Lexus Factory Paint Durability?
09-15-09, 08:21 PM
#31
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.
No swirls or scratches on a black lexus?! Are you sure about that?!
I always like how sexy my car looks, until I see it in direct sunlight at just the right viewing angle - swirls everywhere. Sadly, i'm the only one who has washed this car - aside from the first time the Lexus dealership washed the car on delivery - I blame all these marks on them!!
Tell me your secret!! What type of microfiber clothes are you using to quick detail? What type of cleaning sponge and drying cloth are you using?
09-15-09, 09:47 PM
#32
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.
09-16-09, 04:26 AM
#33
I'm having issues!
Help me out here. This isn't the first black car I've owned but its the first black car that I've had major concerns over the finish's durability.
The hood in particular seems to be very susceptible to spotting caused by debris and fluids. For example... the car is always spotless and garage kept. I come back from a quick ride and I have a spot on my hood that simply won't come out. Its almost as if it discolored the clear coat. My guess is it was a fluid from another car in traffic or...
...bird poop. That's the latest one. I put the car in my driveway while I cleaned my garage and a single spot of nature hit the car and I didn't notice it until the next day. By the time I went to clean it off, it also had discolored the clear coat. And noticeably too. The spot is nearly an inch in diameter. And I swear on anything you throw in front of me it wasn't on the car more than 36 hrs, and most of that time in the garage.
So I have 3 questions:
TIA
Help me out here. This isn't the first black car I've owned but its the first black car that I've had major concerns over the finish's durability.
The hood in particular seems to be very susceptible to spotting caused by debris and fluids. For example... the car is always spotless and garage kept. I come back from a quick ride and I have a spot on my hood that simply won't come out. Its almost as if it discolored the clear coat. My guess is it was a fluid from another car in traffic or...
...bird poop. That's the latest one. I put the car in my driveway while I cleaned my garage and a single spot of nature hit the car and I didn't notice it until the next day. By the time I went to clean it off, it also had discolored the clear coat. And noticeably too. The spot is nearly an inch in diameter. And I swear on anything you throw in front of me it wasn't on the car more than 36 hrs, and most of that time in the garage.
So I have 3 questions:
- Is this normal?
- Any tricks on removing the 2 spots?
- Why doesn't this happen to people who don't care about their cars? :-)
TIA
10-11-09, 04:29 PM
#34
Driver School Candidate
I got my Obsidian IS 350 4 months ago.
I found the time to do a full detailing with the claybar and wax about a month after I bought it. There were already a few spots that could not be removed. Love bug season brought a few more.
The worst news is that some part of my detailing regimen has introduced two clear coat scratches.
Unless I find more time to detail it everyday, I think I'm going to continue to collect these imperfections.
I must say that a wash and a wax still make her look awesome. The casual observer doesn't check the car for spots and scratches.
I found the time to do a full detailing with the claybar and wax about a month after I bought it. There were already a few spots that could not be removed. Love bug season brought a few more.
The worst news is that some part of my detailing regimen has introduced two clear coat scratches.
Unless I find more time to detail it everyday, I think I'm going to continue to collect these imperfections.I must say that a wash and a wax still make her look awesome. The casual observer doesn't check the car for spots and scratches.
10-13-09, 11:14 AM
#36
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With current state of water-based paint, it is not surprising to see how easily the paint chips. Paint protection film, aka clear bra, is a good product to use to prevent damage or further damage to the front end of the vehicle.
10-13-09, 12:09 PM
#37
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Indeed, although what is essentially a piece of saran wrap is absolutely, ridiculously expensive.
10-13-09, 06:21 PM
#39
Lexus Test Driver
10-14-09, 05:12 PM
#40
Driver
Thread Starter
10-14-09, 05:15 PM
#41
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Are you kidding? A full chip protection system around here goes for about $1500. That's a quarter of a paint job.
11-15-09, 06:57 AM
#45
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Quick pics of the result. (06 G35)
The hood
Off the door
Before and After
