How to tell clear coat

[Talus]

Is there a difinitive way to tell if a car has a clear coat or if it is single stage? Or is it more the look of it? The year? color? lots of diferent factors?

 

[imported_BretFraz]

The classic method of determining if there's a clearcoat is to apply a little cleaner wax or mild polish to an inconspicuous area of the car. If the color of the paint shows on the applicator, its single stage. If no color shows on the app, its clearcoated.

 

[wizardofahs]

i've found that an old abrasive with an old white cotton tshirt is a good way to test. I wouldn't be suprised if there was some database somewhere that listed cars by model, year, and color that contained such information. If there isn't there should be.