How to Put a Clear Finish on Metal - Kevin Caron

#ArtistKevinCaron, #WeldingTips, #KevinCaronArt
From www.kevincaron.com - Artist Kevin Caron shows how to clear coat metal as he puts a finish on his sculpture Moonshine ....
Kevin Caron is going to spray a clear finish on a sculpture. He's using a two-part expoxy clear coat from Sculpt Nouveau ( www.sculptnouve... ) called Smart Coat 2K.
He made his own measuring cup to mix three parts of Part B with one part of Part A, which is the hardener. Kevin Caron doesn't know how much he needs, so he is going to mix up a small batch first. He can always make more.
Kevin Caron pours the epoxy into the reservoir for the detail paint spray gun. He got it at Harbor Freight for about $25 and uses the heck out of it. It's a detail air spray paint gun for auto body work and runs off the compressor.
Kevin Caron had originally coated the sculpture Moonshine's copper trefoil knot with a product called Nevr-Dull that brings out the shine and adds a light finish to protect metal from tarnish. Because Moonshine's knot spins, too much touching of this kinetic sculpture was hard on that finish.
The plan? A good scrubbing and then a clear coat seal.
After Kevin Caron puts on his respirator and safety glasses, he points the sprayer away from the sculpture and adjusts the nozzle angle and spray pattern. He coats the sculpture with short bursts from the spray gun, lightly coating its surface.
Next Kevin Caron looks over the surface for wet, glossy areas where he's already coated - he wants to find anything that hasn't yet been sprayed.
After keeping the studio closed to reduce dust in the air, Kevin Caron opens the studio doors to disperse the clear coat fog - don't light a match!
Looking over the finish, Kevin Caron decides he doesn't want to add another coat at this time. The guys at Sculpt Nouveau said one coat is usually sufficient if you get good coverage. He doesn't see any runs, and everything looks shiny.
In the morning he'll look it over and maybe even wheel it out into the sun before deciding if another coat is warranted.
Kevin Caron is ready to clean out his spray gun, so you have time to subscribe to this channel to see more how-to videos and to visit www.kevincaron.com to see his wild sculptures.
Well, you might hang around for another moment to contemplate the genesis of a legend ....
"Inspired sculpture for public & private places."
Artist Kevin Caron has been sculpting full time since 2006. You can see his more than 45 commissions in public and private places coast-to-coast and online at www.kevincaron.com.
Please follow me!
Twitter: / kevincaronart
Facebook:
/ kevincaronstudios

[@peterbaynes5804]

Looks good Kevin... another fun and educational video. Keep 'em coming.

[@SAXONWARLORD1000AD]

Well at least the whole shop is clear coated now - easy clean up

[@DFWKen]

Have always heard that a good painter knows when to stop. So I enjoyed your comment about stopping. In the past, I've used spray lacquer to try to seal and preserve shiny metals . . . and usually failed. Professionally coated metal things (like cast motorcycle or auto wheels) use something much better. Maybe what you've demonstrated is up to that level. Would be nice to be able to preserve polished metal like brass, aluminum, copper, etc. Thanks for posting.

[@pacibaco]

Nice clear cost on your hair ! Brilliant

[@KevincaronSculpture]

I hate this video!!! Wish I knew how to delete it.

[@bc65925]

What you need there are a few more different angles to cover. I use their Black Magic and Metal Oil on my forge projects. They also sent me a sample of the 2 part finish but I have not had a project yet to try it on. Black Magic is great when I have parts that are forged and parts that I have filed or ground, they all are the same color after application.

[@hammerislam5882]

Cool sculpture for sure! I am using a 2K rattle can spray on 60' of 2" polished copper pipe railing for banisters. Thanks for your video!

[@bmxboi72]

How did this turn out? Did it last?

[@miagre22]

Gee Kevin. 2K is real naughty stuff to spray. It sensitises your lungs. Air fed mask from a separate supply is the way to go. Goes for anyone near as well. Give plenty of time to clear the area after. 2K may give you dermatitis.

