I think the old single-stage paints actually hold up better than modern clear coat

Been doing this for 15 years and I swear the 80s single-stage jobs I see coming through my shop in Austin still have better color retention than the 2010s clear coats that are peeling after 8 years. Am I the only one who thinks we went backwards in durability with these multi-stage systems?

3 comments

3 Comments

terry_wood512mo agoTop Commenter

1987 Honda Accord that came through my shop last month still had its original factory single stage. The color was deep and even with zero peeling anywhere. Modern clear coats on late model cars start looking rough around the 7 year mark here in the Texas heat. That stuff gets brittle and flakes off like dried skin. Single stage just fades a bit over time but stays put way longer. We went backwards for sure.

kelly.nora27d ago

Stays put way longer" is putting it mildly, honestly. I had a 1991 Ford LTD with that old single stage blue. Thing sat outside for 20 years in Florida sun and rain. Paint went flat and chalky sure, but it never peeled or cracked. You could still wash it and it would look decent from 10 feet away. Meanwhile my buddy's 2015 Tacoma with clear coat failure looks like someone took a belt sander to the hood. That single stage might fade evenly but at least it doesn't turn into a scabby mess. We traded durability for gloss and lost.

oliver_wilson492mo ago

We went backwards" feels a little dramatic.