What is a "wet coat"?
 

Hello. I have been reading up on applying a dope finish. I haven't done it in years, and back then I only used a brush. I plan to spray a dope finish on my Astro Hog covered with Koverall and nitrate. Many articles I have read suggest the last coat be a "wet coat". What does that mean? I thought maybe apply before the previous one dries, or maybe thinned more then the previous ones?

Any ideas?

Thanks!

It just means to spray the last coat on heavy enough so that it looks fully wet. That will make it flow out properly and get glossy. If your first coat is a wet coat, you'll get runs and sags. So you mist on a base layer of paint with coats that aren't heavy enough to get glossy, then make it pretty with the last one.

You still need to be careful and not apply to much paint as it will still run. As mentioned the first couple of coats are fog coats and the final is a wet coat. I will usually make sure my first coats are dry before I apply the final coat. Good Luck, Dave

I use a backlight to the surface to better see the shine as it sprays. A window can be used as in the first pic or rig up a light to do the same job, a shop light mounted vertically works real well like seen sitting in the second pic. A straight on view usually ends up to wet before our eyes see it.

For that "wet" coat after all the color is on, I spray a mix of 50% thinner with 40% clear butyrate dope and 10% retarder. After you spray, walk away for a couple of days to allow the coat to cure and harden. After that, rub with a high grit wet or dry paper then compound and wax.