[@MotoLexy]

I quite like that sculpture, nice work

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Thanks, and thank you for watching.

[@1963impala2drWaylonWire]

awww good ol Harbor Freight.. does come in handy!

[@ronsites2694]

Another good and informative video Kevin.

[@BAGOTCORNER]

Lol they still sell Never Dull ? I've had two cans ,,one in 1975 and one in 2000! Used on a non protected brass bed . Does a real nice job 👍😊

[@christianbarber3420]

always great looking art, one small piece of advice, if you use a regulator and drop your input to the gun to between 30 and 45 psi it will greatly reduce the overspray/fog in the shop

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Have to get a new one some day.. Mine is in 2 pieces at the moment..

[@chrisslater4053]

I sprayed something with copper out of a can, then 2K clear coated out of a can and it delaminated later. Not sure why. But also wondering if you'd run into that problem especially with people handling it. Maybe you can do a follow up video on how well the clear lasted.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

No idea on why what you did de laminated but would imagine there was some dust in between the coats. And thanks for the request on the follow up video. Will add it to the list.

[@chadjones1431]

I never seen anyone paint with 100psi before! Wow

[@KevincaronSculpture]

was not having a good day!

[@michaelcovington1844]

Googles my good man, and thank you, I'm looking to use urethane but Yu inspired me to want that spray gun

[@KevincaronSculpture]

yeah, bad habit on my part. Thanks for the slap to the back of the head.

[@codyowen5908]

how would you prep cold rolled steel to spray this? I'm wondering if I need to clean it chemically or sand it to a specific grit?

[@KevincaronSculpture]

I would wipe it down with a degreaser and then hit it is a surface prep disc. All bright and shiny and ready to go!

[@fatmaxcat4761]

Hi Kevin, my name is Mike and I'm a recently-retired metal fabricator. I just started my first art piece last April and I'm almost finished with it. It's mild carbon steel with hundreds of small pieces. Is there a dipping process for protection that you know of. Spraying won't cover everything. It takes up about 8 cubic feet. Any suggestions?

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Hot galvanize and then liquid paint over the top. Or powder coat. I did one fountain with hot galvanize and powder coat over the top. Worked great! Just check with the powder coat place to make sure they will do it.

[@davidsteinfeld9123]

I have used stuff in the past on copper and it ended up tarnished any way alot of work goes in to cleaning and polishing copper and a guy will like to know what's a good product with out much fussing I do chain mail art out of copper and a dipping method is preferred to coat and seal would you know of other types of sealers that are not so volitile that one don't need to wear a resperater or need one for everyone in the whole neighborhood

[@KevincaronSculpture]

I use an automotive clear coat on my work.

[@davidsteinfeld9123]

Really it don't tarnish the copper I am having problems around that department stuff I have used seems to oxidize my work if you have a brand you can recommend It may help to add what I have tried It the water base I tried a thing made by min wax and that was crap turning my work green have been trying renesance wax it's hard to get in to tight places what to know more about the clear coat stuff and it's possibilities of dipping peaces in to it as a protective coating your response to this I will appreciate an artist to another Thank you in advance

[@Absurdityfiles]

Nice job Kevin. I have a question for you. I spray painted a piece of steel to be use as a table top. How could I protect it from scratch and make it easy to wash. Is there a faster solution. One product with no mixin? Thank you for your time.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Sorry, no cheating! Clear coat epoxy finish is all I know of.

[@Absurdityfiles]

@@KevincaronSculpture No problem :D Ill go your way and try it. Thanks for these videos.

[@arcturusbbqsausagemaking2435]

Nice job on your project looks great !! , just starting out on recording welding videos on you tube I watch all your videos very informative , I just got back from my local steel supplier I went with a list of steel I need for a couple of projects ,well lets just say I came back with less than half of my list Wow how steel went up The last time I bought steel was about 20 years ago , for just one length of tubing 20 years ago was $ 15 for a 20 ' length is now $63 , Ill be making welding videos soon.. thanks for sharing .

[@kwd57]

Try using a lot less air pressure and you won't fill your shop with so much paint.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Broken pressure regulator.. have to get a new one...

