| I have had customer say to me "my car has a | | | | |
| clear coat on the paint and does not need | | | | There are basically two types of paint |
| waxing." This cannot be any further from the | | | | protection. They are sealants and waxes. |
| truth. The clear coat is part of the paint | | | | Sealants have a different bonding process |
| process used on most cars and trucks | | | | than wax and will last longer than wax. Both |
| manufactured since the early 1990's. The | | | | offer excellent protection and can be applied |
| first coat of paint is the pigment. It goes | | | | as a liquid or paste. Whether you choose to |
| on flat and has no protection or durability. | | | | use a sealant or wax, both should be |
| The clear coat, which is also paint, will | | | | re-applied every six to nine months. Car |
| make the pigment look transparent and make | | | | dealers also offer paint protection packages. |
| the pigment appear to have a deep shine. | | | | If you purchase a dealer paint protection |
| Pre-1990's and some newer autos consist of a | | | | package, you will find that your contract |
| single stage paint system, where the gloss | | | | requires you to have the product re-applied |
| and hardener is mixed with the pigment. | | | | at specified periods to maintain the |
| Neither of these paint systems come protected | | | | warranty. Having a detailer apply a good |
| from the manufacturer and must be waxed or | | | | quality wax or sealant on a regular basis |
| sealed to protect them from the sun's | | | | will keep your vehicle looking new. If you |
| ultraviolet rays, pollution and other harmful | | | | choose to sell or trade in the vehicle, a |
| elements. | | | | well-kept paint job will add value. |