How can I (the untrained eye) know if clearcoat is missing from my truck?

Another related question: Does frequent polishing dig into the clearcoat?

Thanks for any help fellas...!

 

If your not sure from looking at it then your clear coat is fine. Base coat is pretty dull looking. Polishing does wear away the clearcoat but the amount is very small. You can, however, polish through it if you aren't careful. Some polishes are more abrasive then others. Everyone has their favorite but I'd say read up on it or talk to the guys who show their trucks and see what they are using.

 

The reason I was asking was because a few months ago I had had some paint blown onto my truck. My insurance company paid to have someone buff out the paint specs and now after I polish and wax some parts just don't look as shiny as they use to...

I am concerned....

 

They most likely wet sanded the affected parts and didn't do a good job buffing it out. That's why it's dull. If your clearcoat was gone in a few spots you couldn't miss it, it would be very obvious. Have a reputable detailer look it over and more than likely all they need to do is just re buff the parts the other guys missed.

 

Thanks guys.... I'll look into your suggestions....

 

If I can't burn through the clear coat with all the waxing I do, nobody can. I'm like the owl on that old lollypop comercial.

Remember to use a wax that's clearcoat safe.

 

Rich,

Unless you have Fists of Fury you'll never go through the clearcoat Extra cut rubbing compound and a Milwaukee buffer at 5,000 rpm will do the trick though