[@kwd57]

I guess that would explain why your air pressure looked like it was way to high.

[@thefirewooddoctor]

Kevin Caron, Artist Thanks for this video! Was wondering what to coat metal with the keep the natural look to it, aka "clear coat".

[@mcgyverwannabe]

You might want to try a HVLP gun. Lot less overspray. HF sells those too.

[@lykri3350]

I have an ash tray that is a tractor tire mounted on a sturdy metal ring. The tray fits inside the tire and is thick and heavy like early 1900s old steel, but I am soaking both the tire and the tray in vinegar water and the tray is turning a bright copper color. I did not know copper was heavy but I don't know what this is. Unless it is steel coated with copper, maybe. I am looking for something to keep it from tarnishing again once I have it clean. Does this product come already mixed in a small spray can for single use a small item like this?

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Not that I am aware of. But there are other products that will work. You should check with the folk over here..sculptnouveau.com

[@jimflys2]

BOOM!

[@MarkThomas123]

Two years now.. Any thoughts on the 2 part epoxy?? Or any other product you have found to be better for clear coating bare metal??

[@KevincaronSculpture]

I like and have had good luck with the 2 part. But the auto clear is even better in my opinion!

[@MarkThomas123]

@@KevincaronSculpture Gotcha... None of the Automotive Paint companies will say that their clear will work "DTM" Direct to Metal,, but, I really don't know what that means.. I think, it may work just fine, but, they think it is not the best way to do it, so, don't suggest or support or mention it.. sculptnouveau makes a "Clear Guard", and Permalac sounds pretty good, but, at $70 and $100 a gallon, I am still searching.. Krylon Crystal Clear (rattle can only), they say is DTM and pretty good, but, I have not talked with the Company about it yet.. Rustoleum makes a Painters Touch Ultra Cover Clear Gloss (Comes in Quarts and Rattle cans, says for metal, and I have sprayed it on some hand tools, but, not enough time yet to say Yea/Na.. So far, looks good.... But, when I called they were all in a Company wide meeting.. I am hoping that they say it is good for that, because I like to pick up a rattle can for the quick jobs,, and use the spray gun for larger projects. It dries quick, recoats fine, and seems to be a pretty durable finish so far.. Also comes in High Gloss which I like for some projects.. Not sure about the longevity part of it yet.. I have some projects this fall, so, I hope to have it nailed down by then, but, only time will tell... Thanks for the reply..

[@danielscott5710]

​@@MarkThomas123 There's a very good explanation for why auto clear-coat makers say that over at: www.finishing.com/117/16.shtml - third reply down. The short version is that moisture can penetrate through the clearcoat and rust-prone metals (like steel) will rust underneath the clearcoat (so you need protection undernear, like paint and galv). Epoxy paints (like the two-part that Kevin is using here) generally do a great job of sealing things from moisture (and they bond well with most things too). The only problem I've found with epoxy is that it's not UV resistant and it'll turn milky in the sun (although I'll qualify and say that I live in the tropics in Australia and the sun here is *fierce*). Epoxy will turn milky in one year here if it gets direct sunlight. But, you can apply a UV resistant coating over clear epoxy to protect it. Boat-builders who seal timber with epoxy and want a clear finish will put regular varnish over the top of epoxy, and that works well to stop the epoxy turning cloudy. However, varnish only lasts a year or so in the sun before needing a light sanding and another coat. If you leave it too long between touch-ups then you'll be up for sanding all the varnish back and re-applying - so it's definitely *not* low maintenance. I'm not sure if automotive clearcoat blocks UV well (I'm currently looking into that), but if it does, then "acrylic" clear-coat over epoxy might be a good combination for clearcoating metal. (That said, where I live, if you don't wax your car regularly and you leave it out in the sun, there's every chance the clearcoat will flake and peel after a couple of years). UV light will destroy most things given enough exposure.

