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What is Clear Coat?...Plus One Secret To Making It Last Forever

There’s a lot of confusion surrounding clear coats, including what they are, and how to properly care for them. Some car owners are care free, thinking their clear coat is infallible and can safely be ignored without consequence. Others are overly cautious and do everything in their power to prevent even a single leaf or raindrop from landing on their car’s clear coat.

200X STRONGER THAN STEEL!

ADVANCED PROTECTION IN MINUTES

★★★★★ 

High Rated Reviews from 150+ Customers 

After a simple spray and wipe down using a microfiber towel, your car’s paint job will be protected for up to an entire year. Your car’s top coat impenetrable to any chemical, liquid, or environmental contaminant there is. In a matter of minutes!

So, What is a Clear Coat?

A clear coat is an invisible layer of paint that goes on top of your car’s paint. It offers a nice shiny gloss as well as protection. It shields deeper layers from UV rays, dirt, and debris that can damage your car paint.

Professional car detailer applying a graphene coating product to the top of a car's clear coat
Tip: Don’t let your clear coat be your paint’s only line of defense! Add a graphene coating, a 200x stronger than steel layer of shine and protection.

The clear coat is typically applied by the manufacturer and typically has a thickness of 30 to 80 microns, though this can vary greatly between panels and manufacturers. It may also be applied in multiple layers to increase the protection for the panel and layers underneath without increasing the cost too much. 

While clear coats are incredibly common, they aren’t required on any vehicle, and you can choose to get a car without a clear coat. These cars typically have the same matte finish as the base coat and color coat. For cars painted with single-stage painting, the color coat is the last layer and typically has a more glossy finish than color coats topped with a clear coat. 

It’ll last as long as you protect it! Neglect it, and you will eventually experience clear coat peeling which just looks hideous and can cost you hundreds to thousands of dollars to repair.

Understanding the layers of paint on your car

The primer and the base coat are the paint layer applied to a surface before the topcoat. It helps to create a smooth, even surface for the topcoat to adhere to and can also help to seal the surface and prevent rust. 

The layers of paint on a car and their measurements.
On top of your car’s metal surface are 3 extra layers. The primer, the color coat, and the thickest layer – the clear coat.

The color coat is the layer of color that is applied over the primer. It can be any color or combination of colors that the painter desires. 

The clear coat is the layer of paint that is applied over the topcoat of the paint. It helps to protect the paint from scratches and chipping and gives the paint a glossy finish. The clear coat also helps to protect the paint from fading and UV damage. 

A fourth layer can also be applied after the car has been purchased to protect the clear coat and the deeper layers. This includes wax, ceramic, and graphene coatings. These coatings help to give the car an extra layer of protection against scratches and also provide a more durable finish than regular paint.

Why is a Clear Coat Important?

A clear coat is your paint’s main layer of protection, protecting deeper layers from UV rays, dirt, debris, and other causes of scratches and fading. The UV rays from the sun can fade and damage your car’s paint over time, leaving the metal below vulnerable to rust and other damage. Dirt and debris can also cause scratches and abrasions, creating gaps in your clear coat defenses. 

Acid rain, water spots, and leaf stains are even more potential causes of damage to your clear coat. However, a properly maintained and cared-for clear coat can keep your car looking great for years to come. 

Clear Coat and Car Washes: Is There a Danger?

Even with a clear coat, car washes are still necessary to keep your car looking its best. Routinely washing your car helps to remove dirt, dust, and other harmful contaminants that can damage your car’s paint.

However, not all car washes are created equal. Automatic car washes can be harmful to your car’s paint. The brushes used in automatic car washes can scratch your car’s paint and damage it. In addition, the harsh chemicals used in automatic car washes can also damage your car’s paint.

If there is too much damage to your car’s clear coat, it can begin to fail, creating an unappealing, patchy look to the finish. If this happens, it will likely need a professional detailer to remove the old clear coat and apply a new one, which can be a time-consuming and expensive process. 

The Easiest Way to Extend The Life Of Your Clear Coat

The best way to extend the life of your clear coat is to protect it with an additional coating you can apply at home. There have been many different types of coatings used on cars over the years, including wax, ceramic, and graphene.

Wax is a natural substance applied to a car’s surface to protect it from the elements. It helps to seal the paint and prevent rust from forming. However, wax does not offer much protection against scratches or chipping. 

Ceramic coatings use a man-made substance that is applied to the surface of a car in order to protect it from scratches and UV damage. It also helps to seal the paint and prevent rust from forming. Ceramic coatings are more resilient than wax coatings, and professional-grade ceramic coatings can last for up to five years. 

Graphene is a relatively new synthetic substance that chemically bonds to the surface of your car to provide an unmatched level of protection. It is more durable than ceramic coatings, and a professional-grade graphene coating can last for up to ten years. A good example of a consumer-grade graphene coating that can be applied at home is Torque Detail’s Graphene Burst.

No matter what type of coating you choose, it is important to remember that regular maintenance is key to keep your car looking its best. Properly washing, drying, and maintaining your car and its finish can help to extend the life of your clear coat and keep your car looking new for longer. 

How To Apply Your First Graphene Coating
And Protect Your Vehicle’s Value

One of the best ways to ensure the car is spotless is by using the Two Bucket Wash Method. This entails using one basket of soapy water to clean your car, and one bucket to serve as a rinse bucket for your wash mitt or cloth to rinse off the dirt and grime before moving on to the next section of your car. It’s designed to get your car nice and clean with minimal risk for scratching.

Follow this steps in applying Graphene coating:

  1. Begin by washing and drying the vehicle. Make sure to remove any dirt or debris from the vehicle’s surface.
  2. Next, shake the Torque Detail Graphene Burst bottle vigorously before use.
  3. Apply a thin, even coat of the product onto the desired area.
  4. Allow the product to sit for approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on the temperature and humidity of the environment.
  5. Using a clean microfiber cloth, buff off the product in a circular motion.
  6. Do not allow the product to dry on the surface for too long, as it may cause streaking.

Graphene Burst can be used on paint, glass, chrome, and plastic. It is safe for all finishes, including clear coats, and can last for up to a year before needing to reapply. 

You still need to keep up with regular washes to get the most protection out of your graphene coating and preserve the clear coat underneath. Thankfully, Graphene Burst helps repel dirt and grime, making it easier to wash when needed. 

Torque Detail’s Graphene Burst is the perfect product to keep your car looking its best. With regular use, Graphene Burst will help extend your clear coat’s life and keep it looking new for years to come.

For the two bucket wash method, watch it here:

200X STRONGER THAN STEEL!

ADVANCED PROTECTION IN MINUTES

★★★★★ 

High Rated Reviews from 150+ Customers 

After a simple spray and wipe down using a microfiber towel, your car’s paint job will be protected for up to an entire year. Your car’s top coat impenetrable to any chemical, liquid, or environmental contaminant there is. In a matter of minutes!

Summary: Don’t Forget To Extend The Life of Your Clear Coat

A clear coat is an important part of your car’s paint job. It provides a layer of protection and helps your car’s paint job last longer. You should regularly wash and polish your vehicle to keep the clear coat in good condition. 

If you notice any signs of wear, such as dullness, scratches, or peeling, it is time to apply a new coat of clear. This is best done by a professional, especially if you don’t have a lot of detailing experience. 

If you want to protect your clear coat before it needs to be replaced, you should consider applying a sealant such as a graphene coating. Graphene Burst by Torque Detail is a quick and easy way to seal your car’s clear coat and protect it from the elements you encounter on the road.

  • Published on Dec 28, 2022