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Hi Scott, BC/CC is a two step (stage) painting "system" that requires a "basecoat" be applied for the color for the first step and a "clearcoat" be applied afterwards in the second step to provide the gloss. It therefore differs from a single stage painting "system" where both the color and gloss are accomplished at the same time in one step. The "basecoat" is applied in as many coats as is necessary to achieve uniform coverage. It has a flat appearance with no gloss. The separate "clearcoat" is then applied in as many coats as desired to provide the gloss. When I use a clearcoat on top of a single stage paint to protect/enhance decals, I use three coats. The clearcoat should not require any buffing for an acceptable gloss any more than a single stage paint requires it. If the clearcoat lays down nice and flat without orange peel and without runs, there is no need for any buffing. It can be done as a refinement for glamour "show" projects but is not necessary for most work. It is more generally done to correct application errors after the fact. It is my opinion that if you use the proper materials and follow the proper instructions with a reasonably experienced "hand", you don't need to do it at all. In fact, for most tractor work it is not practical anyway due to the configuration of the parts being painted. The hood and fenders could be a notable exception, depending on shape. As far as I know, all clears are urethanes that require a hardener and therefore one has to contend with isocyanates when using them. At least the ones I have used require them. I have no personal experience with basecoats themselves. I understand they generally do not require hardeners, although some may use special catalyzed reducers, similar to a separate hardener. If anyone has BC/CC specific experience, please provide any further information or correction to the above.  Rod
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