The technology used to paint a vehicle has become increasingly more complex resulting in a better than ever look and a better protection of the metalwork.

There is are 2 paint types. Basecoat clearcoat paint (two-stage) and a 2K paint (single stage). OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer ) use basecoat clearcoat system. 

There are typically three layers in a vehicle’s paintwork. The first coat is the primer. Like all primers it is manufactured not for aesthetics but for durability and to ensure that the colour coat adheres effectively.

The second layer is the colour coating, also known as the basecoat. The thickness of this layer depends on the type of car and the manufacturer.

Thirdly, as a protection for the basecoat (colour coating), a clearcoat is applied. The clearcoat contains some form of UV protection. The objective of the clearcoat is to improve the colour and gloss of the basecoat and to offer a measure of protection from scratches, oxidisation and atmospheric fallout.

When using car polishing machines it is always a good idea to find out more about the clearcoat of the car that is being detailed.

The hardness of clearcoats varies tremendously from manufacturer to manufacturer. Hard clearcoats require more polishing but soft clearcoats are more difficult to correct.

Thus applying the right compound and waxes becomes very important.