I have a 97 XK8 convertible. The paint is cracking and peeling on the hood and looks like it is starting on top of the front fenders. Almost looks like what lacquer does. I intend to repaint with urethane. I know I need to strip the hood and the top of the fenders but the rest of the paint looks good. Could this be a reaction to some previous paint work of does the car need to be stripped before repainting? The other paint is so nice it would only need to be sanded prior to paint but if their is a compatibility issue I would like to know before hand.

 

Its a car, just like any other. You do as you would any other car. Just one thing, urethane is cheap.. Why would you put that on your car, stick to base coat/clear coat. If price is the reason your going for the urethane, I'd save up and get what goes with this car or any other..

 

If the other horizontal surfaces aren't similarly affected, perhaps you aren't the first owner to consider taking a short cut to paint refinishing on this vehicle?

Graham

 

Paint can be prepped and blended, more of a chance of lifting if repaired previously. Best to sand to at the least OEM primer, once sanded , cleaned, and prepped, seal all with epoxy primer, this will prevent any reaction with substrate. Then a high build sandable urethane primer will fill minor imperfections, then block sand for a straight smooth surface now ready for base color then clear.
Although labor intensive, you can end with a professional finish in your own garage

 

As written by hm1I wish urethane was cheap. All base coat clear coat are urethane. Even the new water born paints have a urethane clear coat.
The areas your talking about was probably repaired. The flatter surfaces receive more UV light than the sides, and when the paint is spayed on by hand the Paint will be heavier on the top roof and trunk. The heavier the coat the more problems that develop over a period of time. The sun is what breaks down the paint. There are compatibility issues. Like BK,HD partsman told you the proper routine to follow and you shouldn't have a problem.