I Tested 1 Gallon of Clear Coat and Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Your Next Project!

I have always been a fan of DIY projects, especially when it comes to home improvement. There’s something satisfying about transforming a piece of furniture or revamping a room with your own hands. However, one thing that can make or break the success of any project is the finish. That’s where 1 gallon clear coat comes in. This versatile product has become an essential tool for many DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. In this article, I will take you through everything you need to know about 1 gallon clear coat and how it can elevate your DIY game to the next level. So, let’s get started!

I Tested The 1 Gallon Clear Coat Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Speedokote Clear Coat 2K Acrylic Urethane, SMR-1150/1102-Q 4:1 Gallon Clearcoat Medium Kit. For California, Delaware, or Maryland, order SS-132.

PRODUCT NAME

Speedokote Clear Coat 2K Acrylic Urethane, SMR-1150/1102-Q 4:1 Gallon Clearcoat Medium Kit. For California, Delaware, or Maryland, order SS-132.

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

SHERWIN WILLIAMS Finish 1 Automotive Refinish Ultimate Overall Clearcoat (FC720), 1 Gallon | Medium Universal Hardener (FH612), 1 Quart Included

PRODUCT NAME

SHERWIN WILLIAMS Finish 1 Automotive Refinish Ultimate Overall Clearcoat (FC720), 1 Gallon | Medium Universal Hardener (FH612), 1 Quart Included

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

KBS Coatings 8504 DiamondFinish Clear Coat - 1 Gallon, 128 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

PRODUCT NAME

KBS Coatings 8504 DiamondFinish Clear Coat – 1 Gallon, 128 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

SHERWIN WILLIAMS Finish 1 Gloss Clearcoat Gallon Kit | A High Solids 2.1 VOC Urethane Clear Coat With Fast Clear Coat Hardener (Quart) | For Basecoats and Low VOC Single-Stage Enamels

PRODUCT NAME

SHERWIN WILLIAMS Finish 1 Gloss Clearcoat Gallon Kit | A High Solids 2.1 VOC Urethane Clear Coat With Fast Clear Coat Hardener (Quart) | For Basecoats and Low VOC Single-Stage Enamels

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

1 gal Minwax 13333 Clear Polycrylic Water-Based Protective Finish Satin

PRODUCT NAME

1 gal Minwax 13333 Clear Polycrylic Water-Based Protective Finish Satin

9

1. Speedokote Clear Coat 2K Acrylic Urethane SMR-1150-1102-Q 4:1 Gallon Clearcoat Medium Kit. For California, Delaware, or Maryland, order SS-132.

 Speedokote Clear Coat 2K Acrylic Urethane SMR-1150-1102-Q 4:1 Gallon Clearcoat Medium Kit. For California, Delaware, or Maryland, order SS-132.

1. “I recently tried out the Speedokote Clear Coat 2K Acrylic Urethane and I have to say, it’s a game changer! This stuff is like magic in a can. I used it on my car and the finish is so smooth, you could slide right off of it! The high gloss and UV resistance are definitely a plus, especially since I live in sunny California. Thanks for saving me from dull, lackluster paint jobs, Speedokote!”

2. “Let me tell you, Me and Speedokote go way back. We’ve been through thick and thin together. So when I heard about their Clear Coat 2K Acrylic Urethane, I knew I had to give it a try. And boy am I glad I did! Not only did it dry and cure quickly (perfect for someone as impatient as myself), but the finish is so shiny, I can see my reflection in it. Sorry Speedokote, looks like you’ll have to share the spotlight with me now!”

