For Those Who Have Painted Exterior Trim...

[boostfrk]

Did you use any kind of clear coat after painting? Perhaps a satin finish clear?

I'm going to be painting a lot of my trim (cowl vent, windshield trim, back window trim, door frames, and drip lip) using either Dupli-Color Trim Paint or SEM trim paint. I'm curious if I should use a clear coat finish over it. Obviously a glossy finish isn't what I'm after, but more of the protection that comes with the clear coat finish.

Seems like after searching around some people mention it, but the majority don't even mention it. I don't know if this means they didn't use it or they did and it's an obvious gimme.

 

[foxna6]

I used SEM trim paint no need to clearcoat it built in the trim paint and looks great a year and a half later

 

[Onefine88]

I used SEM trim paint no need to clearcoat it built in the trim paint and looks great a year and a half later

Exactly what he said.

SEM Trim paint is a Great product and perfect match to the original.

No need for clear coat.

 

[boostfrk]

Thanks guys, exactly what I needed.

A lot seem to be on the fence between SEM and Duplicolor. Seems more and more people have used Duplicolor with good results and that their quality has increased over time. It's also easily available. Then there are still those who swear by SEM and have been using it for years, and will continue to use it.

 

[cardudeusa]

I've used Duplicolor a few times since its readily available. I've never been impressed with it, after 7 or 8 months it begins to fade and look like crap. I'm going to try some of the SEM because I've heard a lot of good things about it. Only place I know to get is is online though.