i now need to reglue insert and clearcoat as this was purched as a second,no clear.here is kevins instuctions.very helpfull.
Glue it back in with 2-part epoxy. Don't use anything but epoxy.
Clearcoat with DuPont or PPG clear. The 4-to-1 ratio kinds. Use fast hardener. (not medium or slow hardener)
Apply with HVLP gun and at least a 30 gallon compressor. Set gun to full-forward (no side jets), and spray with fairly low coarse pressure (like a spraypaint can that never ends). I use about 8-12 psi at the inlet of the gun.
DAY 1:
Wipe entire playfield with a tack rag. (a clearcoater's sticky cloth)
First coat is just a mild wet coat. Get everything wet and shiny. But near zero thickness.
Allow to harden for 2 days.
DAY 2:
Clear all dust with tack rag.
Second coat is a "pool coat" where you form a standing thick and shiny coat as you go. The end result is a flat "lake" of clear that looks like a glasstop.
Allow to harden for 2 days.
DAY 3:
Clear all dust with tack rag.
Third coat is another "pool coat" as above.
Allow to harden for 4 days.
DAY 4:
Orbital sand the entire surface with 400 grit disc. It will go white (cocaine powder) and don't fear hitting the artwork. Get it all smooth and perfect.
Wipe off with naptha (camp stove fuel) and a cotton cloth or old T-shirt. Use several cloths and get it clean.
Allow to dry for 20 minutes.
Clear all dust with tack rag.
Spray final "pool coat" - make a nice thick glasstop lake on top. This is your final look - so spritz out any bubbles or bumps before carrying it to where it will rest to cure.
It is crucial that the final resting place is AWAY from where you just sprayed it. If not, fog from the air will come down and land on the topcoat and make it dull.
The final resting place must be level as possible. This allows the clear to stay flat and level.
The way it looks when you rest it is basically the way it will look when done. So be happy with how it looks.
Allow to harden for 4-5 hours.
Take it to a warm place in the house and let it sit flat for a week.
You are done.
If you find you allowed too many bumps or bubbles, then repeat Day 4.
Kevin
