Milo Posted December 1, 2005 Report Share Posted December 1, 2005 Is it possible to apply a clear lacquer (similar to that on a metallic finish) to a brand new non-metallic car such as red. I don't mean a dealer applied pack but more lasting durable lacquer that would help protect the paint from swirls. Ta Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sitas3 Posted December 1, 2005 Report Share Posted December 1, 2005 yes. My car is painted in Ferrari red which is a solid colour but has a lacquer (clear coat) layer on top. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Posted December 1, 2005 Report Share Posted December 1, 2005 most modern paints are like that now IIRC Clear coat just as Simon's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Milo Posted December 2, 2005 Author Report Share Posted December 2, 2005 Ah right, so modern red paint comes with a clear lacquer coat anyway? If so, is it the same as the clear coat on metallics? You can tell it is 16 years since I ordered a red car Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Posted December 2, 2005 Report Share Posted December 2, 2005 just googled "clear coat" here is just one of the responses. [ QUOTE ] What is clear coat paint? Today, over 90% of all factory finishes are clear coated. A clear coat finish is a multi-layer paint system comprised of a primer, a base coat (the pigment colour of your car), and a clear coat. Although a clear coat does protect the base coat, it is very sensitive to scratches and swirl marks because of its clear, non-pigmented layer that allows light to reflect through it. Clear coat paints require special care and should never be treated with harsh abrasive waxes or rubbing compounds, unless you are an experienced detailer using proper equipment. [/ QUOTE ] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Milo Posted December 2, 2005 Author Report Share Posted December 2, 2005 You live and learn. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avus_Bub Posted December 2, 2005 Report Share Posted December 2, 2005 [ QUOTE ] Is it possible to apply a clear lacquer (similar to that on a metallic finish) to a brand new non-metallic car such as red. I don't mean a dealer applied pack but more lasting durable lacquer that would help protect the paint from swirls. Ta [/ QUOTE ] Milo, If you mean paint the car with a coat of lacquer then the short answer is NO. You're talking about re-spraying a whole car with a clear coat of lacquer - imagine the cost of doing that!! It would be like a full re-spray, trim removal, masking sanding down the body, spraying and final polishing and refit. The cost would be huge! Plus generally if a finish does not have a clear coat the colour (top) coat is not meant to take one. With finishes that have a clear coat on top the colour (base) coat has a matt or satin finish that needs a clear coat to add depth ,shine and of course protection. Also the lacquer is applied before the base coat has fully cured (so it bonds to it) and in a two-pack paint system the lacquer is the coat that has the hardener added to fully cure and dry. So not only is the paint baked in an oven but it has a chemical hardener added too. I know that also if you leave it too long between the base and clear coats the lacquer will not 'bond' properly and can lift and peel off later. So AFAIK painting a 'flat' colour with a clear lacquer is not possible. As said before, due to water based paints being used now just about every finish has a clear coat now anyway. Best thing to reduce swirls is read the top cleaning guide at the start of the cleaning section BUB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Milo Posted December 3, 2005 Author Report Share Posted December 3, 2005 Excellent post Bub, thanks To be honest, in my ignorance I didn't realise that all modern paint finishes had a clear coat; I thought it was just metallic/pearlescent It's 16 years sime I had a non metallic car so I guess things have moved on a bit I've faired quite well against swirls on my metallic grey car through a very careful washing regime but I was aware red may show swirling easier than a metallic silver for example so was wondering if there was any way of helping to protect a red car. It would appear that there is already a clear coat on them anyway which is what I was querying Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malagus Posted December 7, 2005 Report Share Posted December 7, 2005 90%+ of cars are painted with a 2K now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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