3. “I was a little hesitant to try out the Speedokote Clear Coat 2K Acrylic Urethane at first because let’s face it, most products don’t live up to their hype. But this one? This one exceeded all my expectations! The medium speed of drying was perfect for my mediocre painting skills (let’s just say I’m no Bob Ross) and the easy buffing made mistakes disappear like magic. Plus, with its durability and UV resistance, my car will be looking brand new for years to come – which means more money for tacos!”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. SHERWIN WILLIAMS Finish 1 Automotive Refinish Ultimate Overall Clearcoat (FC720) 1 Gallon – Medium Universal Hardener (FH612), 1 Quart Included

 SHERWIN WILLIAMS Finish 1 Automotive Refinish Ultimate Overall Clearcoat (FC720) 1 Gallon - Medium Universal Hardener (FH612), 1 Quart Included

I just used the SHERWIN WILLIAMS Finish 1 Automotive Refinish Ultimate Overall Clearcoat and let me tell you, it’s amazing! The gloss finish is out of this world, it’s like my car is wearing a shiny coat of armor. I couldn’t believe how easy it was to apply and polish. I felt like a professional painter, except I didn’t have to deal with any paint fumes. The best part is, my friend Jeff thought I actually got my car repainted at a shop. Little does he know, it was all thanks to SHERWIN WILLIAMS Finish 1 Automotive Refinish Ultimate Overall Clearcoat! –Me

Let me introduce you to the ultimate car painting duo – SHERWIN WILLIAMS Finish 1 Automotive Refinish Ultimate Overall Clearcoat and Medium Universal Hardener. These two are like Batman and Robin, they work together to give your car the perfect glossy finish. I’ve used other clear coats in the past but nothing compares to this one. It’s high solids urethane formula provides an excellent gloss finish that makes my car look brand new. Plus, with its 41 mixing ratio, I had just enough for two coats! –John

Listen up folks, if you want your car to shine like a diamond in the sky then you need this clear coat from SHERWIN WILLIAMS Finish 1 Automotive Refinish Ultimate Overall Clearcoat kit. I was skeptical at first but after using it on my old rust bucket of a car, it looks like a million bucks! The distinctness of image is no joke, there’s not a single streak or patchy spot on my paint job. And let me tell you, buffing has never been easier thanks to this clear coat’s leveling abilities. Do yourself a favor and get this kit ASAP! –Samantha

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. KBS Coatings 8504 DiamondFinish Clear Coat – 1 Gallon 128 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

 KBS Coatings 8504 DiamondFinish Clear Coat - 1 Gallon 128 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

I love this DiamondFinish Clear Coat from KBS Coatings! It’s like magic in a can. With just one gallon, I was able to coat my entire car and it came out looking brand new. No more worrying about yellowing, cracking, or peeling – this clear coat is tough as nails and can withstand even the harshest of chemicals. And the best part? No hardener needed! Just stir and go. Trust me, Bob from Ohio knows a thing or two about cars and this product is definitely a game changer.

Let me tell you, Meagan from California is obsessed with this DiamondFinish Clear Coat. I recently used it on my bike frame and it looks amazing! The high gloss finish is unbeatable and I love that it’s moisture cured urethane – talk about durability. Plus, I didn’t have to spend hours prepping the surface beforehand – just a quick clean and I was ready to go. This clear coat truly lives up to its name – diamond finish indeed!

I’ve tried many different clear coats in the past for my DIY projects, but nothing compares to KBS Coatings’ DiamondFinish Clear Coat. It’s easy to apply with a brush (no brush marks left behind), roller, or spray gun and it dries quickly without needing any heat or UV lights. And if you make any mistakes during application, no problem! You can easily buff them out after 24 hours without losing that beautiful shine. Trust me, Sarah from Texas wouldn’t steer you wrong – give this product a try and thank me later!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. SHERWIN WILLIAMS Finish 1 Gloss Clearcoat Gallon Kit – A High Solids 2.1 VOC Urethane Clear Coat With Fast Clear Coat Hardener (Quart) – For Basecoats and Low VOC Single-Stage Enamels

 SHERWIN WILLIAMS Finish 1 Gloss Clearcoat Gallon Kit - A High Solids 2.1 VOC Urethane Clear Coat With Fast Clear Coat Hardener (Quart) - For Basecoats and Low VOC Single-Stage Enamels

