Paint Hardness/Softness

5

5spdfrk

New member
Is there a list anywhere of different makes/models and their corresponding hardness or softness? I did some searching and came up with some info, so I'd like to put a spreadsheet together or something so I could have it on hand.



I've also read on here that paint hardness/softness is subjective and that each car is different. This makes sense I guess, as no two cars will be exactly the same. So is there a general way of telling how hard or soft the paint is before getting too involved with the detail?



Here is what I have so far: (I borrowed this information from different posts on this forum. If you have any input, want to add to it, or correct me, just let me know and I'll update the original post)



Audi = hard

BMW = soft or hard (depending on color)

BMW (older) = hard

Ford = soft

Ford (Mustangs) = hard

GM branded vehicles = hard

Honda = soft

Hyundai = soft and thin

Infiniti = same as nissan?

Lexus = ?

Mazda - medium

Merceded Benz = extra hard

Nissan = hard

Porsche = extremely soft on models with single stage paint

Porsche = soft and "sticky" paint on newer models 993-997

Subaru = soft to medium

Toyota = moderately hard

VW = hard



PS: If nothing else, maybe the list could just be used as a general guideline. :xyxthumbs
 
Great topic. I'm still a driveway noob, so I can't add much other than to say that this subject is of particular interest to me and, I'm sure, many other noobs. Thanks.
 
jhakken said:
Great topic. I'm still a driveway noob, so I can't add much other than to say that this subject is of particular interest to me and, I'm sure, many other noobs. Thanks.
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+1 :2thumbs:
 
FWIW, neither of my Subarus was what I'd call "extra soft". More like medium or maybe medium soft. But I *hear* that some colors are different, softer for some reason like with the newer BMWs (which also seem to vary by color).



Mazdas are medium, IME the big thing with them is that the paint is *THIN*.



Older BMWs are *hard*.



But since you really *DON'T* ever know...the safe thing is to still do a test spot just to make sure you're not working on something weird.



And always check for repainted areas, which can be completely different from the rest of the car.
 
+1 with Accumulator's reply. I am currently detailing a black Audi S4 that the rear quater panel had been recently repainted and wow how soft that area is. Even my best plush MF towel left a faint scratch. frustrating.
 
Accumulator said:
FWIW, neither of my Subarus was what I'd call "extra soft". More like medium or maybe medium soft. But I *hear* that some colors are different, softer for some reason like with the newer BMWs (which also seem to vary by color).



Mazdas are medium, IME the big thing with them is that the paint is *THIN*.



Older BMWs are *hard*.



But since you really *DON'T* ever know...the safe thing is to still do a test spot just to make sure you're not working on something weird.



And always check for repainted areas, which can be completely different from the rest of the car.
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Thanks for the info! I added/changed your suggestions in my original post.
 
Accumulator said:
But since you really *DON'T* ever know...the safe thing is to still do a test spot just to make sure you're not working on something weird.



And always check for repainted areas, which can be completely different from the rest of the car.
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Exactly.



The metallic colored older BMWs are unbelievably hard, and the single stage Porsche paints are unbelievably soft. This coming from old and new generation Porsches, from personal experience. Most of the solid colors on Porsches are single stage paints, especially on the older 70's and 80's models. Without a doubt, my favorite paint is the Porsche single stage, absolutely magnificent.



I do think that to make a list like that is insightful, but it would be so easy to generalize, because I think every manufacturer has their exceptions.
 
charlesaferg said:
There he is, I was wondering why you haven't said anything about that yet.
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A little late as I'm being entertained over at the Leather Conditioner thread.



Look at Porsche paint the wrong way and it can get scratched. I even think some MF towels can leave all kinds of marring too... Damn paint is so soft:angry



Deanski
 
Deanski said:
A little late as I'm being entertained over at the Leather Conditioner thread.



Look at Porsche paint the wrong way and it can get scratched. I even think some MF towels can leave all kinds of marring too... Damn paint is so soft:angry



Deanski
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That's weird. My '08 Cayman paint seems pretty hard...



My '09 VW Jetta paint, however, is harder than diamond!
 
I've polished both my 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe (silver) and my dad's 2007 Acura RL (black). Hyundai paint is soft as ice cream and damn is it THIN. Although Acura/Honda paint is soft, it's not AS soft as many have made it out to be so long as it's on metal. But on plastic bits it's so soft, a gentle breeze will swirl it. It's a total pain in the arse.



I'll be polishing my mom's 2002 Lexus RX300 (silver) so I'll let everybody know how hard that is.
 
mmarmarou said:
That's weird. My '08 Cayman paint seems pretty hard...



My '09 VW Jetta paint, however, is harder than diamond!
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Cayman paint is soft. VW shoot a differnt paint formula. Porsche uses one version of Glasurit that is soft when cured.



If you use an agressive pad on a Porsche, you'll see what I mean. Some polishes also have an odd effect and that once warm, it gets "sticky".



Deanski
 
Deanski- Thanks for that heads-up regarding today's Porsche paint. My older ones were nice and hard (gee, I'm dating myself there, huh ;) ) and I've sometimes toyed with the idea of getting a new one. Soft clear? No thanks, it'd ruin the ownership experience for me.
 
Accumulator said:
Deanski- Thanks for that heads-up regarding today's Porsche paint. My older ones were nice and hard (gee, I'm dating myself there, huh ;) ) and I've sometimes toyed with the idea of getting a new one. Soft clear? No thanks, it'd ruin the ownership experience for me.
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The "new ones" are one hell of a driving car now. And now with PDK, these just are incredable and more fun. Waiting to see if the GT3 or GT3/RS will get a PDK. I know they bumped the engine up to 3.8!



Never thought I'd like a water cooled 911, but these are way to fun.



Regards,

Deanski
 
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