[@buckhorncortez]

2K paint is an automotive two part system. What they've sold you is the clear coat portion of the 2K system. You might want to look at Everbrite Clear Metal Finishes. They make Everbrite and ProtectaClear. Both are polymer resins. Everbrite has UV absorbers and anti-oxidants to help preserve the finish outdoors. Both are made specifically for metal, including preserving raw metal surfaces.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Thanks, I will check them out...

[@buckhorncortez]

If the clear coat they gave you is a true 2K system, it will have isocyanates in it. You really need to check to see if it has isocyanates. If so, you either need a fresh air delivery system, or full face mask with special filters. Google "isocyanate" - you'll see why. That's why I would suggest Everbrite. I spray 2K systems outdoors with a complete face mask + special filters + Tyvek suit + gloves.

[@alyssalevy6982]

Would the sealant be able to be brushed onto a metal I stead of using the spray?

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Yes, you can brush it on but you will not like the results. You can also get clear coat in a spray can if you don't have a compressor and spray gun.

[@viktorboros4378]

Hi Kevin, You are making a amazing things! Please help me I am making a kitchen island and want to use cor teen steel on the bench top I will sand blasted and will put water on it for a few days. I want to know what is the best solution to seal the top? Epoxy or clear coat. I wanted to be rusty looking as possible and good hard surface and for last long. Thank you if you give me advise.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Go with the epoxy finish. And you don't have to sandblast the corten before rusting.. Just turn the hose on it and it will handle the rust/rest!

[@Dolan.Lovendahl_Presents]

Did this clear coat hold up over time. I see it has been 3 years since the post.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Still looks like new. Just keep in mind that it is indoors. Still shiny and looks like new. Have used this product on some outdoor work and it has held up fine. Have no had any complaints.

[@ChazWardell]

Any tips on cleaning out the gun?

[@KevincaronSculpture]

I run about 8oz of wash through the gun when I am changing color or at the end of the day. I will take the gun apart for a good cleaning about once a month or so. I don't use it that much.

[@ChazWardell]

Awesome. Thank you! I always have trouble cleaning epoxy out of guns. They always seem to die pretty quick

[@KevincaronSculpture]

@@ChazWardell just make sure you use the wash to clean the gun. Not the Reducer.

[@golf4funjn532]

Can you apply that to a raw brass trumpet?

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Don't see why not. Just follow the directions and give it a go.

[@358scout]

Have you used this on rusted (patina) mild steel? If so, did it darken the sculpture?

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Yes, it did darken the sculpture. Haven't found anything to seal a rust finish that will not darken the finish.

[@seniorxj2931]

So how did the clear coat last? Did it stop the green patina on the copper?

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Has held up very well! Only time I had to coat it.

[@joederue2392]

Hi Kevin. How has the clear coat still doing on the moon shine. Looking to use something on raw steel that will be outside in Michigan. Thank's

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Been holding up very well! No change that I can see. But it is inside the house.

[@joederue2392]

@@KevincaronSculpture cool. What do you recommend to use on raw steel that stays pit doors. Thank's

[@stevenyates715]

IF you want it to REALLY shine, wet flat it using 1200 wet/dry paper to a smooth finish and then polish back up using farecla 7 ;) or T-cut.

[@sreejiths3138]

Hi to all.... How can i put protective clear coat to mirror finished stainless steel without loasing the mirror quality of metal. Pls help..

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Don't know, never tried.

[@webosm6494]

Nice videos Kevin! So much info in an easy to view and understand format. I would like to request a video subject that is not been done (I think) and is difficult to find information about. It concerns the treatment of steel tubes, pipes and any other structure that is made by welding that leaves inner spaces. I am just beginning on the working with steel journey and am really curious how to prevent rusting from the inside out. Using primers, paints and all sorts of coatings on the outside are covered and this video is one of them, but nothing about the inside. Is that not a concern? (I am located near the sea so I would like to prevent corrosion)

[@KevincaronSculpture]

I am sure it is a concern but I am not a pipe welder.. Sorry, don't know how to handle this...

