When making a spray-out test panel, Technician A says not to clearcoat the panel. Technician B says you should clearcoat the panel. Who is correct?

When creating a spray-out test panel, clearcoating is a crucial step for a few key reasons. A spray-out panel is utilized to assess the color, gloss, and overall appearance of the paint before applying it to the vehicle. To accurately evaluate the finished look, the paint must be applied in a manner that mimics the actual application process on the vehicle, which typically includes a clearcoat.

Applying a clearcoat to the test panel is important because it provides the necessary depth and protection that is characteristic of a professional automotive finish. The clearcoat enhances the glossiness and durability of the paint, allowing for a more accurate representation of how the final product will appear once it has been cured and completed on the car. Without the clearcoat, the test panel would not reflect the true final appearance, potentially leading to incorrect decisions regarding color matching or final adjustments.

On the other hand, omitting the clearcoat would not provide a realistic assessment of the final product, as the properties and finish from the base coat alone are significantly different from the layered finish achieved with a clearcoat. Therefore, Technician B's assertion that the panel should be clearcoated is the correct approach to ensure a proper evaluation of the paint system.