Paintwork

The paint system applied to your car, which will usually be the primer, the base coat (colour coat) and the clear coat (a lacquer/varnish).

Some vintage cars and commercial vehicles do not have a clear coat and will instead be a thick, colour coat over primer. 

What it means

Modern OEM paintwork is usually a waterborne colour basecoat under a solvent or waterborne clear coat. Older or classic cars may have single-stage paint without a clear. Repair work can add variations in film build, hardness and texture. Bumpers and trims are often plastic with flex agents and adhesion promoters, so they can behave differently to metal panels. Finish options include gloss, satin or matte clear coats, plus effects like metallic and pearl.

Why it matters

• Process choice: washing, decontamination and polishing steps depend on paint type, hardness and thickness.
• Risk control: edges and body lines are typically thinner – over-polishing risks strike-through.
• Protection fit: ceramics and PPF perform best on properly prepared, stable paint; fresh resprays need waiting periods.
• Appearance: gloss, orange peel, DOI and colour uniformity are all functions of the paintwork, not just protection on top.

Where you’ll see it

Inspection reports, machine polishing plans, coating or PPF consultations, and bodyshop documentation after repairs or resprays.

Context

Car Paint Protection; Bodyshop refinish; Detailing; Materials and coatings

Typical construction

• Substrate: steel, aluminium or plastic.
• Primer/undercoat: corrosion protection and adhesion promotion.
• Basecoat: colour and effect (solid, metallic, pearl).
• Clear coat: UV protection, gloss and polishable thickness.

Common issues

• Wash marring and swirls: caused by poor wash media or technique.
• Etching and staining: water spots, bird drops and fallout if left on the surface.
• Repair variation: texture, colour or thickness differences after smart repair or respray.
• Oxidation/fade: single-stage and neglected finishes dull over time without protection.

Common mistakes

• Polishing edges and sharp body lines aggressively – these areas are thinner.
• Treating matte or satin clear like gloss – polishing or waxing to shine will alter the finish.
• Coating or fitting PPF to a fresh respray before the paint has off-gassed and stabilised.
• Assuming all panels match hardness – plastic bumpers often cut and finish differently to metal panels.
• Skipping decon and panel wipe before protection – leads to weak bonding and patchy behaviour.

Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 10/11/2025 16:25