[@nomdeplume4964]

To prevent steel tubes from oxidizing (both inside and out) apply a phosphate conversion coat (which also provides tooth for paint if wanted). One common tried and true method: !. Immerse tubes steel n a hot alkaline bath - primarily to remove oils. 2. Water rinse. 3. Immerse steel in acid bath to rid steel of scale and get down to raw metal. 4. Water rinse. 5. Immerse steel in phosphate bath to apply conversion coating protecting surface from oxidation/corrosion. So, the answer is to buy phosphate coated tubing or do the coating yourself. Note there are other conversion coatings besides phosphate that will do the job.

[@richardandersen949]

Hi Kevin, very nice work! I can not find the video of you welding this sculpture. Can you provide the link?

[@KevincaronSculpture]

I don't think there is one. It came together so quickly that nothing was shot, Sorry.

[@krissymichele]

This turned out BEAUTIFUL!! ... curious what you’re currently using for too coat. As my search for the Smart Coat 2k didn’t yield any results on Sculpt Nouveau. Thanks in advance!

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Sculpt Nouveau stopped making smart coat if I remember correctly. Been playing with several different auto top coats lately.

[@krissymichele]

Kevin Caron, Artist thanks for your reply. Any particular ones that stand out to you?

[@FranconiaFriend]

What surface prep did you do after the Never Dull rubdown? I'm guessing you had to remove its protective coat.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Nothing, just wipe down with a clean cloth.

[@crazyyoung4278]

Don't i need to send the cpper before spraying clear coat? If yes wich great of paper should i use?

[@antictractors5609]

Hello, I am French. Sorry if the translation is not good. I would like to apply a clear colored varnish on mirrored stainless steel. Is there a transparent primary paint for the veris hangs? What do you recommend ? Thank you for advance.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Any of the clear coats for cars will do a good job. Just follow the directions and you should be good to go.

[@stevefriedlander7053]

Was the spray gun the "air brush" kind artists use?

[@KevincaronSculpture]

A very cheap version of one for sure...

[@jeffdeluca1153]

Good info Kevin. BUT hey and I'm not the local OSHA rep but I m=know most 2K paints that use hardener are usually a type of epoxy or isocyanate derivitive and if that's what you're spraying without a real spray booth - beware. That stuff can sensitize you and cause serious respiratory issues with one good exposure. If I'm all wet and it was some water based paint then... well just be careful!

[@adriangomez498]

You only need a spray booth if the area you are spraying is larger than 9 square feet (3’ X 3’)

[@ronsites2694]

Kevin, I am not an "artsy" person but I do like your creation. I could never design something like that but I admire people who can. Please be careful breathing that stuff. Many products like that have a cumulative effect on your lungs and I am sure the person off camera would rather have you protect your long term health. Oh, and I agree that you are using way too much air pressure which compounds the overspray.

[@SupaNautica]

Nice

[@rvalcourtpersonaca]

Just wondering what solvent you use to clean the gun after?

[@ronsites2694]

I was wondering about that too.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Min, sprits works

[@rvalcourtpersonaca]

Kevin Caron, Artist Thank you.

[@jtbmetaldesigns]

Kevin Caron, Artist oh OK. I was thinking acetone. But if mineral spirits does it then good. Acetone ignites by sparks.

[@rfcarlson1]

Generally the 2 part epoxy paints are very dangerous to breathe. In the marine field a lot of 2 part coatings are ok to brush and roll but you'll kill something with the vapors if you spray them -- very toxic. Does the manufacturer of this include any information about ventilation with the product?

[@KevincaronSculpture]

None that I could find.. Just know my lungs feel sticky if I don't wear a mask.

[@melgross]

Is this stuff rated for outdoor use? Epoxy isn’t the best choice for outdoors. IR will degrade it. It’s worse with powder coatings, but even two part paint will dull after some time.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Yes, it is rated for outside. Lasts about 8 years or so.

[@AkubraHatman]

Why would you not use Penetrol? I use it all the time and it is a clear finish and the metal never rusts.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

You have to reapply Penetrol every few years out here.. Always looking for the prefect product.

