Japanese paint

This thread got me to thinking and I happen to have a friend who works for MB...so I decided to get him to ask around concerning MB clearcoats. I basically asked it MB clearcoats are different than Japanese clearcoats and if so, how? Here is what I got back:





Joey,



You taught me something: "Never ask a chemist a simple question."



The most direct information I can muster is 'kinda, sometimes'. The reality is, MB has used a few different clear coats and are considering yet another.



Generally, the model has been primarily 'crack' avoidance, which would imply a softer compound. I really don't remember all the 2-K, 1-K plus, and other chemical formulations thrown at me, but I did get the point: 'it depends'. If quality / customers are reporting cracks (scratches, etc., etc.) , they counter with clear coat (base coat, e-coat and top coat) formula changes - so it really depends on the point in time you're asking about!



For [possibly] more useful information there are distinct differences in Japanese (especially) and MB - I think Toyota uses a polyurethane base, and I think MB uses a water base in the clear coat mix.







I am sure this may create more questions but if we compile them, I'll fire them off to him in an email.



Joey
 
From my expereince in detailing my own honda and alot of lexus and mercedes...



Honda has the least OP but its by far the thinest and weakest of the three.



Lexus has some orange peel depending on the car. For example, the LX470 doesnt have that much but the IS300 has ALOT on the vertical panels. It does seem to be thicker or harder than Hondas from experience with wet sanding them both.



Mercedes has a bit of OP overall on all the cars but its not as bad as say the IS300. But one thing I can definitley say is that their paints are much harder or thicker. Its MUCH easier to do wet sanding on an MB car and not having to worry about wet sanding too much compared to sanding a lexus or honda.



so yea, my .02
 
ValuGard's A-B-C System is designed to return the paint to its original condition and pH.



I use it frequently, with predictable success. On older cars, I find claying is still in order, but minimally.



We call it a 3 step chemical bath. Takes awhile, but the paint is clean!



Jim
 
Inzane said:
Unfortunately Nissan paint seems to chip really easily too.




My Maxima's paint chips easily too. The hood and front end look like a miniature minefield. It's so hard to touch up too since it's a pearl white.
 
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