Can clear coat cause the base coat to bleed?

Yes, clear coat can cause the base coat to bleed if it contains solvents that are strong enough to dissolve or react with the pigments in the base coat. This is particularly likely if the base coat is not fully cured or if incompatible products are used. To prevent bleeding, it's important to ensure proper curing and compatibility between the base and clear coats. Always test on a small area before full application.