How Hard is Clear Coat Really?
You've probably often heard car detailers mention "soft paint" and "hard paint."
But what impact does "soft paint" vs. "hard paint" actually have on a car? These are industry terms.
The industry uses this distinction to gauge the level of polishing required, based on the elasticity and toughness of the clear coat, but it's not an absolute rule. Each car manufacturer tends to use specific types of coating brands. Different models from the same brand can have varying toughness, and even the same model produced in different factories may differ. Manufacturers also adjust the formula annually or in different batches, meaning the same model from different production years can vary too.
Why Does the Year Affect Clear Coat Toughness?
The automobile is only about 100 years old, but in that time, coating technology has evolved dramatically. It started with non-glossy, natural oil-based paints, then incorporated resins, nitrocellulose lacquer, solvent-based coatings (harder), thermosetting acrylics, thermoplastic acrylics, evolved to single-stage paint (softer), two-stage paint (harder), and now to water-based paints (especially soft). We can see that older cars generally had harder paint. However, due to the push for green and eco-friendly solutions, coupled with manufacturers aiming to reduce costs and achieve higher film thickness, modern paints tend to be softer with more pronounced orange peel.
What Does Hard or Soft Paint Mean for the Car Owner?
If you're concerned about stone chips and scratches, it's advisable to choose a car with harder paint. Brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, etc. – typically German cars – usually have very hard, thick clear coats that are difficult to damage. They resist abrasion and oxidation better, are less prone to deep contaminants or scratches, and generally require less effort to maintain the clear coat.
Conversely, if you choose a Japanese or domestic model, the clear coat is often softer and thinner (especially Japanese cars). This makes them more susceptible to contaminant adhesion, chipping easily from stone impacts, and even light contact can cause scratches. In our experience, Japanese and domestic cars have a higher demand for paint correction because they damage more easily than German cars. Owners of cars with soft paint need to invest more in detailing and maintenance after purchase and will frequently see new scratches and swirl marks reappear.
How to Tell if Paint is Soft or Hard?
This requires accumulated experience. With rich experience, one can often judge whether the paint is hard or soft just by seeing the model, color, year, orange peel, and type of fine scratches, and then select the appropriate approach. If you lack experience, you need shared knowledge to help you quickly judge and proceed correctly. If no such information is available, you'll have to rely on trial and error. Start by testing a small, inconspicuous area to see the paint's reaction, then adjust your method accordingly. Crucially, don't waste time applying excessive pressure or over-polishing.
Advice for Owners of Cars with Soft Paint
You get what you pay for; cost is reflected in the clear coat quality. Given the budget, everyone would prefer a car with better paint. Unfortunately, most people, working with limited budgets, end up with cars featuring softer paint. Therefore, our advice to soft paint owners is: Be meticulous about your parking environment – try to avoid parking under trees or in crowded, tight spaces. When washing or waxing, never rub the dry paint surface. Given the soft and thin nature of the clear coat, choose higher-quality protective products. Also, don't set your expectations for a flawless finish too high, as a freshly polished surface can quickly become damaged again, requiring further correction. Be mentally prepared for regular professional detailing and correction.
Of course, while it's always best to avoid accidents altogether, if you ever find yourself in a situation requiring a full panel respray, you can request the use of a harder clear coat for the repair. At MR Auto, we offer a variety of clear coat options to choose from!
How Hard is Clear Coat Really?
You've probably often heard car detailers mention "soft paint" and "hard paint."
But what impact does "soft paint" vs. "hard paint" actually have on a car? These are industry terms.
The industry uses this distinction to gauge the level of polishing required, based on the elasticity and toughness of the clear coat, but it's not an absolute rule. Each car manufacturer tends to use specific types of coating brands. Different models from the same brand can have varying toughness, and even the same model produced in different factories may differ. Manufacturers also adjust the formula annually or in different batches, meaning the same model from different production years can vary too.
Why Does the Year Affect Clear Coat Toughness?
The automobile is only about 100 years old, but in that time, coating technology has evolved dramatically. It started with non-glossy, natural oil-based paints, then incorporated resins, nitrocellulose lacquer, solvent-based coatings (harder), thermosetting acrylics, thermoplastic acrylics, evolved to single-stage paint (softer), two-stage paint (harder), and now to water-based paints (especially soft). We can see that older cars generally had harder paint. However, due to the push for green and eco-friendly solutions, coupled with manufacturers aiming to reduce costs and achieve higher film thickness, modern paints tend to be softer with more pronounced orange peel.
What Does Hard or Soft Paint Mean for the Car Owner?
If you're concerned about stone chips and scratches, it's advisable to choose a car with harder paint. Brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, etc. – typically German cars – usually have very hard, thick clear coats that are difficult to damage. They resist abrasion and oxidation better, are less prone to deep contaminants or scratches, and generally require less effort to maintain the clear coat.
Conversely, if you choose a Japanese or domestic model, the clear coat is often softer and thinner (especially Japanese cars). This makes them more susceptible to contaminant adhesion, chipping easily from stone impacts, and even light contact can cause scratches. In our experience, Japanese and domestic cars have a higher demand for paint correction because they damage more easily than German cars. Owners of cars with soft paint need to invest more in detailing and maintenance after purchase and will frequently see new scratches and swirl marks reappear.
How to Tell if Paint is Soft or Hard?
This requires accumulated experience. With rich experience, one can often judge whether the paint is hard or soft just by seeing the model, color, year, orange peel, and type of fine scratches, and then select the appropriate approach. If you lack experience, you need shared knowledge to help you quickly judge and proceed correctly. If no such information is available, you'll have to rely on trial and error. Start by testing a small, inconspicuous area to see the paint's reaction, then adjust your method accordingly. Crucially, don't waste time applying excessive pressure or over-polishing.
Advice for Owners of Cars with Soft Paint
You get what you pay for; cost is reflected in the clear coat quality. Given the budget, everyone would prefer a car with better paint. Unfortunately, most people, working with limited budgets, end up with cars featuring softer paint. Therefore, our advice to soft paint owners is: Be meticulous about your parking environment – try to avoid parking under trees or in crowded, tight spaces. When washing or waxing, never rub the dry paint surface. Given the soft and thin nature of the clear coat, choose higher-quality protective products. Also, don't set your expectations for a flawless finish too high, as a freshly polished surface can quickly become damaged again, requiring further correction. Be mentally prepared for regular professional detailing and correction.
Of course, while it's always best to avoid accidents altogether, if you ever find yourself in a situation requiring a full panel respray, you can request the use of a harder clear coat for the repair. At MR Auto, we offer a variety of clear coat options to choose from!
