How to check for a clear coat finish?

[Mike Phillips]

How can I tell if I have a clear coat finish?


From Meguiar's *NEW* FAQ
To determine whether you have a clear coat or a single-stage finish perform this simple test.

• Find an inconspicuous area to test, such as the lower rear quarter panel of your car's fender or inside the door jamb.
• Clean this area first with car wash and water or Meguiar's Quik Detailer. You don't want any dirt or grime to interfere with your test.
• Using a small piece of white cotton, such as a piece of terry cloth towel, rub a little paint cleaner or Cleaner/Wax into the paint of this inconspicuous area.
• After rubbing for a few moments, turn your cloth toward you and look to see if there is any color from your paint on the cloth.

If you have a red car and you now have red paint residue on your cloth, this is a pretty good indicator that you have a single stage finish. If you have a red car and you don't see any red paint residue on your cloth, this is a pretty good indicator that you have a clear coat.

To be 100% sure, you should test in a couple of different areas.

Note: If you have a white, or very light colored car you should use a dark piece of cotton cloth and look for the color of your car's finish on it after rubbing some paint cleaner or Cleaner/Wax into the finish for a few moments.

[mnaines]

Re: How to check for a clear coat finish?

Is it possible to get a show-car-like shine out of single-layer paint jobs?

[Mike Phillips]

Re: How to check for a clear coat finish?

Is it possible to get a show-car-like shine out of single-layer paint jobs?

Sure! Meguiar's has been around as long as the car, that's the early 1900's.

We've been around since 1901 and the Model T wasn't introduced until 1908 and most historians would agree that it was the Model T that helped American's transition from riding horses to driving cars, so while we haven't been around since the car was invented we have been around longer than most people have owned a car.

By the way, the "Patent" for a 4-wheeled, gas powered car was awarded to Karl Benz in 1886


Clear coat finishes have only been around since roughly the 1980's, so that means we've been helping people to create show car finishes on single stage paints for about 80 years...

Simply,

1. E valuate the condition of the surface
2. Choose the right product
3. Use good technique

What are you working on?

It would be a great idea to start your own dedicated thread for your project and questions...

Thanks!