Applying Nason Base Coat Paint: A Step-by-Step Guide

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To apply Nason Base Coat Paint, follow these steps:

1. Prepare the surface: Clean the surface thoroughly and sand any rough areas. Remove any existing paint or clear coat.

2. Mix the paint: Stir the Nason Base Coat Paint well before use. If necessary, add a reducer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Apply a primer: If needed, apply a primer to ensure better adhesion of the base coat paint. Follow the instructions on the primer product.

4. Apply the base coat: Use a spray gun to apply an even coat of Nason Base Coat Paint. Hold the gun about 6-8 inches away from the surface and apply in smooth, overlapping strokes.

5. Let it dry: Allow the base coat to dry completely before applying additional coats or clear coat. Follow the recommended drying time provided by the manufacturer.

6. Apply additional coats: If desired, apply additional coats of Nason Base Coat Paint to achieve the desired color and coverage. Allow each coat to dry before applying the next.

7. Apply a clear coat: Once the base coat is dry, apply a clear coat for added protection and a glossy finish. Follow the instructions on the clear coat product.

8. Let it cure: Allow the clear coat to cure for the recommended time provided by the manufacturer before handling or buffing.

9. Buff and polish: If desired, buff and polish the painted surface to enhance the shine and smoothness.

Remember to always read and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for best results.


If your car’s paint is chipped, scratched, or faded, you can give it a fresh new look by applying automotive paint yourself. This project will take some time, as you’ll need to properly prepare the car before painting. Nason base coat provides color, while clear coat offers protection.

Locating Nason paint products may vary depending on your location. You can choose to use aerosol cans or a spray gun for easier application. It’s important to work outside, in a paint booth or a garage with open doors, on a clear weekend with low humidity and no chance of rain, as moisture can affect the drying time of the paint.

Things You’ll Need

  • Gloves

  • Safety goggles

  • Respirator

  • Disposable paint suit

  • Plastic sheeting

  • Exhaust fan

  • Car soap

  • Tack cloths

  • 400-grit sandpaper

  • Masking tape

  • Nason primer

  • Paint gun (optional)

  • Nason base coat

  • Nason clear coat

Preparing the Surface

Step 1: Putting on Protective Gear

Before starting the painting process, make sure to wear protective gear such as gloves, safety goggles, a respirator, and a disposable paint suit. If you don’t have a sheltered area for painting, you can create a paint booth using plastic sheeting and an exhaust fan to protect both your health and the interior of the garage.

Step 2: Washing the Car

In a bucket of warm water, mix 2 tablespoons of car soap. Use a tack cloth dipped in the soap solution to wash your car. It’s important to remove all grime and dirt from the surface before painting to prevent them from getting trapped in the finish and ruining the smooth appearance of your car.

Step 3: Preparing the Finish

Using 400-grit sandpaper, gently rub it over the surface of your car. This will create a rough texture, allowing the Nason base coat to adhere better. After sanding, wipe the car’s exterior again to remove any newly formed particles.

Step 4: Masking Glass and Rubber Strips

To protect areas you don’t want to paint, such as windshields, windows, and rubber strips, cover them with masking tape.

Step 5: Applying the Nason Primer

Apply one coat of Nason primer. You can use an aerosol can or a paint sprayer, following the recommended mixing instructions. Allow the primer to dry for the suggested amount of time, using the “flash time” mentioned on the paint can as a guide.

Painting the Base Coat

Step 1: Mixing the Base Coat

Before moving forward, mix your base coat with paint activator and paint thinner or reducer. Nason Finishes recommends a mixing ratio of 8 parts Nason base coat, 1/2 part base coat activator, and 4 parts base coat reducer. Failing to mix the paint properly can result in clogging of the spray gun. If you’re using aerosol cans, the paint should already be mixed properly in the can, so you can skip this step.

Step 2: Using Spray Paint

If you’re using an aerosol can, shake it vigorously for two minutes to ensure thorough mixing.

Step 3: Using a Paint Sprayer

If you’re using a paint sprayer, pour your Nason base coat into it. Nason Finishes recommends setting both gravity-feed and siphon-style spray guns to a nozzle size of 1.4 mm to 1.6 mm for optimal paint application.

Step 4: Apply Paint to the Car

Utilize the spray gun or can to evenly distribute the paint onto the surface of your car. Maintain a distance of 8 to 10 inches from the car and move the spray gun or can back and forth. If there are any paint drips, it means you have applied too much paint. Make sure to apply the paint in a consistent layer.

Step 5: Wait for the Paint to Dry

Allow the initial coat of paint to dry for the specified “flash time,” which is usually around 15 minutes. Once the flash time has passed, apply a second coat of paint using the same technique as before.

Step 6: Allow the Paint to Fully Dry

Wait for the base coat to completely dry for a minimum of 15 minutes before proceeding to apply a Nason clear coat. Depending on the specific clear coat product, wait for an additional 8 to 12 minutes for it to dry, and then apply a second coat of clear coat.

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