Tri-coats
What is a Tricoat Paint System?
Any color that has the word "Tri-coat" in the paint name listed on our site has three different coats of paint applied at the factory:
- Basecoat - The main color layer
- Midcoat - A transparent color layer that adds depth
- Clearcoat - The protective top layer
The midcoat color is applied very thin and adds additional depth to the paint, creating the distinctive appearance of pearl and premium metallic finishes. In order to successfully match a tri-coat, you should practice on a scrap piece of metal or plastic.
Surface Preparation - Critical First Step
Important: Make sure to get the primer and basecoat sanded very smooth before applying the additional stages of paint. The primer should be wet sanded before applying the paint. Once the midcoat is applied over the basecoat, it becomes very difficult to smooth the basecoat paint.
You can use 1000 grit sandpaper or rubbing compound (cutting creme) to smooth the paint surfaces between layers.
Step 1: Apply the Basecoat
First apply the basecoat. This is the main color coat. Make sure this has thoroughly dried for at least a few hours before proceeding to the midcoat layer.
Follow the standard application directions for your chosen method (brush, pen, or spray can) as described in our How to Apply guides.
Step 2: Apply the Midcoat (The Tricky Part)
Identifying the Midcoat: The midcoat bottle (or spray can) will have a check by the word Tricoat (or Midcoat) or a #2 on the label to identify it.
Next, apply the midcoat layer. This color goes on very thinly and you must practice to get it right. The real trick is applying the midcoat over the basecoat to achieve the right color.
Understanding the Midcoat
Think of the midcoat like using a colored transparent piece of plastic (like colored Saran Wrap) over the basecoat to change the color:
- Add too little - The basecoat won't be changed enough and the color won't match
- Add too much - You will change the basecoat too much and have to start over again
Application Techniques
Spraying Tricoats (Recommended Method):
- When spraying tricoats, apply the basecoat first
- Spray the midcoat out even farther than the basecoat or you will create a paint layer line
- The best way to spray tricoats is to spray the entire panel to the edge so there are no paint layer lines
- Again, practice, practice, practice off the vehicle first before applying a tricoat to your vehicle!
Brush/Pen Application: Midcoats are best sprayed, but if you use very thin coats, you can do a reasonable job with brush or pen application.
Practice is Essential: Make sure you PRACTICE OFF the vehicle to see how it turns out and keep comparing your practice work to the vehicle color. The midcoat application is the most challenging part of tricoat systems.
Drying Time
Always let the basecoat dry thoroughly before applying the midcoat. Then, let the midcoat dry thoroughly before applying the clearcoat.
Step 3: Apply the Clearcoat
Finally, you apply the clearcoat to achieve the correct color and provide protection. Follow the standard clearcoat application directions for your chosen method.
The clearcoat is what brings out the full depth and color of the tricoat system, so don't skip this critical step.
Step 4: Polish and Finish
After the clearcoat has dried for at least 3 days, use rubbing compound (cutting creme) with a clean soft cotton cloth to polish the surface to a high gloss finish.
Pricing Information
Follow this link for tricoat paint pricing and ordering information.
Final Thoughts
Applying midcoats is more difficult than a regular base-coat/clearcoat combination but with some practice you can achieve satisfactory results. Because these can be very tricky, you may want to consider having a professional apply this paint or leave the entire job to a collision shop.
However, it is also a very expensive repair job in the shop so why not try it yourself first to see how it turns out!
Key Success Factors
- Practice first on scrap material before touching your vehicle
- Prepare surfaces meticulously - smooth all layers before adding the next
- Apply midcoat thinly - multiple thin coats are better than one heavy coat
- Extend spray patterns beyond previous layers to avoid visible lines
- Allow proper drying time between each layer
- Compare constantly to your vehicle's original color as you practice
Frequently Asked Questions About Tricoat Paint
Please contact us with any comments you have or any additional tips that worked for you!
