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Jet Black- clear coated?

1305 Views 16 Replies 12 Participants Last post by  E36 Fanatic
Getting ready to order some of the Zaino products. Does the jet black exterior color have a clear coat?

Thanks
1 - 17 of 17 Posts
All modern paints these days are clear-coated. Including jet black. :)
Yup, they're water based and go on flat. It takes the clear coat to make 'em shine!
The 'client advisor' that helped me today said that the jet black had no clear coat. I knew better than that. I think he was just trying to sell me a metallic color because it would make him a few extra bucks. I hate that.

He also said that the non-metallics were oil based, which is what made them softer. It seemed like it would be the other way around, but I honestly didn't know either way on that one.

--SONET
Jet black is IMPOSSIBLE to clean!!! Don't make the same mistake I did! ANY other color except jet black. ESPECIALLY if your car is parked outside.
Nick325xiT said:
Jet black is IMPOSSIBLE to clean!!! Don't make the same mistake I did! ANY other color except jet black. ESPECIALLY if your car is parked outside.
I wouldn't say that. Ripsnort makes out ok.

Of course, it takes him 7 hours a day to make the car shine. :D :thumb:
Nick325xiT said:
Jet black is IMPOSSIBLE to clean!!! Don't make the same mistake I did! ANY other color except jet black. ESPECIALLY if your car is parked outside.
Impossible? I don't know if I'd go that far, but obviously it's going to be one of your harder colors to maintain. Sure does look great when it is clean though! :D
Did I make a mistake in ordering Black Sapphire Metallic? I thought it would not show as much as the Jet Black. Did I just throw away $500?
One usually knows what he's getting himself into when they purchase Jet black, or Oriental blue. As long as you follow a few guidelines, Dark colors will look great. Suggestions such as :
~Washing with the washmitt in "linear" motions, not circles.
~Purchase a good orbital hand polisher and do a full detail (polish, paint cleaner, wax) twice a year
~Keep a good coat of wax on it every 3 months or every 4-5 months with Polymer-based wax.

There are two rewards with Jet Black, you actually can "see" the results of your detail (unlike white or silver) and the reflection will get you alot of "stares" and compliments. Still to this day, once a week someone asks me about my car or compliments me for the shine..something I didn't expect when I bought it.

The downsides are it gets dirty very fast (one day of rain and it looks like you haven't washed it for a month) and if you do a sloppy detail job on the finish, it'll let you know!

If you enjoy doing detail work as I do (its actually theraputic if you look at it as a hobby!) then you'll love jet black.
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JerryL said:
Did I make a mistake in ordering Black Sapphire Metallic? I thought it would not show as much as the Jet Black. Did I just throw away $500?
Jerry, metallic colors definitely hide swirls much better. Jet black is a flat black, which is a test in patience and sanity.

I think you'll be very happy with your color choice. :thumb:
alee said:

which is a test in patience and sanity.

Both of which YOU have very little of! :D
Ripsnort said:
One usually knows what he's getting himself into when they purchase Jet black, or Oriental blue. As long as you follow a few guidelines, Dark colors will look great. Suggestions such as :
~Washing with the washmitt in "linear" motions, not circles.
~Purchase a good orbital hand polisher and do a full detail (polish, paint cleaner, wax) twice a year
~Keep a good coat of wax on it every 3 months or every 4-5 months with Polymer-based wax.
Hey Rip,

What products have you settled on latly. Any new amazing things we should know about?

:D
Sent ya a private message TD330 as to not thread-jack this thread! ;)
JerryL said:
Did I make a mistake in ordering Black Sapphire Metallic? I thought it would not show as much as the Jet Black. Did I just throw away $500?
no you didnt!!
i have a 2002 330Ci Black Sapphire Metallic too...
love that color:thumb: :D
xs3x:

Will you do me a big favor? I am a little over 4 weeks into a 9 week wait for my baby. Will you post some pictures of your car. I hope I don't drool all over the keyboard. It would make the wait a little easier.

Thanks
JerryL said:
xs3x:

Will you do me a big favor? I am a little over 4 weeks into a 9 week wait for my baby. Will you post some pictures of your car. I hope I don't drool all over the keyboard. It would make the wait a little easier.

Thanks
[/QUOTE
sure!
stock with m3 mirror

two weeks later!

another view


you can find more pictures at the Online Showcar section
peace,
j
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3
I think the only BMW color that did NOT have a clear coat was Dakar Yellow on 95 M3's... Also, when BMW paints their cars, they have more clear coat on the hood, and behind each fender (boy they're smart) :D
Nick
BTW - I use Zaino on my Jet Black 325i and it's awesome
Nick
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