I noticed a thread regarding paint (PW) (non-met) getting stained. Hmmm, it made me wonder if the metallic paint w/clearcoat would be more durable in the long run, or if it would at least keep that new car 'glossy' finish longer. Anyone have any ideas?

 

Why would "non metallic" NOT have clear coat? Makes zero sense to me......

 

my Chili Red is non-metallic...all the MINI paints have clearcoat as far as I know...my paint is in GREAT shape, no stains...on its third winter in the Northeast

 

Thanks for the info, I didn't know that all Mini's come with a clearcoat. (Duh.. ) I have seen some cars without clearcoating, but that was some time ago. I just wanted the toughest finish possible since I don't have a garage available. I'm looking to purchase a Mini before the end of the year

 

But, you do know that those metallic paints get more wind resistance so the reds and whites are faster

 

Yeah, I also heard that if you wax the non-met. paint you can count on at least a 25Hp boost in power

 

That might be true, but it doesnt come close to the 50HP boost from multiple layers of Zaino on Red. After all, ALL MINIs are meant to be Red, the rest are just confused

 

i thought it was just blushing looking at the owner.

 

that could be but they are ALL cute

 

　i have to go give my MINI a hug. brb

 

You'll absolutely love your MINI to pieces, but MINI paint/clearcoat (as well as a lot of cars these days) isn't exactly what I would call tough. It's a softer formulation (lots of reasons behind this apparently)...very prone to chips/scratches/swirls and all kinds of horrible, scary disasters.

Three suggestions come immediately to mind:

- consider a clear bra install for the front end. Stone chips will happen, doesn't matter how careful you are.

- start collecting and learning how to use appropriate detailing supplies. Start w/ a good car wash kit. You may have to order an item or two...well worth it.

- begin practicing being hopelessly **** about where you park. Along with consideration of the proximity of idiots in parking lots, this also includes avoiding places where birds congregate for any reason and where trees may shed their devilish sap.

 

ample polymer wax and regular cleaning should keep your car looking
stain-free for a very long time.

worst stain makers are rust. rust dripping from gutters or license plate
holder screws, etc. and bird droppings especially on dark colored cars.

 

Especially that Purple CRAP coming from birds eating berries?

 

oh yeh... those are discusting! carry detailer spray, paper towel, and
terry towel at all times. i use Meguiar's Quik Detailer and the NXT Detailer.

The QuikDetailer is good in all temps (well, not hot to the touch) but the
NXT detailer i found is hard to wipe off in colder temps. so i only use NXT
detailer in the summer time.

 

I'm kind of on that track currently, as I have an '02 civic si (silver metallic paint, with clearcoat!). I'm super **** about parking (I end up walking a lot...), and I like to wax regularly (Meguirs #26 yellow high tech wax). I like the clear bra idea, I've gotten quite a collection of chips and abrasions on the front end. I also did some research, after posting this thread , and discovered that Mini uses water-based paints (industry standard these days?)Here's a link to the info: http://www.themanufacturer.com/uk/de...ntents_id=3713
Thanks for the feedback.