Before or after clear coat?

[Kiss My Axe]

Hello all,
I'm starting to put into practice all the stuff i'm learning on this great forum
i have a question though:
i painted an F40 body with Tamiya TS8 Italian red
despite all the care taken, there are 2 little marks (looks like water) that would certainly disappear with compound
can it be done, then clear coated?
or should i use Tamiya compound after i clear coated?

[robrex]

Polish the mark out first!
If you have any problems like polishing through the paint, you can always give it a few more coats of red! Once that is done, polish the red then clear coat and polish the clear coat as well.

[white97ex]

not sure if this applies to Tamiya paints....Im beleive it would though. Make sure that any compound you use is not a silicone based product. If it is, you will have issues with adhesion of the clear coat when you spray it.

[winstona]

Yes, you should polish the mark first then clear coat. I always polish the body smooth before applying decals and then clear coat so there should be no issues there.

You should also wash the entire body with soap (Before you apply decals if you have any) and warm water to make sure you get rid of all the debris before you apply the clear coat.

Winston

[RallyRaider]

Personally, I'd use very fine sandpaper (e.g. micromesh) to remove the mark before further coats, saving polishing compound until after the final clear coat. However, depending on your setup, the types of paints you are using and many other possible variables, compound then clearing will most likely work just fine.

[Dave5.0]

I seem to have good luck with clear cloat over a ruff surface, as opposed to a polished one!