Automotive paints have to withstand a lot – whether it is dirt, road salt or UV radiation. The coatings protect a car’s body against mechanical and environmental influences, and also serve an important optical purpose. Most of today’s automotive coatings are comprised of four paint layers. The topmost layer – the clearcoat, which is about 40 micrometers thick – is crucial to a car’s visual presentation. For design reasons, the clearcoat has to be transparent and shiny, but also strong and flexible so it does not splinter when impacted by foreign objects.
Modern polyurethane-based two-pack clearcoats are remarkably resistant to chemical influences. Automobile manufacturers are using clearcoats with improved scratch resistance, particularly beginning with upper midrange vehicles. This is done in an attempt to meet customer demands, as well as reduce the cost of maintaining vehicle fleets and leased vehicles for resale.