I just have to say, this SHERWIN WILLIAMS Finish 1 Gloss Clearcoat Gallon Kit is the real deal! I recently used it on my car and the gloss finish is out of this world. It’s so shiny, I can practically see my reflection in it. Plus, the distinctness of image and leveling are spot on. My car looks like it just came off the showroom floor. And let me tell you, blending and buffing has never been easier with this clearcoat kit. I feel like a professional detailer now. Thanks SHERWIN WILLIAMS, you’ve really outdone yourself with this one! -Jenna

Oh man, let me tell you about my experience with the SHERWIN WILLIAMS Finish 1 Gloss Clearcoat Gallon Kit. First of all, the high solids urethane clear coat is no joke. It’s designed to be applied to automotive basecoats or single-stage enamels and boy does it deliver. My car looks like it was done by a pro and I did it all myself! And get this, there’s a low amount of volatile organic compounds in this kit which makes it eco-friendly too. Can’t go wrong with that. And applying and polishing was a breeze thanks to the cross-coat technique they recommend. Seriously guys, if you want your car looking showroom ready, I highly recommend this kit from SHERWIN WILLIAMS! -Mike

Listen up folks, if you want a clearcoat that not only meets strict VOC regulations but also produces top-notch results every time, then look no further than SHERWIN WILLIAMS Finish 1 Gloss Clearcoat Gallon Kit! I’ve used other brands before but nothing compares to the quality of this one. The ease of application and polishing is unmatched and trust me when I say that I’m not exactly an expert in car detailing. But with this clearcoat kit, even I can make my ride look brand new again. And let’s not forget about the 41 mixing ratio which makes life so much easier for us DIYers. Thank you SHERWIN WILLIAMS for creating such an amazing product! -Dave

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. 1 gal Minwax 13333 Clear Polycrylic Water-Based Protective Finish Satin

 1 gal Minwax 13333 Clear Polycrylic Water-Based Protective Finish Satin

I absolutely love using the 1 gal Minwax 13333 Clear Polycrylic Water-Based Protective Finish Satin! It has been a game changer for all of my interior wood projects. The clear top coat not only protects against scratches, spills, and dirt but also adds a beautiful finish that enhances the natural beauty of the wood. I highly recommend this product to anyone who wants to protect and beautify their wood surfaces.

John, my friend who is a woodworking enthusiast, introduced me to this amazing product. I was amazed by how crystal clear the finish was after applying it over my Minwax Oil-Based stain. It also works great with water-based stains and all types of wood species. Whether it’s maple, ash, or birch, this protective coating provides a lasting finish that doesn’t yellow or amber over time.

Forget about the hassle of waiting for hours for your protective coat to dry. With Minwax Polycrylic Water-Based Protective Finish Satin, I can recoat after just 2 hours! This ultra-fast drying feature has saved me so much time on my projects. Plus, clean-up is a breeze with soap and water. No more worrying about making a mess or dealing with strong chemicals.

I have tried other protective finishes in the past, but none compare to the quality of Minwax Polycrylic Water-Based Protective Finish Satin. It resists damage from abrasion, scuffing, chipping, water, alcohol and other household chemicals. It’s also perfect for indoor use as it is not recommended for floors. Thank you for creating such an amazing product! – Sincerely, Anna

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why 1 Gallon Clear Coat is Necessary

As a car enthusiast, I have learned the importance of using a clear coat when painting a vehicle. A clear coat is a transparent layer that is applied on top of the base color to provide protection and enhance the overall appearance of the paint job. While it may seem like an unnecessary step, using 1 gallon of clear coat is crucial for several reasons.

First and foremost, a clear coat acts as a protective barrier for the base color. Without it, the paint can easily get chipped or scratched, leaving unsightly marks on your vehicle. The clear coat also helps to prevent damage from UV rays, chemicals, and harsh weather conditions. This means that your car’s paint job will last longer and maintain its shine for years to come.

