How to tell what kind of paint I have?

[Ram]

What is the best way to tell If I have Base coat clear coat or something else? I was told the car was painted about 5 years ago. It dosen't look like clear coat but I could be wrong.

Ram

 

[Drop Top]

Polish or wax a small section of your car. If the rag you use dose not change to the color of your car. Chances are almost positive that your car was painted with a base/clear coat system. If the rag chances to the color of your car. Then it was done in a single stage system.

 

[YBLEGL]

you can also sand a small un-noticeable area with 1200 grit sand paper and if the paper turns the color of your car its single stage then just rub the spot by hand with compound and it will be fine.

 

[ZaneO]

Don't use sand paper on your car to tell if it's base/clear or SS.

Use a cleaner wax on a foam applicator. If the paint color transfers to the applicator, you have a single stage paint.