is great at arresting peeling paint and small rust areas on a vehicle.

Clean the area with KBS Klean (25 Parts Water and 1 Part KBS Klean) and a green pad (or similar) giving the area a light rub. Once rinsed and completely dry, apply DiamondFinish Clear to the areas. Always apply thin coats of DiamondFinish Clear.

After 24 hours from the final coat, you can cut, polish, and buff those areas after 24 hours to blend into the vehicle's clear coat.

Please check out the complete DiamondFinish Clear Application Directions before you begin your project.

What is the best way to open my can of DiamondFinish Clear?

Because most of our paint is shipped at some point, there is a chance that the paint in the can might get between the can and the lid which can make getting the lid off more difficult than it might be with ordinary paint. The main resin in DiamondFinish Clear is an adhesive.

If you have a plastic ring on the can lid, please remove it. It is always best to use a paint can opener which has a curved or “L” shape on the end. Flat head screwdrivers are not ideal as they tend to warp the lid as you pry the lid open.

Use the paint can opener to gently lift the lid in a section and then rotate the DiamondFinish Clear can 10 degrees and lift gently and repeat until you have gone all around the can. Go around the DiamondFinish Clear can once again this time lifting the lid a little more. Repeat until the lid comes off. Do NOT lift the lid in one section only as this will warp the lid and the compression seal that the lid provides, and this can sometimes make it difficult to remove the lid.

Please review the complete DiamondFinish Clear Application Directions before you begin your project.

What kind of roller covers work best for DiamondFinish Clear?

Mohair low nap roller covers work best for rolling on DiamondFinish Clear. You can also use low nap foam rollers for rolling on DiamondFinish Clear.

When rolling DiamondFinish Clear, it is best to thin 20% with KBS #1 Thinner and possibly thin subsequent coats a little more to prevent surface tension between the coats. The roller marks will flow out nicely.

When rolling DiamondFinish Clear, apply thin, covering coats and do not overwork the roller as this can cause the DiamondFinish Clear to cure too quickly possibly leaving visible roller marks. It is best to roll an area with DiamondFinish Clear and move on immediately versus rolling an area over and over again. If you roll over an area over and over again forcing the solvents out, you run the risk of the roller marks not flowing out as well they are designed to flow out.

Please review the complete DiamondFinish Clear Application Directions before you begin your project.

What is the best way to store DiamondFinish Clear after you open the can?

DiamondFinish Clear can easily be stored for at least six months after opening. Do not paint out of the can! Do not shake can. Dispense a working amount of DiamondFinish Clear into a separate container (steel or glass is best) and seal original can immediately. Keep can groove free of paint by using a scoop or KBS Paint Spout. Use a plastic zip lock type bag between the lid and the top of the can to stop metal to metal contact as DiamondFinish Clear can permanently seal the lid.

Unused paint should NEVER be put back into the can as it will shorten can shelf life and cause pressure build-up possibly popping the lid. If there is any trouble resealing the can lid tightly, transfer and store DiamondFinish Clear in a proportionally sized clean glass jar or new paint can. Always store in a cool dry place.

NOTE: It is best practice never to mix DiamondFinish Clear from a can that has been used before with a new can of DiamondFinish Clear. The previously used can of DiamondFinish Clear can contain moisture that it has picked up from the air and that can diminish the pot life of the new can of DiamondFinish Clear.

Please be sure to review the Complete DiamondFinish Clear Application Directions before you begin your project.

Will DiamondFinish Clear chip?

DiamondFinish Clear is formulated with advanced coatings technologies allowing DiamondFInish Clear to be virtually chip-proof under even extreme circumstances.

Please be sure to check out the DiamondFinish Clear Application Directions so you get your project done right.

Can I clear coat wood with DiamondFinish Clear?

Yes, you can absolutely clear coat wood with DiamondFinish Clear.

If the wood is sealed, you will scuff sand any imperfections and wipe down with a mild solution of KBS Klean (1 Part KBS Klean to 25 Parts Water). Then proceed with the nice, thin coats of DiamondFinish Clear.

If the wood is raw and not sealed, wood surfaces should be smooth and dry with the wood having a low moisture content. Thin initial coat of DiamondFinish Clear 30-50% with KBS #1 Thinner and apply a single covering coat to seal the wood. Allow to cure 24 hours. The wood will generally need to be sanded smooth again as DiamondFinish Clear will tend to raise the wood grain with the first coat. Sand the surface smooth with fine grade of sandpaper (280-320). Apply at least an additional full coat for general applications and at least a minimum of three coats for marine or industrial users.

Please be sure to review the Complete DiamondFinish Clear Directions before you begin your project.

How can I matte down DiamondFinish Clear to give a satin of flat sheen?