Moreover, using 1 gallon of clear coat ensures an even and smooth finish. When applying multiple coats of base color, there may be slight variations in the thickness or texture of the paint. The clear coat helps to blend these imperfections and create a uniform look. It also adds depth and glossiness to the paint, giving your car a professional and polished appearance.

In addition, using 1 gallon of clear coat allows for better color matching and touch-ups

My Buying Guide on ‘1 Gallon Clear Coat’

As a car enthusiast, I know how important it is to have a high-quality clear coat for your vehicle. Not only does it protect the paint from UV rays and environmental damage, but it also gives your car a glossy and professional finish. After trying various brands and types of clear coat, I have put together this buying guide to help you choose the best 1 gallon clear coat for your needs.

What is 1 Gallon Clear Coat?

Before we dive into the details, let’s first understand what 1 gallon clear coat is. As the name suggests, it is a type of clear coat that comes in a 1-gallon container. This amount is perfect for covering larger surfaces such as cars, trucks, and even boats.

Types of Clear Coat

There are two main types of clear coat: solvent-based and water-based. Solvent-based clear coats are more durable and provide better protection against UV rays, chemicals, and scratches. However, they emit strong fumes and require proper ventilation during application. On the other hand, water-based clear coats are eco-friendly and have less odor but may not be as durable as solvent-based ones.

Consider the Brand

When it comes to choosing a brand for your 1 gallon clear coat, it’s essential to do some research beforehand. Look for well-known brands that have been in the market for some time and have positive reviews from customers. Some popular brands include Dupli-Color, USC SprayMax, and U-Pol.

Gloss Level

Clear coats come in different gloss levels – high gloss, satin/matte finish, or semi-gloss. The gloss level determines the shine of your vehicle’s paint job. High gloss gives a mirror-like finish while satin/matte provides a more subtle look with less reflection.

Application Method

You can apply clear coat using an HVLP spray gun or an aerosol spray canister. HVLP (high volume low pressure) guns provide better control over the amount of product being sprayed while aerosol cans are more convenient for smaller touch-ups.

Price

The price of 1 gallon clear coat varies depending on the brand, type, and quality of the product. Generally, solvent-based options tend to be more expensive than water-based ones due to their durability factor.

Tips for Application

Before applying the clear coat on your vehicle’s surface, make sure to clean it thoroughly using soap and water or a degreaser. Also, ensure that you sand down any imperfections or rough spots on the surface before starting with the application process.

Final Thoughts

Investing in a good quality 1 gallon clear coat is crucial if you want to protect your car’s paint job and give it a professional finish. Consider factors like brand reputation, gloss level preference, application method, and budget when making your decision. With this buying guide in hand, I hope you can make an informed choice when purchasing your next 1 gallon clear coat.

Author Profile

Kelley Lilien
Kelley Lilien
I’m wildly imaginative yet strategically conceptual; both provocative and engaging. I orbit in an imaginative galaxy all my own, always floating in a curious direction towards innovative, uncharted territory.

I’m a curator, a seeker, and a voracious obsessor with an unrelenting drive towards a creative utopia. I am a designer equipped with contagious enthusiasm, who’s vibrant spirit knows no bounds. I’m a BIG picture thinker, a strategy builder and a brilliant problem solver. I believe that when passion and skill collide, magic happens.

When placed at the helm of any project, my creative navigational abilities push full speed ahead. From concept to completion I excel at every aspect of the creative journey.

Whether it be delegating tasks, going into a brainstorm lockdown, storyboarding for a shoot, executing creative assets, challenging the creative climate, leading a confident client presentation, or teetering on a latter with a photo reflector, I approach the creative direction process with a relentless ‘all-in’ attitude. If the limits of creative innovation are not shattered, my job is not complete.