I just bought a brand new 2003 TL and was wondering if anybody knows if Acura uses a clearcoat on the firehawk black pearl paint. There are other companies that don't use a clearcoat on their black paint because it looks a lot better because you won't see swirl marks nearly as easy. The black on my car looks really nice and I was wondering if the lack of clearcoat might explain why.

Cheers!

 

well as far as i know Every Manufacturer uses Base Clear on all there cars. i havent come across a single stage paint in MANY years. (i paint) but to answer your guestion Yes the tl has clear coat

 

Right.

 

Thanks for your replies. I do know for a fact that Lexus does NOT use a clearcoat on their black paint for the reason I described above. I have also heard that MB does the same. There is no way to tell by just looking at the paint, unless you know the process or put a buffer to the finish.

Cheers!

 

i could tell by looking and touching. you could also take your finger nail to it and try scuffing it, base clear will scuff differently than single stage

 

I've heard that clearcoat is the exact same as another coat of paint, except that the clearcoat has no pigment. The thickness of the finish is the same whether it has clearcoat or not. If clearcoat is just paint without pigment, how can you tell by scratching your fingernail on it? I know you can tell if your buffing wheel turns black, then there's no clearcoat.

Cheers!

 

What do you use to wash and wax your car? Recommendations?

 

no clear coat - the paint will swirl more without it...

Wash/Wax reccomendations -

Stay away from those wash and wax washes - I prefer Platinum Ulitmate Auto Wash Shampoo (infact I use the whole Platinum line) as well as PS21 Bodywork Conditioning Shampoo..

If you are looking for off the shelf then Meguiars or Mothers are good lines.

For Waxing - well it depends how much work you want to put into it.

Again I use and reccomend Platinum line - thier Ultimate Paint Cleaner and Ulitmate Paint Protection are a combination that will make you smile, and people will stop and ask you what you use (this happens quite often to me). UPP is not a wax but a sealant. You apply it to the entire car and wait for it to bond (about 45 mins) and then wipe it off (comes off easy with no residue and does not stain your trim). You can layer the UPP (three is usually the sweet spot) but you have to wait 24 hours between applications.

After UPP you can top it off with a Carnuba wax (not a cleaner/wax combo as this will remove the UPP) for even more Bling Bling shine.

again if you want off the shelf I would reccomend the Meguiars or Mother's line..if you have a Harley shop in your area see if they carry S100 Wax..it is the same as PS21 but cheaper and PS21 is da bomb of Carnuba waxes.

you can get all sorts of waxes, polishes, washes and just about everything you need to detail your car HERE