Paint Hardness Log

[DLB]

I have been reading up on the paint hardness of certain vehicles, and I realize several factors apply when stating how hard a paint is.

However, I think that it would be nice if we dedicated a thread (or something) that logged how hard individuals have found certain paint/clear coat to be.

AudiTTMan stated at one point he was working on a chart (See thread: http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/porter-cable-7424-buffing-pad-forum/16512-paint-hardness-chart.html) but since there is no definitive answer, something a little more in depth may be required.

What I was thinking is possibly people could just post the following information:
Vehicle Year
Vehicle Make & Model
Vehicle Color
Hardness on the 10 scale (1 Soft - 10 Hard)
And any general notes on the finish
And anything else that would be necessary...

This would all be very subjective to the individual's perception, but it would be a nice starting point none the less. Plus, when you have 5 people chiming in saying they have found 2008 Honda Civic's with Black paint to be a soft "3" on the scale, you can pretty well gather that it is accurate.

Maybe this is a bad idea, and maybe it won't work. But, I was just brainstorming.
It would need some kind of standard to follow though in order for it to be a "definitive" thread.

Good idea? Bad idea? Impossible idea? Thoughts?

DLB

[loco]

I think it's a great idea. I'm also curious about this. Thanks for starting the thread, hopefully people with more expertise than me will participate. :)

[A4 1.8tqm]

Great Idea! Although it is very subjective. I think we should also add what Machine/Pad/Polish combo was used. This may be tough for some, more experienced, people to recall for so many cars/products, but it will be valuable info for describing a paints hardness. Maybe a brief (before) description of paint condition too. Let's make this happen.

In my limited, detailing for personal pleasure, experience...

1999
Audi A4
Santorin Blue Pearl
Condition- moderate swirls, moderate RIDS.
Hardness- 8
Machine- Flex 3401
Product/Pad- 3M Super Duty/Menz Powergloss on LC Yellow/Orange, Menz IP/FPII on LC white/Gray
Comments- How could there still be ANY imperfections after THAT pass?!? Worst of RIDS improved but still visible. The paint needs to rest, I'll get them out tomorrow... :cheers:

1999
Toyota Camry
Blue
Condition- Every micron of paint swirled, RIDS a plenty, Bird etchings, more swirls.
Hardness- 5
Machine- Flex 3401
Product/Pad- 3M Super Duty on LC Yellow/Orange, Menz IP/FPII on LC white/Gray
Comments- Klasse AIO on white LC pad removed light swirls... Deeper imperfections not too tough.

2000
Acura Integra Type-R
Metallic Black
Condition- light to moderate swirls
Hardness- 4
Machine- Flex 3401
Product/Pad- 3M Super Duty on LC Orange, Menz IP/FPII on LC white/Gray
Comments- Compounding probably wasn't necessary. Finished down easily.

Next in line, sooner or later-


1997
BMW 328i
Green
Condition- Makes me cry at night

2002
Chrysler 300C
Black (Pearl?)
Condition- Moderate to heavy swirls, few RIDS.

2004
Mustang
Light swirls, CC failure on hood and rear bumper.
Silver

1996
Cadillac
Heavy swirls, moderate RIDS.
Green

2000, 2003
Honda Accord and Acura TL Type-S
Silver
Condition- Light swirls

New Products- 3M Machine Polish/Ultrafine, XMT 360, Max wax

:buffing: ---> :work: ---> :cheers: ---
^_____________)

[DLB]

Great recommendations to add A4 1.8tgm!

And thank you very much for your descriptions!

I see this as making it much easier to have an idea where to start on certain finishes.
Especially when you don't have all the products AG carries in your lineup :D

DLB

[A4 1.8tqm]

:bump:

[michael k]

1997
BMW 328i
Green
Condition- Makes me cry at night

:D
Maybe start another thread for "Creative paint condition descriptions".
:props:

[A4 1.8tqm]

LOL That 328i is one of my Dad's cars. The CC is trashed and peeling in several places around the bumpers, terrible color match on front left 1/4 panel's repaint, leather is rock hard, dash is faded, carpets stained to heck, runs rough and engine will die at idle until warmed up. Fault codes scanned at a local shop threw so many codes the car is likely totaled. OH, did I mention he bought it like that? :doh: It will be a great project. Somehow it still passed emissions! Being a chipped straight 6 cyl and RWD its a blast to drive, a nice change up from my stock 4 cyl Quattro (if I'm not worried about getting to my destination lol). :idea::pc7424:

[unclestu]

To be able to have a reliable paint hardness chart would be great.
There are many variables both physical and chemical that seem to determine a paints hardness. A chart that is made up of a lot of peoples subjective opinions might tend to create a false sense of security about the degree of hardness a particular manufactures paint might or might not have. Paint hardness seems to be a question that there seems to be no simple answer to. The following is an article that explains in more detail what goes into creating a paint system for a new car: OEM Auto Paint Finishes (http://www.mobileworks.com/auto-paint-finishes.html)

Perhaps there are some auto body professionals in the forum that know of a published paint hardness chart that was scientifically compiled by an independent laboratory.