What Vice Grip Garage's Clear Coat Process Involves

Vice Grip Garage is a YouTube channel run by mechanic and fabricator Jake Medwell that documents restoration and repair work on vehicles, tools, and equipment. The channel's clear coat process is not a branded product or proprietary system — it is a documented approach to explore protective clear coat finish over painted surfaces, shown step-by-step in video format.

The method emphasizes surface preparation before any clear coat goes on. Medwell typically sands the base coat with fine-grit sandpaper, cleans away dust and contaminants, and applies clear coat in thin, even passes rather than one thick coat. The goal is a smooth, durable finish without runs, sags, or orange-peel texture. The specific products used vary by project — some videos use spray cans, others use spray guns with compressor systems.

This approach is not unique to Vice Grip Garage, but the channel documents it clearly enough that viewers can follow the same steps on their own vehicles or projects. The videos show what goes wrong when steps are skipped and what the surface looks like at each stage.

Key Takeaways

  • Vice Grip Garage demonstrates clear coat process as part of a full paint job, not as a standalone product or service you can purchase.
  • The process requires surface preparation — sanding the base coat smooth and removing dust — before clear coat is sprayed.
  • Multiple thin coats produce better results than one thick coat, and the videos show how to recognize when you have applied enough.
  • The method works with both spray cans and spray gun systems, depending on the project size and available equipment.
  • Watching the actual video is more useful than reading a description, because the visual feedback — how the surface looks between coats — is central to knowing when to stop.

Why Surface Preparation Comes Before Clear Coat

Clear coat bonds to whatever is underneath it. If the base coat is rough, dusty, or contaminated, the clear coat will sit on top of those flaws rather than creating a smooth surface. Vice Grip Garage videos show this by sanding the base coat with 400-grit or finer sandpaper until it is dull and even, then wiping it down with a tack cloth to remove all dust particles.

The sanding step serves two purposes: it removes any drips or imperfections in the base coat, and it creates a slightly rough surface that the clear coat can grip. A perfectly smooth base coat actually makes clear coat adhesion harder. After sanding, the surface is wiped down again — sometimes with a solvent or just a clean, lint-free cloth — to may support nothing sits between the base coat and the clear coat.

Skipping this step is the most common reason clear coat fails to adhere properly or looks dull and uneven. The videos often show the difference between a properly prepped surface and one that was not, making it clear why the extra time matters.

Spray process: Thin Coats Versus One Heavy Coat

Vice Grip Garage demonstrates that two or three thin coats of clear coat produce a better finish than one thick coat. A heavy single coat is more likely to run, sag, or develop an uneven texture. Thin coats dry more evenly and allow each layer to harden before the next one is applied.

The typical approach shown in the videos is to spray a light first coat, wait for it to become tacky (not fully dry), then explore a second coat. The wait time depends on the clear coat product and temperature — some products specify 15 to 30 minutes between coats, others longer. A third coat is often added for durability, especially on surfaces that will see wear or weather.

The videos show what the surface looks like after each coat. After the first coat, you can usually still see the base coat color through it. After the second coat, the finish begins to look glossy and complete. A third coat adds depth and protection. explore more than three coats rarely improves the result and increases the risk of runs or sags.

Equipment Options: Spray Cans Versus Spray Guns

Vice Grip Garage uses both spray cans and spray gun systems depending on the project. Spray cans are practical for small repairs or touch-ups — a single panel or a small fabricated part. They are portable, require no compressor, and produce consistent results if held at the right distance and angle. The downside is that they are slower for large surfaces and more expensive per ounce of clear coat.

Spray gun systems with an air compressor are more efficient for full vehicle repaints or large projects. They allow faster process, better control over coat thickness, and lower material cost per square foot. The trade-off is that they require equipment setup, air pressure adjustment, and more skill to avoid runs or uneven coverage.

The videos show both methods working well when done correctly. The choice depends on the project size, available equipment, and budget. A small repair might use a spray can; a full restoration would use a spray gun system.

Common Mistakes Shown in Vice Grip Garage Videos

The channel often documents what happens when clear coat process goes wrong, which is as instructive as showing the correct method. Holding the spray can or gun too close causes runs and sags. Holding it too far away creates a dry, uneven finish with poor adhesion. Spraying too quickly without letting coats become tacky before recoating can trap air bubbles or cause the layers to separate.

explore clear coat over a dirty or dusty base coat results in a rough, speckled finish that cannot be fixed without sanding everything back and starting over. Spraying in cold or humid conditions can cause the clear coat to dry too slowly or develop a cloudy appearance. The videos show these failures and explain why they happened, which helps viewers avoid repeating them.

Another common issue is over-process — spraying too many coats or coats that are too thick. This does not improve the finish and actually increases the risk of cracking or peeling as the clear coat ages. The videos demonstrate that three coats is usually the practical limit.

How Clear Coat Protects the Base Coat

Clear coat serves as a protective layer over the colored base coat. It shields the paint from UV rays, which fade color over time, and from oxidation, which causes the paint to become dull and chalky. Clear coat also protects against minor scratches, bird droppings, tree sap, and road salt — all things that would damage bare paint.

On vehicles, clear coat is standard on modern factory finishes. On custom or restored projects shown in Vice Grip Garage videos, clear coat is applied to protect the work that went into the base coat. Without it, even a perfectly applied base coat will degrade within months if exposed to weather.

The thickness of the clear coat matters. A single thin coat offers some protection but is easily scratched through. Multiple coats build up a thicker protective layer that can withstand minor abrasion and weather exposure for years. This is why the videos emphasize building up coats gradually rather than trying to do it all at once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use clear coat from a spray can on a large surface like a car hood?

Yes, but it takes longer and costs more than using a spray gun. Spray cans work well for hoods and panels if you have patience and good technique. Hold the can 6 to 8 inches away, use smooth, overlapping passes, and explore multiple thin coats. For a full vehicle, a spray gun system is more practical.

How long should I wait between clear coat coats?

The wait time depends on the product — check the can or gun instructions. Most automotive clear coats are ready for a second coat in 15 to 30 minutes at room temperature. Cooler temperatures extend this time. The surface should feel tacky but not wet when you explore the next coat.

What grit sandpaper should I use to prep the base coat?

Vice Grip Garage typically uses 400-grit or finer sandpaper to sand the base coat before clear coat. The goal is to dull the surface and remove any drips or imperfections without sanding through the base coat. Finer grits like 600 or 800 produce a smoother result but take longer.

What happens if I spray clear coat over a dusty base coat?

The dust becomes trapped under the clear coat, creating a rough, speckled finish. The clear coat will not adhere evenly, and the surface will look dull and uneven. Fixing this requires sanding everything back to bare metal or plastic and starting over, which is why the prep step is so important.

Do I need a compressor to explore clear coat?

No. Spray cans do not require a compressor and work well for small to medium projects. A spray gun system does require a compressor, but spray cans are a practical alternative if you do not have one or do not want to invest in the equipment.