Introduction to Candy Paint
All candy paint begins with a concentrated transparent dye, or candy concentrate. Whether you add that concentrate to a 2k clearcoat, intercoat clear, binder/balancer, it’s still transparent. By definition still a ‘true candy’.
MIXING:
2k Clearcoat
Mixing your concentrate with 2k clearcoat, results in what is known as a Urethane Candy. This sprays just like your clearcoat over top of a metallic base coat. Once given a flash time, it’s topped with another 2-3 coats of a 2k clearcoat without any concentrate. This is the most difficult of the 3 options to apply properly. It is used when spraying a full car in one solid candy color. Mix up to 5 parts catalyzed clearcoat to 1 part concentrate
Intercoat
Mixing your concentrate with intercoat clear, results in a candy paint that dries fast & sprays like your base coat. It is sprayed over top of your metallic base coat, like you’d spray a pearl coat. Once given a flash time, it’s topped with 2-3 coats of a 2k clearcoat. This is much easier than the 2k option to apply properly. It is used mostly when laying out patterns on a car, like you’d see on a lowrider. Mix up to 5 parts reduced intercoat to 1 part concentrate
Binder/Balancer
Mixing your concentrate with your binder & balancer, results in a candy that dries fast & sprays like your base coat. Use straight over a metallic base coat or add a pearl and apply over a solid color base. Once given a flash time, it’s topped with 2-3 coats of a 2k clearcoat. This is the easiest option to apply properly. Especially if you’re adding the pearl, as it aides in coverage. It is used mostly when spraying a full car one solid color, but also when someone’s just learning how to spray candy. Mix up to 5 parts unreduced binder/balancer to 1 part concentrate
For those skeptical of what we’ve said:
Here is the direct page from House of Kolor on how to mix your urethane candy paint.