Lexus Factory Paint Durability?
09-14-09, 12:52 PM
#16
im just wondering, by spotting do you mean little red spots on your hood? 2 weeks after i purchased my car.. i noticed little red spots on the hood.. i dont know whether it was from some aerosol overspray that someone sprayed near my car or WHAT it came from 
09-14-09, 01:13 PM
#18
You have the EPA to thank for the fragile properties of paint on newer cars. In order to lower VOCs, they require waterborne paint, which goes on thinner, cures differently, and is not nearly as durable as the non-environmentally friendly stuff. Manufacturers and body shops are required to use the new paint, and as you've noticed, it doesn't stand up to the real world very well.
If you're getting staining on the clear due to bird bombs, try claying the area. If that doesn't work, a good machine polish will probably remove it.
Unfortunately, 36 hours is more than enough time for bird crap to etch and stain the paint. Sealants and waxes might help, but you have to accept that driving the car will result in imperfections. The only way to keep a black car perfect is to keep it parked and covered.
If you're getting staining on the clear due to bird bombs, try claying the area. If that doesn't work, a good machine polish will probably remove it.
Unfortunately, 36 hours is more than enough time for bird crap to etch and stain the paint. Sealants and waxes might help, but you have to accept that driving the car will result in imperfections. The only way to keep a black car perfect is to keep it parked and covered.
09-14-09, 02:17 PM
#19
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09-14-09, 02:53 PM
#21
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After almost 2 full years of daily driving, my IS F has only one rock chip on the hood and I saw the rock coming.
09-15-09, 04:46 AM
#23
09-15-09, 05:58 AM
#24
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I also have Black Obsidian paint. It's on a G35, but I have the same issues that you talk of. If only I could get an Oil based paint job 
I don't think a clay bar will pull out the stain. Instead try a "Paint Cleaner" It is quicker and should do the trick. Follow it up with a light wax and you should be good. It will take more work to get out swirl/light scratch marks.
I don't think a clay bar will pull out the stain. Instead try a "Paint Cleaner" It is quicker and should do the trick. Follow it up with a light wax and you should be good. It will take more work to get out swirl/light scratch marks.
09-15-09, 07:08 AM
#25
Lexus Test Driver
You're confusing explanations for excuses. I don't make excuses for things that are out of my control...I'm guessing Lexus doesn't either.
09-15-09, 07:09 AM
#26
Lexus Test Driver
That sounds like rail dust from transit - very common. A clay bar will take it right off.
09-15-09, 07:37 AM
#27
I think all the advice you need has already been provided (clay bar, wax, clearbra). My introduction to black Lexus cars was the exact same as yours - the endurance of the paint was below my expectation.
I had to get my front bumper repainted due to all the rock chips, and I barely drove the car. First thing I did after the respray was to get a clearbra - it is well worth the investment.
I had to get my front bumper repainted due to all the rock chips, and I barely drove the car. First thing I did after the respray was to get a clearbra - it is well worth the investment.
09-15-09, 11:59 AM
#28
I put a clear bra on my car 2 days after it rolled off the delivery truck. I also remove bird crap the second I see it, not days later. And, I am the only one who washes my IS. As a result of these simple steps, there is not a single rock chip, scratch, or swirl mark on my car.
Last edited by ISF_GG; 09-15-09 at 03:43 PM.
09-15-09, 01:02 PM
#29
Lexus Test Driver
Haven't had any isues with my paint (yet). Keeping on a fresh coat of wax goes a long way in preventing much of what we are all talking about here.
09-15-09, 05:43 PM
#30
Lexus Test Driver
If it does help, it's practically immeasurable. This has been discussed to death on sites like autopia. Wax/sealant makes the paint look good and provides some protection from contaminants and UV damage, but does not provide protection against debris hitting the paint at high speed.