Car Makers Tightening Up On Paint Thickness

[Setec Astronomy]

I heard theyre applying the paint differntly as well. theyre pretty much powdercoating the vehicles. they negativly charge the vehicle and positivly charge the paint so there is no overspray whatsoever. i'm assuming that also has something to do with the thinness of the paint.

Well there's that (electrostatic coating application) but there's also the fact that what they're applying is water-based or waterborne paint. I believe it simply sprays out thinner than solvent-based paints like most of us are used to working with.

Well...you guys are talking about a few different things here that pre-date waterborne paints. Going back 20 years or more electrostatic painting was used to get the operators out of the spray booth (not the best job in the plant) and to reduce solvent (VOC) emissions (by using less paint). I would argue that it's harder to get the paint to flowout thinner with a high-solids or waterborne paint than it is with solvent, however.

[builthatch]

Mate, I couldn't agree with you more about the less is best rule, but would you actually still wet sand, even on severe peel even though paints are that thin ?

Cheers mate
Pete

nah, i wouldn't. if the depth gauge says something crazy, i'd def not try it. yes peel means there are high spots that can be sanded down to the low spots for uniformity, but when uniform what would the thickness be at that stage? definitely not worth the risk, even on my personal vehicle.

[Matt S.]

My 2006 S2000 is around 60 microns in some areas - scary thin. I don't even like using any waxes with cleaners in them because I get some paint transfer from the thin tinted clear coat onto my pad. John's 2010 Mazdaspeed3 is around 75-80 microns in some areas...at least his paint is somewhat hard, though.

[Fly bye]

I have in the past, gotten red clear/tint transfer, but I'm not worried about it

[TornadoRed]

** Stupid Question Alert **

If the clear is really thin on a new car, can you take it down to your favorite auto painter and have them slap on some more clear coat?

Be kind.

[Setec Astronomy]

If the clear is really thin on a new car, can you take it down to your favorite auto painter and have them slap on some more clear coat?

Boy that sounds like a nightmare. Better to take it to somebody like Integrity Detail and get an application of Opti-Coat.

[Fly bye]

** Stupid Question Alert **

If the clear is really thin on a new car, can you take it down to your favorite auto painter and have them slap on some more clear coat?

Be kind.

Unless there is an inherent factory defect, I wouldn't even trip. There is no need for an auto body shop, or spraying or anything.

[STi05']

Too bad a thickness gauge is so expensive..