Clear Coat Paint

[JMI]

Pardon my ignorance, but my 1989 535i factory paint job, does that have a "clear coat" finish?

TIA

[wingman]

If it has a metallic finish it will have a clear coat.

[632 Regal]

dont the white or black also have a clear coat?

[JMI]

dont the white or black also have a clear coat?

It is white. I ask because different type of waxes are used for clear coat, right?

[pundit]

dont the white or black also have a clear coat?
Solid colors (non metallics) generally don't have clearcoat. E34's were painted in a metallic black that would have been clear coated but my Alpineweiss has no clearcoat. The clearcoat is simply a protection layer to prevent the metallic particles in the paint from being exposed to the atmoshpere and oxidising and also to enhance the depth of the metallic finish. Loss of clearcoat results in a dull, matt chalky finish to the paint that cannot be polished out.

[pundit]

It is white. I ask because different type of waxes are used for clear coat, right?
Use a polish that suits solid (non clear coated) paint.
Zaino make a polishes to suit both.

[liquidtiger720]

my alpineweiss has a clearcoat :)

[pundit]

my alpineweiss has a clearcoat :)
?????????? Not standard.

[632 Regal]

I believe I read about clear peeling syndrome in a black E34 in a high heat climate too.
?????????? Not standard.

[liquidtiger720]

?????????? Not standard.



aplineweiss 3...afaik had clearcote std.
aplineweiss 2 on the other hand....

[Alan_525i]

I think all BMW non-metallics got a clear coat starting in 95. The original posters thread definilty has no clear coat just like my car. You can use the same polishes whether it has a clear or not. I've never had any problems using the same products on my car as other cars.

[Mike-AZ]

My black '94 540i has a clear coat. I live in Phoenix, so just these past two years, my clear coat has turned a milky color and has come off in some places on the hood and the roof. Totally sucks. -- Mike