Caring for our soft paint

Amj2020

I leave my car in the garage most of the time and just the air running over it causes micro marring and scratches hah...good luck!

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RonRizz

Where did we come up with the "Nissan is known for soft paint".... Is this a factual statement?
My 2011 Black cherry Has 40k on it and it looks better than showroom, with exception to the usual rock chips and whatnot on the front bumper....

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Junkman2008

You would have had to have worked on a bunch of other cars to tell the difference between Nissan paint as compared to other manufacturers. The paint isn't actually softer, it's just that there is not as much there, especially when we're talking about clear coat. That makes it easier to correct but easier to chip also.

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RonRizz

Agreed.. I actually did a short search on google, and basically all I came up with was people whining in forums and such about it being soft.. Nothing proven, just pissed off owners whos cars are scratched. Hell, I got road chips too, but so does my chevy, my Subaru, and my Ford, and every other car ive ever owned. I will say that the Z is the only one they really bother me on, though...lol
I was just curious as to where the statement originated, that's all.

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markesc

Ha!

If you think Nissan paint is bad, don't buy a Subaru... worst paint ever!!

WI_Hedgehog

The clear-coat is insanely soft. I have a magnetic black 2015 and went through the clear with a fingernail while trying to get some debris off like I would normally do on other vehicles with no problem, here it's a problem. I'm a fanatic Junkman 2000 2-bucket wash guy here (that man is awesome in real life too), keep the car in mint condition, so it's not like I'm careless, it's just an incredibly soft finish--disappointing. Seriously disappointing when you ruin your own finish.

RonRizz

I'm gonna have to raise the BS flag on that one, Unless your nickname is wolverine....lol

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danegrey

Well still stand by that it scratches itself, soft / thin paint / not enough paint... it is just a pain.......

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SouthArk370Z

The paint on newer cars seems to be quite a bit softer and thinner than it was back in The Good Ole Days (1950s thru early-1970s). But I don't have any kind of scientific evidence to back that up - just the way it looks to me. I always assumed it was because of EPA regulations pertaining to paint fumes.

If you are going through the clearcoat or paint with your polishing, you're doing something wrong. See Junkman2008's paint care videos.

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WI_Hedgehog

No kidding, when de-badging I found out the adhesive was better quality than the clear coat... Kidding on that, but did dig in, and was using tape, all plastic tools, 3M adhesive remover, and a Bosch digital heat gun. My fingernail is what did me in, and that's never happened before. I was fairly OCD on that event...still hold a grudge... LOL

You can believe it or not, there are some heavy-handed people out there, but this time it was actually a fingernail.

nowayhighway

Would opticoat really preserve and protect our soft paint?

WI_Hedgehog

Without having used it on the Z yet, I'm going to say "yes."

The first thing is to wash the car.
Second, clay the clearcoat.
Third, use a mild cutting compound to remove the scratches put in while claying.
Fourth, polish.
Fifth, apply CQuartz (or Opticoat).
Sixth, wax.

The wax sheds water and dirt, and the less dirt there is to remove the better. Dirt is the abrasive that ruins the finish. The wax protects the CQuartz from being scrubbed off. CQuartz protects the clearcoat from being damaged by the abrasive dirt. The clearcoat protects the paint. Each soft layer we add is sacrificial, protecting the next.

None of that will protect against stone damage, nor keep the car from wadding up in a wreck. It extends the life of the finish by helping protect against micro-abrasion. Bug bodies will come off easier, and bird splat won't react with the clear coat until it has gotten past the other barriers. The slick finish will keep dust from sticking to a fair degree, and rinsing the car will pull the water off therefore drying the car. The work and expense is worth it if you value the finish.

OldGuyFla

I got one of the clear protective coatings that the dealerships apply (mine called the protector) After seeing this thread about soft paint, I went all over my car trying to push my fingernail into the paint & couldn't see anywhere it left a mark. I got this coating to help with the love bugs down here & it has been working great.

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