[@Grant7AutoWorksG7]

The best clear coat that you can get is the "OH MY" 2k clear from BuyCustomPaint.com. A HS clear that's really easy to spray with a high gloss, and doesnt require cutting or buffing and the small kits start at $30..... Definitely worth checking out...good video

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Thanks, will check it out.

[@incognitoalias2808]

Thanks for the info

[@davidsteinfeld9123]

That face shield thing is supper slick I wear glasses and it fits over so that's what's said love to know wear this web site is to investigate further

[@djacob9800]

Not enough pressure mate I can still see with my eyeballs.👀

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Not my best effort.

[@melgross]

How does an artist, such as yourself deal with long term weather? This lasts 8 years, but hopefully the sculpture will be around much longer than that.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

The owner has to recoat every now and then.

[@nezamshalchi]

hi kevin can you send me the link for ordering this clear coat ? are you happy with the result ? thanks

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Check here,,, sculptnouveau.com

[@nezamshalchi]

thanks

[@SuperQualifyed]

ive had issues with steel rusting under a layer of clear coat, any tips?

[@KevincaronSculpture]

If you live in high humidity it will be a problem.. Maybe try an auto type of clear? Or even a clear powder coat.

[@kenbudd3]

Escher would appreciate your work, I do too.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Love to have a beer with that guy!

[@kenbudd3]

I would like to see the world through his eyes.

[@blakeaustin8835]

What mic 🎙 do you use?

[@brotanknife]

what air pressure

[@KevincaronSculpture]

If I had a working pressure regulator it would have been set around 50 psi,.

[@quintonburkham50]

He can use Laquer for bass

[@KevincaronSculpture]

I use it on flounder also.

[@rpemmick]

Who's Benz is on the rack? Hope it isn't a customers. Lol. I love you old timers!

[@KevincaronSculpture]

My bad on that one. No damage to the car but should have thought this video through the whole way.

[@traceyg6458]

Holy shit, I spray all the tiime and I can tell straight away that pressure is way too high! I bet there is over spray all over that thing!!!!

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Yeah, my regulator was dead but shot the video anyway. Got a new one now.

[@cpu554]

I'm assuming you don't live in California.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Not even on a bet!

[@cpu554]

@@KevincaronSculpture A few years ago I asked a local drum builder (in CA) to refinish a set of drums and his answer was can't do it. Needed a special paint booth and license plus certification (about $100K). Another needed to refinish a tympani and said the coating that used to take 2 or three hours to cure was replaced by one that now took a few days.

[@richardroda4882]

EverBrite would be a better easier choice.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Tried it, didn't last as long and darkened the finish. Have to give it another try I guess.

[@rossmontani5557]

18 psi max at the gun buddy..

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Yeah, regulator blew up just as we were filming. Guess that is what happens to a 30 year old regulator when you try to put it back to work.

[@dustinosborn8969]

My Lord! So much air pressure, it's hard to watch!

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Yeah, not my best job. Damn regulator died just before we started shooting.

[@CCCC-tq8yo]

Remember to stay at home lol

[@KevincaronSculpture]

OH yeah, and be good!

[@CharlesStruble]

What? No runs? Oh well, you can always come back and finish it later... ;-)

[@brandonsmisek]

too much pressure

[@Mothball_man]

Hope it works because you just sealed everything in the garage.😂

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Damn pressure regulator died while filming this. Hate it when that happens!

[@Mothball_man]

@@KevincaronSculpture I’m right there with you. My tools have been sealed with varnish, shellac, polyurethane, sawdust, and more poly.

[@Mothball_man]

@@KevincaronSculpture by the way, I just applied sharkhide on a piece of copper metal art with meh results. The shine seems a little too plasticky glossy. Still trying to find the perfect copper coating that seals without looking too filmy. I might try this!

[@dogwood8031]

Over sprayed entire shop.

[@willielabuschagne1208]

A full 2 min 25 secs is taken up by senseless jabbering and we still don't know if the stuff won't fall off a week after having been painted on! Useless video

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Well, 2 years later and no, the coating has not failed.

[@jpdenat1]

the mask is probably not helping a lot ..

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Poc for sure.