tstead

Does the ES350 have the new ceramic scratch-resistant hard clear coat similar to what the German auto makers are now using? The dealership where I bought my car said that the paint is soft but could offer no advice on the clear coat. I have the black sapphire pearl and a fully-developed case of the swirls and the compound that I use to try and remove them is somewhat dependant on the type of clear coat. So....any help would be greatly appreciated.

Also, does anyone know what exact polish the factory uses?

Thanks,
Tim

dunnojack

you bet it aint the german type.

it's the cheap biofriendly type.

flipside909

No. It's just an industry standard clear applied to the finish. There is no such thing as "scratch resistant" clearcoat. Paint manufacturers are getting better at paint durability, but certainly nothing qualified of 100% "scratch resistant".

garsarno

Be very careful with using any compound on the Black Sapphire paint. Had some snowbrush scratches on the top part of the door and, thinking I could compound it out, ended up with some small paint scuffs that will not come out. The paint / topcoat is soft. I used the Meguiars NXT sealant and the car came out great, took out some minor swirls and fine scratches. See the post for Black Sapphire paint here. Use microfiber applicator and polishing cloths.

mmrfr

The Clear Coat Is Very Easy To Scratch, Much More So Than Any Other Car I Have Ever Owned, Even With The Most Careful Care I Have Swirls And Scratches That Nothing I Have Tried To Date Will Totally Eliminate. I Can Minimize Them But After A Couple Days They Are Back Again As Unsightly As Ever. Bought Blue Should Have Bought White!!!!well Really Should Have Bought M35 Come To Think Of It. My Son Has 22ooo On His And Not A Single Complaint And Little To No Swirling On Black. Go Figure!!

RobF350

they are all using waterborne clears now, even ze germans

jerfitz

Here is a partial solution re the soft clearcoat. Have an EXPERIENCED EXPERT put the 3M plastic film on the front end of you Lexus. We did and it is hardly noticable unless you are within 3 feet and you are actually looking for it. It cost $899.

From experience I know you wil still have a beautiful front end paint job 4 years down the line. By that I mean all that paint will still look new and not be stone bruised or scratched. I say this because we had the 3m film put on the front of our motorhome when it was new. It is 4 years old now and the front paint still looks perfectly new. BTW, the bugs come off easier too.

Another idea. Get the Lexus front license plate bracket from your dealer in case you ever misjudge and touch something which "injures" the nose of your Lexus. The license plate MAY look better that a dent or really bad scratches/gouges. Also, adding the license will be easier on your wallet than a couple thousand dollars to repaint.

JerFitz