What is the advantage of clearcoat?

A

Acehole

New member
It seems that almost all newer cars have a clearcoat finish. Is there any advantage to the owner or is it just a way to save money by the makers by using a lot less pigment, which is extremely expensive. It seems to me it might be better to have a thicker color coat than a clearcoat which highlights every swirl and imperfection. :nixweiss
 
Color coat or clear coat, neither is impermeable to scratching...Clearcoats have UV blockers, Ive never had a car without one, ooops, I take that back, a black 83 Iroc.....Clearcoated cars, IMO, are MUCH easier to care for.....I consider it the "skin" on a car......
 
Clearcoat was originally used only on metallic or mica colourcoats. This was for 3 main reasons :

metallic / mica paints are usually matter so the clearcoat is required to give the high gloss finish required.

the metallic / mica particles stick out of the colourcoat so the paint would feel rough

the weatherability of unclearcoated metallic / mica paints is not very good. The clearcoat protects the particles.



Clearcoat also plays a roll in stoonechip protection.



When I was involved in OEM paints though very few solid colours had a clearcoat applied. I would be surprised if many companies are clearcoating solid colours now.



Steve
 
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