Single stage paint vs Clearcoated, how to tell?

The Chee

The Chee

I'm back YIPEE Refreshed!
Is there anyway to tell just by looking? Should I approach them differently in regards to the polish I use? One of my car is 1997 which could be single staged.
 
Most of the cars since the late 80s have been Base Coat/Clear Coat ... at least most of the American Cars. If you want to find out for sure take some polish and rub it in an inconspicuous spot and see if the color rubs off on the applicator. If it does the paint is a single stage paint if not it is probably BC/CC.
This does not always hold true but it does most of the time. The polishes you use on a BC/CC finish should work just fine on single stage paint. If not, post a question about what you are trying to accomplish and I am sure someone will be able to help
 
In a door jamb or in an area of the trunk under the plastic padding that is shiny like the outside, place a little compound on a towel and rub it quite vigorously with the tip of your finger on the paint. If the towel turns the color of the paint it's most likely a single stage.

Chances are however that if the car has the factory paint job and was manufactured after 1986, anywhere except for Mexico, it has a clear-coat.
 
I drive a 1989 Nautica Blue Ford Mustang. Every time I wax my vehicle there is blue on the towel or pad. Does that mean that it is a single stage paint?

If it is, what types of products and hand techniques should I use to bring an impressive shine that will last a few months?
 
Yes you definitely have a single stage paint....is it factory paint? I thought mustangs of that year were all clearcoated:confused: does it happen on every panel or just some? are you the original owner?
if not do you have any history on the car?
 
Poorboy said:
Yes you definitely have a single stage paint....is it factory paint? I thought mustangs of that year were all clearcoated:confused: does it happen on every panel or just some? are you the original owner?
if not do you have any history on the car?
Click to expand...

The car still has the factory paint. It happens on every panel. The history of the vehicle is that I am the third owner. The first owner was a car collector who let the car in an indoor garage for years only driving it occasionally. He sold the vehicle to his nephew who owned the vehicle for around two years only driving it during the summer months. Then I purchased the vehicle with just over 26,000 miles. The car has never seen winter.
 
with a history like that, I would use very mild polishes to remove the light oxidation and dead pigment, it should pop right back with little effort...

do a little post reading and you'll see there are a lot of good products to choose from:D
 
what if you own a new vehicle but it has been in a front end collision?

would they use a one-step paint when repairing the vehicle?

and if so what would you do about mionor/light scratch removal?
 
Jesuspeeps,

Two questions,
  1. Do you live in the US?
  2. What is the first numeral in the VIN
    [/list=1]

    I ask this for you got me stumped as to this not being a clear-coat
 
What kind of car is it, whats the paint color, etc. I bet with more information they can help you out.

I have a 93 Ford Mustang GT Convertible with Vibrant Red single stage paint from the factory (only color in 93 to not have clearcoat) don't know exactly why but it was a rare color only in 93.
 
dr_detail said:
Jesuspeeps,

Two questions,
  1. Do you live in the US?
  2. What is the first numeral in the VIN
    [/list=1]

    I ask this for you got me stumped as to this not being a clear-coat
Click to expand...


  1. my same thoughts:D

    I heard that there are some colors that are still single stage , but it would be great if Ford could confirm this.
    Actually if you get the paint code off the car, a paint supply shop could easily confirm whether or not the car was intended to have clear or not.
 
which type of paint job do you guys prefer to work with, i'm contemplating getting my entire car re-sprayed and am trying to weigh the risks/benefits of single stage or clear coat options
 
Griz said:
which type of paint job do you guys prefer to work with, i'm contemplating getting my entire car re-sprayed and am trying to weigh the risks/benefits of single stage or clear coat options
Click to expand...

I prefer to work with any paint that is well maintained. :lol
 
dr_detail said:
Jesuspeeps,

Two questions,
  1. Do you live in the US?
  2. What is the first numeral in the VIN
    [/list=1]

    I ask this for you got me stumped as to this not being a clear-coat
Click to expand...


  1. I'm here in Michigan and the first #in my vin is 1.
    The reason why I think I have a single stage paint is because after every wax my applicator is completely blue (the color of my paint). Is there a chance that the clearcoat has been damaged?Please help.
 
Car was built in the US -- the #1 confirms that. I checked the paint code book, and I can't find a "Nautica Blue." for 1987. Chances are though that it is a single stage paint if it turns your rag the same color every time you wax. According to the paint chip data I have found, they shot clears only on some of the vehicles within specific dates. If you can find the actual paint code (which should be a two digit number like "7E, 7A, 7H or 3Q" usually found on the door jamb or the glove box) I will be happy to look up the exact color and let you know whether it is a base/clear or not.
 
I've read everyone of these posts and I'd have to say its single stage paint. There would be no reason for the paint color to some off if it was clear coated.

That being the case for cleaning I'd start with a good quality polish like PB Pro-Polish. If your doing this by hand its going to take some elbow grease. Then top that with a good sealant and follow up with a top quality paste wax.
I've done a lot of single stage cars and love the finish
 
dr_detail said:
Car was built in the US -- the #1 confirms that. I checked the paint code book, and I can't find a "Nautica Blue." for 1987. Chances are though that it is a single stage paint if it turns your rag the same color every time you wax. According to the paint chip data I have found, they shot clears only on some of the vehicles within specific dates. If you can find the actual paint code (which should be a two digit number like "7E, 7A, 7H or 3Q" usually found on the door jamb or the glove box) I will be happy to look up the exact color and let you know whether it is a base/clear or not.
Click to expand...

My vehicle is actually an 89 which is probably why you could not find the paint code. I would check the door jamb or glove box but she's in storage about 3 hours away. Thanks for the help. If you find any info about 89 Nautica blue I would appreciate it.
 
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