jpvarghese

iTrader: (1)

How do you know if a car has a clear-coat?? If your car doesn't have a clear coat, then how do you get rid of the swirls and scratch marks?
-Justin

ketch

For the most part, and I mean "the most part", there have been very few "automobiles" sold in North America in the last 10 years that do not have a "clearcoat".

It is easy to tell, if you really want to know.

Take any mild polish and a soft terry cloth towel, put a small amount of the polish on towel, and in a "discret" area, rub gently.

If you see the color of the paint, come off on the towel, you don't have a clearcoat.

Should you wish to know some real technical information regarding clearcoats, how a vehicle is painted at the assembly plant today, go this web site. click on Tech Tips section and there is a full set of pictures and text, provided by PPG, which shows how the various layers are applied, how thick they are, etc.

www.autoint.com

Start at the information provided by one of the three or four companies that provide the paint systems for todays vehicles, you might like what you learn.

It will take away a lot of misconceptions most have.

ketch

jfelbab

As ketch said most newer cars have a clear coat finish. The test he suggests is sometimes inaccurate however. Lexus, as well as many other manufacturers, are more and more frequently using tinted clear coats on some colors these days, The test ketch recommends for finding color transfer may lead you to believe you don't have a clear coat on these finishes. Check with the manufacturer for the info if you are uncertain.

Regardless whether you have clear-coat (CC) or single-stage (SS) paint, the methods of swirl and scratch removal are the same.

1. Wash with a quality car wash.
2. Clay the finish.
3. Polish to remove or diminish the marring. A PC or rotary may be needed in severe cases.
4. Apply a glaze if you desire a deep wet look and to hide any remaining marring.
5. Apply the last stage product (LSP) wax or sealant of your choice. Two coats are usually better than one.

It is much easier to prevent marring than to remove it so pay attention to your mitts, pads and toweling to be sure any that contact the paint are clean and gentle. Wash with a two bucket method and replace your wash mitts and drying towels frequently.