New cars are usually so shiny that sometimes you wonder just what makes the paint so glossy and seemingly flawless.
As time goes on, most vehicles can maintain that flawless finish, if properly cared for, however, some vehicles' finish seems to fade out and become dull.
Few people realize that caring for their clear coat finish is paramount in keeping that glossy shine.
Vehicle paint is usually a mixture of different ingredients, which include carrying agents, resins, additives, binders and fillers. Clear coat is nothing more than a paint that has no pigment or color. Paints that are classified as non-clear coat are nothing more than clear-coat paints in which color has been added.
Today about 95 percent of all manufactured vehicles come out of the factory with a clear coat finish applied to them.
Clear coats also are sometimes referred to as two-stage paint systems. They are basically a clear resin layer that is applied to the top of the pigmented resin. The purpose of applying the clear coat is to protect the base coat of the paint.
The clear coat keeps the actual paint job from being scratched or damaged. It also helps protect the paint from becoming oxidized and dull.
Though it acts as a protective coating, clear coats still need to be maintained in order to keep functioning properly.
Clear coat finishes are harder than regular paint surfaces. They are also more resistant to oxidation than their enamel and lacquer counterparts, however, they are still susceptible to it and scratch rather easily.
Because of this, harsh abrasive products such as polishing and rubbing compound should not be used on a clear coat finish.
Though they act as protectants, clear coat finishes can still oxidize. It's not a common occurrence, however.
Though you sometimes hear that clear coat finishes don't need to be waxed in order to maintain their glossy look, this is simply not true. Clear coats do need to be periodically waxed to maintain their appearance. Clear coat paints are in no way maintenance free.
Clear coats also also highly susceptible to swirl marks and scratches.
Detailing and refinishing professionals must keep up with evolving technology when it comes to car care products and surface coatings. If they fall behind on the technology, they are prone to making mistakes that can affect the appearance of your vehicle.
Before allowing any detailing or refinishing work to be done on your vehicle, make sure you ask them what sorts of products they use and whether or not they are safe for vehicles with clear coat finishes.
Do your own research to find the best products for clear coat finishes. There are many different products for clear coats on the market today. Even if you don't do your own vehicle detailing, it's good to know which products are clear coat friendly, that way you can compare what your detail or body shop uses against the best products on the market.
