How to Apply Candy Paint – Complete Guide for Spray Can and Spray Gun

Why does Candy paint look so good?

Candy is a transparent colour without metallic particles – the depth and sparkle are created by the metallic or pearl basecoat. The basecoat reflects light, while the Candy layer adds colour. This makes the colour come alive in sunlight and gives it a luxurious deep effect.

How much basecoat and Candy paint will you need?

• Spray cans: for approximately 1 m², allow 1× 400 ml metallic basecoat, 2× 400 ml Candy paint and 1× 400–500 ml clear coat.
• Spray gun paint: Candy consumption is usually approximately 2–3 times higher than metallic basecoat consumption. For 1 litre of SilverTouch or Solar Gold, allow approximately 2–3 litres of Candy paint.
• For a full respray of a typical passenger car, allow approximately 2–2.5 litres of basecoat and 5 litres of Candy paint.

Actual consumption depends on the size and shape of the parts, the number of Candy coats, spray gun settings and the painter’s experience.

Candy – spray can application guide (400 ml)

What you will need

• Filler / primer and sanding papers, for example P400 to P800, to level the surface.
• Scotch-Brite for matting, degreaser / silicone remover and an antistatic tack cloth.
• Metallic basecoat spray – universal SilverTouch 400 ml, or Solar Gold 400 ml only for shades where it is recommended.
• Candy spray paint in your chosen shade: Candy spray paints.
• Clear coat – ideally 2K clear coat for resistance and UV protection.
• Masking tape, gloves, safety glasses and a respirator. Paint only in a well-ventilated area.

Safety first

• Work in a well ventilated area and use a respirator, gloves and safety glasses.
• Do not spray near open flames or spark sources. Aerosols are flammable.
• The paint and the part should be at 18–25 °C, away from direct sunlight and draught.

Surface preparation – the foundation of the result

A perfect result starts with a smooth base. Scratches, sanding marks and uneven areas will remain visible through the Candy and the metallic basecoat. Detailed guide: How to prepare the surface before painting.

1. Apply filler / primer and, after drying, sand it smooth, for example with P800 wet sanding paper, without sand-through spots.
2. Lightly matt the surface with Scotch-Brite, degrease thoroughly with silicone remover / degreaser and wipe with an antistatic tack cloth.
3. Mask surrounding areas, prepare a stable stand and make a test sample.

Step 1: Metallic basecoat – spray can

• Shake the selected metallic basecoat well for at least 2 minutes. SilverTouch is suitable for all Candy shades; use Solar Gold only where it is recommended for the selected shade. Make a test spray first.
• Apply 2–3 thin coats from 20–30 cm with approx. 70% overlap, allowing 5–10 minutes between coats.
• The goal is a smooth, even metallic film without patches, stripes or see-through areas.
• After the final coat, allow approx. 20 minutes flash-off time. The surface should no longer be tacky to the touch.

Step 2: Candy paint – spray can

• Shake the Candy spray can again and keep it vertical at all times, with the nozzle facing upwards, to prevent spitting.
• Apply 3–5 thin coats, allowing approx. 10 minutes between coats. Each coat only slightly colours the basecoat.
• More coats = richer and darker final shade. Always test the ideal number of layers on a sample first.
• Start each spray pass outside the part, keep a smooth movement, constant distance and approx. 70% overlap. Do not immediately go back into wet areas, as this can create stripes.
• Paint edges and recesses first, then larger areas. If possible, rotate the part for even coverage.

Step 3: Clear coat – spray can

• After the final Candy coat, allow approx. 40 minutes flash-off time. The surface should be dry enough for a gentle tack cloth wipe.
• Choose a 2K clear coat with a high-gloss finish. Usually 2 medium coats, or 3 thin coats, are applied according to the technical data sheet of the selected product.
• 2K spray can: after activation, respect the pot life. Full curing takes several hours to days depending on the clear coat.

Approximate consumption

• Spray can coverage: up to approx. 1.0 m² with 2–3 thin coats, depending on the shape, technique and shade.
• In practice, for approx. 1.0 m² you usually need 1× 400 ml metallic basecoat, 2× 400 ml Candy spray and 1× 400/500 ml clear coat. For complex shapes or more Candy layers, allow extra material.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Wrong basecoat, for example black: Candy requires the recommended metallic basecoat. SilverTouch is suitable for all shades; Solar Gold only for selected yellow, orange and red shades.
• Stripes / “zebra effect”: layers are too heavy or uneven. Apply thin mist coats, keep 20–30 cm distance and approx. 70% overlap.
• Runs or drops: movement is too slow or the coat is too wet. Let the surface flash off and continue with thin coats. Repair guide: How to fix paint runs and sags.
• Spray spitting: the can was tilted too far or the nozzle is dirty. Keep the can vertical and clean the nozzle regularly.
• Silicone craters / “fish eyes”: the surface was not degreased properly. Degrease again, lightly matt the surface and repeat the application.
• Dust in the clear coat: paint in a clean area and use an antistatic tack cloth between layers only on a dry surface.

Done!

By following the process – recommended metallic basecoat → thin Candy layers → clear coat – you can achieve a beautiful deep Candy effect. More tips: How to achieve a perfect spray paint finish.

Candy – spray gun application guide

When painting with a spray gun, use the correct nozzle size, 1.3–1.4 mm, and thin the paint 1:1 with acrylic thinner according to the TDS. For an even shade, always paint the whole visible section in one session. Candy is sensitive to overlaps and uneven layers, so spray gun application is more suitable for experienced painters.

Complete PDF guide: Candy paint for spray gun – PMcolours instructions