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Sometimes, going back to the basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. When it comes to removing defects and imperfections in the clearcoat, there are a few things to keep in mind.
The average basecoat/clearcoat surfaces are 4.0-6.0 mils thick, with the clearcoat being around 2.0 mils. of that. When removing defects in the refinishing material, it is important to monitor how much clearcoat is being removed. If too much is removed, it can cause: hazing, discoloration, peeling, and finish failure. How much clearcoat that can be removed is dependent on how much was applied.
Clearcoat provides UV protection for the vehicle. If too much clearcoat is removed during the repair process, it should be restored during the refinishing process to protect the vehicle from defects like those listed above. It is important to monitor film thickness during the repair and refinishing process to ensure a complete, safe, and quality repair.
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Article validated in 2025