What is Clear Coat?
Clear coat, also known as clear lacquer or clear paint, is the final transparent layer that is applied on top of the vehicle’s color coat during the painting process. It acts as a protective barrier for the color coat from environmental elements like pollutants, acid rain, bird droppings etc. that can cause damage over time. Clear coat gives the painted surface of the vehicle a sleek shiny finish and also protects the color of the paint from fading due to exposure to sunlight.
Application of Clear Coat
When a vehicle rolls off the assembly line from the factory, it already has multiple layers of paint and clear coat applied on it for protection and aesthetic purposes. The application process involves spraying primer on the bare metal, followed by the color coat and then the clear coat on top. The clear coat layer is usually sprayed either wet-on-wet, while the color coat is still wet, or after the color coat has fully cured. This ensures optimal adhesion between the layers. The whole assembly is then cured in heated booths to harden the paint.
Purpose of Clear Coat
There are several benefits of applying a transparent clear coat over the color coat:
Protection from UV Rays: Car Clear Coat forms a protective barrier that shields the color coat from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun that can cause paint to fade over time. The clear coat itself develops a slight tan but protects the colored base coat underneath.
Protection from Environmental Elements: In addition to UV rays, clear coat guards the color coat from damage caused by acid rain, tree sap, bird droppings, bug deposits, road salts etc. that are prevalent in the environment.
Glossy Finish: Clear coat gives the painted surface of a vehicle a high gloss mirror-like shine when first applied. This glossy wet look attracts attention.
Scratch Resistance: A clear coated surface is more resistant to minor scratches and swirl marks compared to paint without a clear coat. Minor scratches on the clear coat can often be polished out without affecting the color coat.
Repairability: Minor damage to the clear coat, like a small rock chip, is easier to touch up and repair compared to repairing damage directly to the color coat.
Fades and Peels Over Time
While Car Clear Coat serves as excellent protection when first applied, its integrity can deteriorate gradually over 5-7 years of exposure to the elements depending on the climate and storage/washing conditions. Common issues that arise include:
Oxidation and Loss of Gloss: Clear coat slowly oxidizes when exposed to UV light, causing it to gradually lose its slick mirror-like shine. As the clear coat weathers, it develops a hazy or cloudy appearance.
Fading and Discoloration: Prolonged UV exposure can also cause the clear coat to fade and change color slightly. Birds and bugs stuck on the clear coat for too long may leave stains.
Chalking: When clear coat breaks down, it starts producing a chalky white powder residue that dulls the shine and may smudge onto other surfaces like your hands.
Cracking and Peeling: In extreme cases, a combination of oxidation, moisture intrusion and expansion/contraction from temperature fluctuations can cause the clear coat layer to crack, peel or flake off in shards.
Additionally, environmental, storage and washing factors affect clear coat durability. Colder climates with lots of snow, slush and road salts can speed up clear coat failure. Infrequent washing, improper wash methods and uncovered outdoor parking also impacts longevity.
Signs it’s Time for a Clear Coat Correction/Recoat
There comes a point where the clear coat protection has degraded to a level where repainting may be necessary to restore the glossy mirror finish and protect the factory applied paint. Some telltale signs include:
– Hazy, dull or faded appearance that polishing cannot remedy
– Fine cracks or peeling/flaking of clear coat
– Severe oxidation/chalking that sanding won’t remove
– Exposed color coat from chips or damage underneath clear coat
– Bubbles or lifting of clear coat from substrate
While other factors like rust would necessitate a full repaint, on high quality factory paint a simple clear coat correction/re-clear may be possible to restore like-new looks if the color coat is still intact. This involves wet sanding and buffing out imperfections, then re-applying a fresh clear coat layer for protection.
Importance of Maintaining Clear Coat
Given that clear coat is the outer shield for a vehicle’s paint, it is imperative to properly maintain and protect it for the long haul. Here are some best practices:
– Wash weekly using two buckets, grit guard and pH-neutral soap to prevent scratches
– Apply a good quality wax or sealant 1-2 times per year for added protection
– Park in the garage when possible to avoid exposure to elements
– Avoid automatic car washes that can damage paint
– Inspect for signs of clear coat failure regularly and address promptly
– Reapply new clear coat every 5-7 years or as needed depending on condition
Following these clear coat care tips will prolong the lifespan of any vehicle’s factory paint finish or custom paint job. It prevents premature fading, chalking and cracking that requires a costly and time-consuming repaint in the long run. Protecting the clear coat is essential to maintaining an attractive, high-quality paint presentation over the years.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.
