View Full Version : Single stage paint vs Clearcoated, how to tell?
The Chee
03-24-2004, 06:22 PM
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.
kimwallace
03-24-2004, 06:30 PM
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
dr_detail
03-24-2004, 06:39 PM
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.
kimwallace
03-24-2004, 07:29 PM
dr_detail,
Great minds think alike!
dr_detail
03-24-2004, 07:41 PM
Originally posted by kimwallace
dr_detail,
Great minds think alike!
hehehe... good minds think alike....
Great minds think Independently ;)
Jpeeps
03-24-2004, 10:22 PM
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?
Poorboy
03-24-2004, 10:28 PM
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?
Jpeeps
03-24-2004, 10:39 PM
Originally posted by Poorboy
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?
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.
Poorboy
03-24-2004, 10:49 PM
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
KleanFreak
03-24-2004, 11:20 PM
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?
dr_detail
03-25-2004, 01:51 AM
Jesuspeeps,
Two questions,
[list=1]
Do you live in the US?
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
vibred93vert
03-25-2004, 04:29 AM
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.
Poorboy
03-25-2004, 08:18 AM
Originally posted by dr_detail
Jesuspeeps,
Two questions,
[list=1]
Do you live in the US?
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
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
dr_detail
03-25-2004, 06:26 PM
Originally posted by Griz
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
I prefer to work with any paint that is well maintained. :lol