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Message: <blockquote data-quote="scin" data-source="post: 105659" data-attributes="member: 1541">Here's an extract from Kevster's Meguiars post** What is clear coat paint?Today, over 90% of all factory finishes are clear coated. A clear coat finish is a multi-layer paint system comprised of a primer, a base coat (the pigment color of your car), and a clear coat. Although a clear coat does protect the base coat, it is very sensitive to scratches and swirl marks because of its clear, non-pigmented layer that allows light to reflect through it. Clear coat paints require special care and should never be treated with harsh abrasive waxes or rubbing compounds, unless you are an experienced detailer using proper equipment.** Can a clear coat oxidize?Most modern car finishes consist of a base coating that contains the color, topped with a protective clear coat that is designed to keep the pigmented paint from oxidizing. This outer clear coat adds UV protection that helps prevent the sun's rays from drying out the base paint. Oxidation was an obvious problem ten or so years ago because colors quickly faded. Now that outer layers are usually clear, oxidation is less obvious, yet it still occurs. The sun dries out top paint layers and natural oils are lost. If these oils aren't replaced, the paint oxidizes and the surface gradually becomes duller and duller.Hope that helps!</blockquote>