What stage paint is a 2013 Arctic White Nissan Sentra?

[MyFirstES300]

Does anyone know by chance? I just bought this car new and there's very little out there in cyberspace. Any help in identifying what kind of paint this is. I just bought "White Wax" the other day but have yet to try it. I have limited time these days, but always like to keep my car looking as nice as possible. Thanks in advance for all your replies.

-Ed

[ffboy]

Re: What stage paint is a 2013 Arctic White Nissan Sentra?

Most modern paints are base coat-clear coat, or base coat and tinted clear coat. For your brand new sentra it will still benefit from White Wax, even new cars have contaminants and other paint issues, take note that they are in the stockyard and may be subject to sun/rain/uv exposure so contaminants may still be on the paint. Claying your car will help, followed by White Wax to remove those unsightly stains or scratches that may have been instilled on your car's paint.

Old or new car, using White Wax is not a concern, but its benefit would be seen most on light colored cars or any car (or any colored car for that matter) that needs real cleaning. White wax is a cleaner/polish/wax, only difference with black wax is that it has more cleaners than polishing oils.

[davey g-force]

Re: What stage paint is a 2013 Arctic White Nissan Sentra?

Chances are it's BC / CC (not single stage).

The way to find out for sure is to try polishing using UC or similar. If your applicator turns white (or the color of the car), you have single stage paint. If not, it's BC / CC.

[MyFirstES300]

Re: What stage paint is a 2013 Arctic White Nissan Sentra?

I think I'm going to pick up a clay kit as another user suggested in another forum on here. Walmart and Autozone does not have one and we have limited auto parts stores around here. May have to order online. BTW, what is the shelf life of clay if it's been kept in a climate controlled environment? I received a sample bar many years ago in one of my orders.
-Ed

[C8N]

Re: What stage paint is a 2013 Arctic White Nissan Sentra?

The walmart in my area had the clay kit but if yours doesn't... try Advanced Auto.

[Meticulous-Detail]

Re: What stage paint is a 2013 Arctic White Nissan Sentra?

Def. try a test spot. Like others have said most modern cars are BC/CC, but I have read about some new Japanese cars having an all in one BC with CC. On other forums I have seen discussions about either Nissan or Toyotas having this SS with a clear mixed in. I am not a painter or body guy, but I do know from a friend that is, that some inexpensive paint jobs are an all in one type paint job with a BC/CC mix sprayed in one shot. If someone knows more about this, plase correct me if I am wrong.

[Murr1525]

Re: What stage paint is a 2013 Arctic White Nissan Sentra?

Not that it really matters either way.

But if your pad turns white you'll know.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: What stage paint is a 2013 Arctic White Nissan Sentra?

Not that it really matters either way.

The bottom line, really. Still, as others have said odds are that it's a base/clear paint system as the vast majority (95-99%) of new cars these days are. But if for some odd reason Nissan is using a single stage paint here, it's most definitely nothing like the single stage paints of the '50s and '60s. The rare single stage paints being used today make use of modern paint chemistry, meaning they are catalyzed paints that behave more like a modern clear coat except they have pigment in them.

No matter what kind of paint it is, however, when it comes to choosing a wax it really doesn't make any difference. Classic single stage lacquer or enamel, a modern base/clear or a modern catalyzed single stage will all benefit from a proper waxing, and virtually any wax on the market today is totally compatible with any of these paint systems.

[MyFirstES300]

Re: What stage paint is a 2013 Arctic White Nissan Sentra?

Mike,
Thanks for coming into the discussion. I am VERY surprised that this could be a single stage paint! I have read numerous articles regarding single stage paint, and even uprooted an article by Mike Phillips. As I stated in another forum, I bought the White Wax, and others have convinced me to clay the car first (which it does need; the paint is rough even though it looks vibrant and shiny). I have taken a few years off from the forums due to work demands and now have a different "fleet" of vehicles than I had 3 years ago. Let's put it this way, I gave up Facebook to have more time to educate myself on car detailing again.

[ffboy]

Re: What stage paint is a 2013 Arctic White Nissan Sentra?

Strange that some car manufacturers still use single stage paint on their cars. Clay your car, it will do wonders to the how easier your wax will be applied and removed. When you do get your clay, do a 50/50 on a panel. Compare the workability, look and feel of a clayed and unclayed surface. Durability will definitely be improved since there is nothing disturbing the bond between the paint and wax. If you're really into this, why not apply a wax/sealant over it? For light colors, NXT 2.0 is the way to go, although Ultimate Wax seems great on dark paint it will still give great results on light colors, it's also the most durable Megs wax.

[Meticulous-Detail]

Re: What stage paint is a 2013 Arctic White Nissan Sentra?

Mike,
Thanks for coming into the discussion. I am VERY surprised that this could be a single stage paint! I have read numerous articles regarding single stage paint, and even uprooted an article by Mike Phillips. As I stated in another forum, I bought the White Wax, and others have convinced me to clay the car first (which it does need; the paint is rough even though it looks vibrant and shiny). I have taken a few years off from the forums due to work demands and now have a different "fleet" of vehicles than I had 3 years ago. Let's put it this way, I gave up Facebook to have more time to educate myself on car detailing again.

Here is a recent full detail on a white BMW by a forum member, just to give you an idea and some tips on white and what potential it has. (Not saying you need all this work, just a point of reference)

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?58874-Detailed-2012-BMW-F30-328i-Alpine-White

Here is my 13 Bright White Durango RT that I just detailed, paint was very clean and smooth from dealer. I was very surprised when I picked it up and I did not have them detail it. Again just a point of reference and to give you some ideas.

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?58687-13-Durango-RT-Blacktop-by-MD-for-MD

[MyFirstES300]

Re: What stage paint is a 2013 Arctic White Nissan Sentra?

Ffboy, I have thought about picking up some NXT 2.0 as a sealant, but I have an arsenal of other sealants to use up first. Right now, I have been using liquid Collinite 845 and it indeed produces a brilliant shine.


Meticulous Detail, thanks for the links. I look forward to reading them.

-Ed

[Michael Stoops]

Re: What stage paint is a 2013 Arctic White Nissan Sentra?

Mike,
Thanks for coming into the discussion. I am VERY surprised that this could be a single stage paint! I have read numerous articles regarding single stage paint, and even uprooted an article by Mike Phillips. As I stated in another forum, I bought the White Wax, and others have convinced me to clay the car first (which it does need; the paint is rough even though it looks vibrant and shiny). I have taken a few years off from the forums due to work demands and now have a different "fleet" of vehicles than I had 3 years ago. Let's put it this way, I gave up Facebook to have more time to educate myself on car detailing again.

Well, chances are very slim that this is a single stage paint. Anything is possible we suppose, but we'd be very surprised to find that this anything but a base/clear paint finish. The only cars currently sold in the US that we know of that have single stage paint is a black paint from either Infiniti or Lexus (can't recall which for sure - that's how common it is).

[ffboy]

Re: What stage paint is a 2013 Arctic White Nissan Sentra?

Ffboy, I have thought about picking up some NXT 2.0 as a sealant, but I have an arsenal of other sealants to use up first. Right now, I have been using liquid Collinite 845 and it indeed produces a brilliant shine.


Meticulous Detail, thanks for the links. I look forward to reading them.

-Ed

Collinite 845 is an awesome product, should work well with Arctic White. I find that while NXT 2.0 works well for dark colors, 845 gives a brighter shine. For some reason, NXT 2.0 in my experience works better on dark colors than 845, seems to bring out the darkness and richness. Although NXT 2.0 is easier to work with. Both products are great in their own unique way.

[mis3]

Re: What stage paint is a 2013 Arctic White Nissan Sentra?

Since I wax often, like once a month, any Meguiars wax will do good for my silver car. I am talking about Ultimate Wax, NXT, Cleaner Wax, Synthetic Sealant, Yellow Wax, etc.

UW is supposed to be the longest lasting wax but I would never know.

3-4 weeks ago, I was supposed to give it the full 5-step detailing job but had to abort due to low temperature. I just washed and waxed with Cleaner Wax. The car surface came out to be so bright and smooth that I may not even clay anytime soon.