Lexus Black Paint - no clear coat?

[wifpd4]

On a Lexus forum I hang out, this statement was made:
"Lexus Black cars do not have clearcoat. They are a base paint."

If this is true (anyone know?), does it change the techniques of my next planned project on a black 2010 Lexus using the following:

Gold Class Wash two bucket with grid guards
Smooth Surface Clay using Quik Detailer
Ultimate Compound* using a PC, with Meg SoftBuff Finishing Pad
Deep Crystal System Polish using a PC, with Meg SoftBuff Polishing Pad
NXT Generation Tech Wax 2 Liquid using a PC, with Meg SoftBuff Polishing Pad
wait 12 hours
Gold Class Canuba Plus Liquid using a PC, with Meg SoftBuff Polishing Pad
all with plenty of microfibers

*previous cleanings indicate SwirlX2 and ScratchX, not aggressive enough

Thanks so much,

[Shawn T.]

Re: Lexus Black Paint - no clear coat?

I doubt that all black Lexus vehicles are a single stage finish. Perhaps there are a few out there that are but that is only a small amount. Almost all cars made today are base coat/clear coat because the clear coat can take more abuse than a single stage finish. I have not seen a black Lexus that was not clear coated. I would check with who you recieved this information from and even call Lexus to prove it.

If it was single stage paint then the process would not change much at all except maybe using M83 and M80 instead of UC. These two products will work miracles on single stage finishes so if you truly working on a single stage finish then I recommend having these two products in your arsenal.

One more recommendation, use a finishing pad with the Gold Class Carnauba Plus, not a polishing pad. The same goes for the NXT 2.0.

[ClearlyCoated]

Re: Lexus Black Paint - no clear coat?

It's not unheard of for new cars. Taffeta White and San Marino Red are single-stage paints used on new Hondas and Acuras.

[Murr1525]

Re: Lexus Black Paint - no clear coat?

Have you detailed the car before?

Did the pad turn black from using SwirlX?

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Lexus Black Paint - no clear coat?

About the best way to tell. Assuming it has not had any areas repainted. Does your pad turn black. If it does it is ss. If it does not change color it has a cc.

[yalerd]

Re: Lexus Black Paint - no clear coat?

I've detailed a couple of black Lexus and I've had some paint transfer in the pad. But I can't compare it to single stage because you get less color pigment (black) on the pad.

I remember using M105 + M205 on one Lexus LX470

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Lexus Black Paint - no clear coat?

Yes, it is true on some models. But it really doesn't change anything other than getting black paint all over your pads. Don't be surprised when this happens - it happens when you're working on clear coat paints too, you just can't see it because the paint is clear. If the car you're working on is indeed single stage black, you'll know soon enough.

But proceed as per usual.

[RaskyR1]

Re: Lexus Black Paint - no clear coat?

Some newer cars (including my 2008 Acura) actually have a tinted clear, which could possibly be the case on your car.

[wifpd4]

Re: Lexus Black Paint - no clear coat?

Have you detailed the car before?

Did the pad turn black from using SwirlX?

Doh! Sounds like a simple test.

Here's what I tried. Although after reading the discussions. Calling Lexus maybe the best way to tell.

I washed a section (12" X 12") of the car.
Clayed with Quik Detailer, wiped with microfiber.
Wiped the section down with alcohol.
Put a 4" white LC pad on a PC
Buffed three times, each with "passion"
Started each of the three times with fresh amounts of SwirlX and microfibered after each time.
End result - a slightly off-white pad about the color of SwirlX. Not a black pad.

[Murr1525]

Re: Lexus Black Paint - no clear coat?

Sounds like clear coat.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Lexus Black Paint - no clear coat?

With no transfer of paint. Sounds like a clear coat. Can't wait to see pics of it all done.

[wifpd4]

Re: Lexus Black Paint - no clear coat?

With no transfer of paint. Sounds like a clear coat. Can't wait to see pics of it all done.

After reading in the Lexus forum my car might not have a clearcoat, I was seeking help for the correct products and procedures for the next swirl removing detailing.

Now I just need to string two days together to get the project done, especially if I have to add in time for photographs!!

Thanks to all for the assistance.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Lexus Black Paint - no clear coat?

With no transfer of paint. Sounds like a clear coat. Can't wait to see pics of it all done.

Definitely a clear coat finish, no doubt about it.