To give DiamondFinish Clear a satin or flat sheen, which is very popular for people looking to keep a patina look, you can lightly sand DiamondFinish Clear with steel wool after 24 hours from your final coat and this will knock down the sheen to your desired level. You will be left with a nice looking matte or flat sheen this is incredibly tough, durable, and flexible.

Please review the Complete DiamondFinish Clear Directions before you begin your project.

What is the coverage for DiamondFinish Clear?

For DiamondFinish Clear, theoretical coverage at one mil (25 µm) is 400 sq.ft. per gallon/9.8 m² per liter. Recommended thickness of at least two mils (50 µm) would require at least two full coats. At least three coats are recommended for marine applications. Material losses during mixing and application will vary and must be taken into consideration. Please expect up to 50% less coverage on bare wood, rough, or sandblasted surfaces.

4oz of DiamondFinish Clear should cover 12.5 sq. ft. single coat coverage.
Pint of DiamondFinish Clear should cover 50 sq. ft. single coat coverage.
Quart of DiamondFinish Clear should cover 100 sq. ft. single coat coverage.
Gallon of DiamondFinish Clear should cover 400 sq. ft. single coat coverage.
5 Gallon Pail of DiamondFinish Clear should cover 2000 sq. ft. single coat coverage.

Can I clear coat carbon fiber with DiamondFinish Clear?

Yes, the DiamondFinish Clear can be used on carbon fiber. Clean the surface with KBS Klean diluted 10 parts warm water to 1 part KBS Klean. Scuff with 600-1200 grit sandpaper and repeat cleaning process. Rinse & allow to thoroughly dry.

Always apply DiamondFinish Clear in thin and never heavy coats.

Please check out the DiamondFinish Clear Application Directions before you place your order and begin your project.

Can DiamondFinish Clear be applied over hydrographics?

Yes, if the hydrographic is completely cured, DiamondFinish Clear will go over it, adhere well, and protect the surface. We have had several customers use DiamondFinish Clear over hydrographics on helmets. As always, do a test area first.

Will this product adhere to a plastic like a hard hat? Also, will it go over vinyl stickers without harming them?

Yes, DiamondFinish Clear almost always adheres very well to plastics especially high solids plastics. Be sure to clean the surface well with KBS Klean before the application of DiamondFinish Clear.

Yes, DiamondFinish Clear almost always goes over vinyl stickers really well and protects the sticker. Please be sure the initial sealing coat of DiamondFinish Clear is nice and thin. As always, test an inconspicuous area first.

Can DiamondFinish Clear be applied over rusted metal? I have some vintage items that are painted and have rusted areas which I want to try and preserve as they are.

Yes, you can apply DiamondFinish Clear over rusted metal to keep that vintage look. You would simply clean the rusted surface with KBS Klean and let he surface dry before application of DiamondFinish Clear.

PRO TIP: You can even lightly sand the DiamondFinish Clear with steel wool once it has cured to take some of the gloss away.

What is the best way to store DiamondFinish Clear after you open the can?

Dispense a working amount of DiamondFinish Clear into a separate container (steel or glass is best) and seal original can immediately. Keep can groove free of paint by using a scoop or KBS Paint Spout. Use plastic wrap between the lid and the top of the can to stop metal to metal contact as DiamondFinish Clear can permanently seal the lid. Unused paint should NEVER be put back into the can as it will shorten can shelf life and cause pressure build-up possibly popping the lid. If there is any trouble resealing the can lid tightly, transfer and store DiamondFinish Clear in a proportionally sized clean glass jar or new paint can. Always store in a cool dry place.

If storing for a period of time, hold can lid and plastic wrap (described above) closely above can and spray KBS Paint Saver towards side of the can to avoid splashing. Spray KBS Paint Saver two seconds for quarts or less and four seconds for gallons. KBS Paint Saver prevents oxygen and moisture damage and extends storage times of DiamondFinish Clear.

Do the Brush Mark Really Flow Out When Brushing DiamondFinish Clear?

Yes, DiamondFinish Clear is a simple to use 1K Clear Coat that is designed to be applied by brush and look like it has been sprayed.

DiamondFinish Clear is a long lasting, moisture cured clear coat designed to add body, depth, and a rich gloss.

DiamondFinish Clear is guaranteed to never yellow or crack because it is 100% UV stable.

DiamondFinish Clear is exceptionally durable due to its high solids content meaning better coverage, but at the same time will always remain highly flexible.

DiamondFinish Clear is excellent for suspending glitter in any finishes.

Should DiamondFinish Clear be thinned for spraying? With what do you thin DiamondFinish Clear?

For thinning DiamondFinish Clear, you need a slower evaporating solvent than a traditional paint thinner. When spraying, you can thin DiamondFinish Clear 5-30% with KBS #1 Thinner. If you do not have KBS #1 Thinner and are in a pinch, Xylene can also be used to thin DiamondFinish Clear when spraying.

