Lasting Paint

[Tazman]

I do not know if this happens everywhere but in Arizona there seems to be a lot of vehicles with clearcoat issues that can be attributed to our intense sun.I plan to get my truck painted in the future, is it possible to get a paint that will last a good ten years?Thanks

[zieg85]

Yes but you will pay for it.  IMO, stay away from base coat clear coat and stick with a high performance true 2 K polyurethane that rates high in QUV testing.  UV rays are brutal and degrade most all clear coats eventually.  UV inhibitors need to be built in the topcoat.  Again I am not an automotive painter but have worked in the OEM Heavy Equipment, heavy industrial and I know there are coatings out there that last a long time.  Go to a few automotive paint stores in your area and ask questions to get a feel what the cost involved is.  Try to find a true automotive paint store, not a Auto Parts store that just happens to sell automotive paint.  You will gain the best info to help you in your search.

[jaredts]

I guess I could have been steered wrong, but I have heard the opposite advice.  A good quality clearcoat (from what I've heard) has much better UV protection than any single stage paint.  Three or more guys at auto paint stores have used UV protection as one of the big selling points for bc/cc when I discussed this with them.  Regular wax/polish should go a long way along with a high end paint/clear.

[zieg85]

I guess I could have been steered wrong, but I have heard the opposite advice.  A good quality clearcoat (from what I've heard) has much better UV protection than any single stage paint.  Three or more guys at auto paint stores have used UV protection as one of the big selling points for bc/cc when I discussed this with them.  Regular wax/polish should go a long way along with a high end paint/clear.

The answer is depends...  The problem with bc/cc is with intense UV rays in the south it degrades the cc and then peels.  Not a problem with a good single stage.  Regular care is a must with any paint job to help it last.  Washing it once a year doesn't count, ooooh did I tell on my self...  My white 85 has never seen a garage and the paint was shot when I got it.

[VileZambonie]

A good BC/CC should have better UV protection than single stage. I always use BC/CC unless it's a quick paint job or repair. I'm sure this could be a 20 page debate though.

[Tazman]

I try to polish and wax it every six weeks.Yet I have been told that wax can burn off in hot temps.Thanks for the responses I will keep this in mind when I am ready to get it painted.

[Grover 1]

My Kenworth has a base coat clear coat on it.  The paint still looks good after being out side for 10 years and 800,000 miles.  Call your K/W dealer and see what the factory uses.