I'm painting a motorcycle tank and fading black into silver. The fade in quite narrow (about an inch wide) along the curvature of the tank. I plan to use an airbrush to achieve it, however I'm still concerned about overspray and because it is a fade, masking is not a complete answer.
I'm wondering if, after applying the silver base coat, I can apply a clear coat and then apply the black over the clear? The purpose of this would be that I could cut back any black overspray without cutting into the silver.
I hope that is clearer than mud.

I should have added the clearcoat I'm using is with 10% hardener.

Because you've never done this before I'd suggest clearing the silver, sanding with 800 and airbrushing the black. This way if you screw up you can wipe back and/or sand off your mistake. Do not sand back any overspray like you suggest; the result will be horrible. Leave the fade natural. Maintain control, keep the pattern tight and spray away from the silver slightly. Not a difficult job. What base and clear are you using? Your products differ from ours.
Here's a tank I did years ago.

Wow, Scott. Beautiful Job!

Thanks for that advice. I'll approach it that way. Many thanks,
Christy

I'm using Lesonol paints (BASF product) base coat/clear coat.
Cheers

I agree, don't sand the fade. But you can use a red scuff pad to clean any over spray away from the fade. Just don't get too close or it will quickly screw up the fade.

do what scott said.

lesonal is a Akzo Nobel product. not BASF