How to Dull Out an Acrylic Enamel Paint Job???
 

My truck has a decent gray acrylic enamel paint job (3 heavy coats) and I have sanded the gloss finish off of the hood. I am liking the dull finish that 600 grit wet sand paper has yield besides some evidence swirls/clouding which I hope to work out with more sanding...

I would like to consider dulling out the whole truck...does dulling the finish substantially compromise the life of the paint job?

This truck will see about 3000 miles a year as I plan to drive it to work, rain or shine, but no driving in the snow.

What are my dull/satin options at this point that won't leave my paint degrading sooner than later? I am fine with a primer look even though sanding the paint to that finish is harder that gaining it with primer alone.

Re: How to Dull Out an Acrylic Enamel Paint Job???
 

is this a solid or metallic color?
if it is a solid color you can wetsand with 600 and spray SPI universal clear with their flattening agent there is a post with great pictures.

Re: How to Dull Out an Acrylic Enamel Paint Job???
 

It's a solid gray. It will be mistaken for primer if I can achieve the right finish. Thanks for the clear coat advice...I will keep it in mind.

Does my sanded paint need clear coated to avoid near future paint failure?

Will the clear coat make the sanding scratches disappear?

Re: How to Dull Out an Acrylic Enamel Paint Job???
 

it will help. if you sand it it will be harder to keep clean it wil have (whatever grit you use) groves to hold dirt debris and contaminants.
a simple scuff with maroon scotch brite and 2 coats of clear flattened to desired amt will provide best protection

Re: How to Dull Out an Acrylic Enamel Paint Job???
 

Thanks a million Marty! Given the choice of a primer look with the issues of keeping it clean, matte finish without the primer look, or what gloss I can get from enamel... I'll see how the gloss look settles in with me. If don't like it once assembled, maybe I'll knock the shine off with some 2000 grit.

In 20 years it'll be faded and old looking anyhow, I hope to still be around..lol.