Please be sure to review the Complete DiamondFinish Clear Directions before starting your project which covers detail instructions for spraying DiamondFinish Clear.

How do I speed up the curing of DiamondFinish Clear?

DiamondFinish Clear is a moisture cured urethane which utilizes an advanced resin technology and, in some ways, behaves opposite of traditional solvent-based paints and latex paints. If you want to speed up the cure of DiamondFinish Clear you will want to add humidity to the room where the surface coated with DiamondFinish Clear is curing. The curing temperature of the room should be between 55-82F and is fastest between 70-80F. The curing relative humidity of the room should be between 30-85% and the closer to 85%, the faster the cure for DiamondFinish Clear.

We commonly get questions in the winter because DiamondFinish Clear is curing slower than normal and that is almost always because the humidity is low. To get the humidity higher, wet the floor, wet some cardboard in the room, throw some wet towels on the floor, add a humidifier to the room or do whatever works for you and your situation.

NOTE: You can cure DiamondFinish Clear too fast which can affect the flow out of the brush or roller marks and impact adhesion so please keep the curing atmosphere between 55-82F and 30-85% Relative Humidity for best results.

ANOTHER NOTE: It is very important to stir DiamondFinish Clear before each use, so the resins, solvents and additives are all mixed together well. We do get people who assume that clear coats do not need to be stirred and not stirring before each use can cause application problems and possibly longer than normal cure times.

Please be sure to read thoroughly the DiamondFinish Clear Directions as it is a great resource.

Can DiamondFinish Clear be used over RustSeal? I'm looking to use rust seal as a color base coat on some automotive components (steering rack, transmission, differential...etc) and use clear to provide the UV protective layer/topcoat?

We do not recommend putting DiamondFinish Clear over RustSeal because although DiamondFinish Clear is absolutely UV stable, DiamondFinish Clear does not block the UV rays from getting through to the RustSeal. Over an extended period of time, DiamondFinish Clear can delaminate from RustSeal when exposed to prolonged sunlight.

We always recommend a solid color UV stable topcoat paint (such as BlackTop or KBS MAXX) over RustSeal if RustSeal will be exposed to sunlight.

Can you use Diamondfinish Clear on 1986 fiberglass Bass boat top plate? Has been wet sanded.

Yes. Wipe the fiberglass surface down with KBS Klean. Allow to dry. Then apply the DiamondFinish Clear. It would be best to apply at least 2-3 coats for marine applications.

What is the recommendation for wet sanding and buffing times on DiamondFinish Clear?

For a mirror-like finish, DiamondFinish Clear can be cut and polished or buffed as a normal automotive clear coat after 24 hours under normal conditions.

Please check out the DiamondFinish Clear Directions as this is a great resource.

Do you recommend DiamondFinish Clear for direct to metal applications?

Yes, DiamondFinish Clearis specifically formulated for many applications including Direct To Metal Applications. DiamondFinish Clear adheres perfectly to ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

You can find complete directions for DiamondFinish Clear Coat HERE.

Can DiamondFinish Clear be used over water based paint?

Yes, DiamondFinish Clear can be painted over a water-based paint once that water based coating is fully cured. As always, do a small inconspicuous test area first.

Please be sure to follow the DiamondFinish Clear Directions for optimal application results.

Can DiamondFinish Clear be used over RustSeal?

We do not recommend putting DiamondFinish Clear over RustSeal because although DiamondFinish Clear is absolutely UV stable, DiamondFinish Clear does not block the UV rays from getting through to the RustSeal. Over an extended period, DiamondFinish Clear can delaminate from RustSeal when exposed to prolonged sunlight.

We always recommend a solid color UV stable topcoat paint (such as BlackTop or KBS MAXX) over RustSeal if RustSeal will be exposed to sunlight.

Please check out the DiamondFinish Clear Directions as it is an invaluable resource.

Can DiamondFinish Clear be used over laquer and enamel paint?

Yes, DiamondFinish Clear can be applied over fully cured lacquer or enamel paints.

Please check out the DiamondFinish Clear Directions which is an incredibly useful resource.

Can DiamondFinish Clear be applied over another coating (like a base coat)?

Yes, DiamondFinish Clear can be applied over other coatings that are fully cured.

To prep that surface: Clean surface with KBS Klean diluted 10 parts warm water to 1 part KBS Klean. Scuff with 600-1200 grit sandpaper and repeat cleaning process. Rinse and allow to thoroughly dry.

Please be sure to read the complete directions for DiamondFinish Clear.

My DiamondFinish Clear has thickened some. Can I thin it?

Yes, under most circumstances, you can thin DiamondFinish Clear with KBS #1 Thinner or Xylene to thin DiamondFinish Clear back down to a normal viscosity. You are replacing the solvents that have evaporated off. This can typically be done a few times if needed.

Please check out the complete DiamondFinish Clear Application Directions before you begin your project.