2011 GMC paint hardness

[TerryD]

I'm getting ready to purchas a new truck and the dealer is giving me a choice of black or white paint. I've thought for a number of years that GM paint was pretty hard, mostly from what I've read - no experience working with it.



So after not finding much from the search bar, I have to ask. Are the clear coats the same, or is one harder than the other.



Thanks,



Terry

 

[C. Charles Hahn]

The clear coats are the same -- most GM paint is pretty consistent and not as hard as a lot of people make it out to be. The notable exceptions I've come across are Corvettes (hard) and Camaros (soft).

 

[TerryD]

The clear coats are the same -- most GM paint is pretty consistent and not as hard as a lot of people make it out to be. The notable exceptions I've come across are Corvettes (hard) and Camaros (soft).

Thanks Charlie.



Is it similar to late model Buick paint? If I had to guess, then I suspect so since clear coat is clear coat.

 

[C. Charles Hahn]

Thanks Charlie.



Is it similar to late model Buick paint? If I had to guess, then I suspect so since clear coat is clear coat.

Very similar, yeah.



I'd say about 90% of what I work on are GM vehicles, and in addition I have owned several -- I've never found them difficult to deal with when it comes to correction and maintenance. The only gripe I've got with my 2008 GMC Sierra is that the paint is a bit thin from the factory.



Had it been available at the time I would have Opti-Coated it from day one, but as it stands now I've just been keeping either Opti-Seal or OCW on it whenever I get around to it (too busy with customers' cars). I'm hoping to get some time yet this season to turn my attention toward a full correction and application of OC to lessen the need for future corrective work.

 

[TerryD]

Very similar, yeah.



I'd say about 90% of what I work on are GM vehicles, and in addition I have owned several -- I've never found them difficult to deal with when it comes to correction and maintenance. The only gripe I've got with my 2008 GMC Sierra is that the paint is a bit thin from the factory.



Had it been available at the time I would have Opti-Coated it from day one, but as it stands now I've just been keeping either Opti-Seal or OCW on it whenever I get around to it (too busy with customers' cars). I'm hoping to get some time yet this season to turn my attention toward a full correction and application of OC to lessen the need for future corrective work.

Perfect. Just what I needed to know.



When we bought the Buick I corrected some minor stuff using the Menzerna IP/FP that I had on hand and an orange pad. So, that tells me that properly corrected and LSP'ed I won't have a problem keeping up with paint that is too soft on the GMC.



I want the black one and will have to order OC to try on it.



Thanks again!