SEM Aerosol or 3M Dry

[ZcarDen]

Hello

Any pros or cons on guide coat over 2K primer Surfacer? I haven't done a car in 20 years and am unused to some newer products. My only experience is with laquer rattle cans. My paint shop has both SEM Aerosol and 3M Dry guide coat products. Just looking for the best results considering my lack of practice.

Thanks
ZCarDen

[jh23]

Definately guide coat if you want the panel flat. I've seen folks on here saying to use the dry coat for dry sanding and the aerosol for wet sanding.

[88GT]

I prefere the areosol myself, but either works for dry blocking

[ZcarDen]

Certainly I will guide coat to get things flat, I'm assuming the SEM Aerosol will function much like the old laquer aerosol we all have used at one time or another just not sure what to expect from the dry 3M product. I'm OK with tried and true tecniques but trying to keep a open mind if there is something better. Unfamilliar with the 3M dry product is all. I'm courious what pros prefer, and why.

Thanks
ZCarDen

[88GT]

Certainly I will guide coat to get things flat, I'm assuming the SEM Aerosol will function much like the old laquer aerosol we all have used at one time or another just not sure what to expect from the dry 3M product. I'm OK with tried and true tecniques but trying to keep a open mind if there is something better. Unfamilliar with the 3M dry product is all. I'm courious what pros prefer, and why.

Thanks
ZCarDen

All I dont like about the dry is it isnt as easy to apply

[AutobodyCAD]

Another one that's available, and I want to try is the Aerosol Powdered (DRY) Guide Coat by Evercoat. So it's sort of both.

[MARTINSR]

I have to tell you, I will never go back to aerosol guide coat after using the 3M Dry guide coat system. I use it on plastic filler, primer, it can even be used on paint when color sanding. It fills even the smallest of scratches so you can see them.

The thing looks exspensive but it lasts a LONG time. Going back would be like going back to gas welding on panels in my opinion.

Brian

[Len]

Certainly I will guide coat to get things flat, I'm assuming the SEM Aerosol will function much like the old laquer aerosol we all have used at one time or another just not sure what to expect from the dry 3M product. I'm OK with tried and true tecniques but trying to keep a open mind if there is something better. Unfamilliar with the 3M dry product is all. I'm courious what pros prefer, and why.

Thanks
ZCarDen

We use the aerosol guide coat when block sanding using wet sandpaper and we use the dry powder guide coat when we are dry sanding and especially when block or board sanding polyester putty.

I haven't tried the Evercoat aerosol but I've got some on order so I can check it out.

The SEM aerosol is a lot better than spray paint in an aerosol because the SEM puts on a very thin, even coat that dries almost instantly and doesn't clog the sandpaper when sanded. Before we tried the SEM we were spraying very thin lacquer out of a spray gun that was always ready for guide coating. The aerosol is a lot more convenient.

[ZcarDen]

Thanks for the replys! I'll give the SEM a try. Seems like almost every material or system is a real improvment over a few years ago. I'm really enjoying doing this car. I'll try some pics when i get it a little further along.

ZCarDen

[Chris L]

I use the dry guide coat and it lasts unbelievbly for a long long time.Just dont kick,drop,knock off, etc..it dont hardly last as long.Its funny tho,i have dumped mine,kicked it accidentally etc..and i am stil using it going on months now.

[isprayum]

i really like the dry guide coat. ill add it works well for wet sanding, doesnt wash off. if youre going down in grit scratch, it WILL show the heavy ones left.

the best part about it...when you peel off the freshness seal, you stick it to the closest co-workers shirt. it leaves a cool black star he cant get rid of all day. :cool: