Toyota Paint

[LiquidBlack]

I read on this forum recently that a Toyota's paint is soft. Is this true?

[Murr1525]

Different paints even within a company can vary.. this is mostly based on the the different pigments used for the colors.

But in general, I would say Toyota paint is not the hardest from my experience.

[Bama]

Re: Toyota Paint

Originally posted by LiquidBlack
I read on this forum recently that a Toyota's paint is soft. Is this true?

Just from my experience owning a 05' 4Runner, it seems softer than some. I've had a Pontiac and Chevy. Their paint was harder than the Toyota. I now own an 05' Acura, and it's paint seems harder than the Toyota. So maybe this helps.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Toyota Paint

Originally posted by LiquidBlack
I read on this forum recently that a Toyota's paint is soft. Is this true?

Doesn't matter what someone says about paint hardness or softness on a discussion forum because the only thing that matters in reality is when you go out to your garage and you start working on your car's paint.

That's when you'll find out how hard or soft the paint is.

If defects come out easy, then your paint is soft enough to be workable. If after throwing everything you have at the finish you inspect the finish and find out you haven't made a dent in the swirls and scratches, then there's a good chance the paint is hard.

"You never know what you can do until you try"


Are you trying to remove defects? Or are you trying to just maintain the finish and not put any scratches and swirls into it?

[LiquidBlack]

I asked this because I have found my finish is very easy to scratch.

I will be removing defects... sometime...

[Bama]

I agree with Mike and that is what I was really trying to convey in my post.

IME, my Toyota's paint is softer than most, which makes removing defects easier. Scratch X works well on my black 05' 4Runner.

However, a clear coat can be hard and scratch easily also. A harder surface, as Mike mentioned, is more difficult to remove defects from as opposed to a softer finish.

Even though the 4Runner has softer paint imo, it still will scratch easily. Clear coats, whether hard or soft, generally are scratch sensitive.

[Murr1525]

Yeah, at least if the coat is soft, stuff will remove easily as well.

[Pete-FWA]

The most recent Toyotas I worked with were 2000 models and they tended to be some of the easist to scratch, yet easiest to remove defects from. Their top coat felt even softer than the mid-80s GM clears I'd become so accustomed to working with 15+ years prior.

These were also the most susceptible to burning in holograms with wool pads. One of the painters with a local shop used to send his cars to us for final detailing and I recall so many Toyotas roughed up with an old, harsh abrasive compound and wool pad.

[mikkl]

I can not comment on "soft", but I do know that if touch our Sienna with anthing , you get a chip in the paint or a scratch. This car has the most damage prone finish I have ever owned.

The body panels are dent-prone too.

Yes, it is very hard to keep it looking new. My wife has just about given up trying and we have only had it for three years.

mikkl

[LiquidBlack]

I'll have to say im glad I got a black car. Had I not, I dont think I would be as interested in keeping my finish looking as good/knowing the best products to use on my car.

[Pete-FWA]

Black paint definitely makes one step up their game a notch

[RedSoxRacer]

LiquidBlack...

Looking for someone who lives in TN who owns a DACP. I need to learn how to use one/try it out before I buy one myself.

DACP is Dual Action Cleaner Polish. You probably mean a Porter Cable Dual Action Polisher?

[LiquidBlack]

[embarrassment]HAHA[/embarrassment]

making changes...

[zey]

Having a black car always motivates me to do more on my car. Each time I touch my paint, flaws start to show up. It also involves proper technique when it comes to waxing to prevent patchy problem.