Question on Paint

KravMaga · 03-10-2011, 03:07 PM

I did a search and got a LOT of links but really couldn't find an answer. I had read before complaints about the paint of these cars. Not a deal-breaker for me by any stretch (my Z is ordered and just waiting for it.) I was just wondering what it is exactly about the paint people were complaining about. I have an '09 Xterra and have had no probs at all with the paint. Thanks for any answers or links in advance.

6MT · 03-10-2011, 03:10 PM

Oooo... here's a can of worms just waiting to be opened. I'll guess that there will be around 50 posts on this thread within a day.

There have been a few "complaints" that the paint is "soft". I've not noticed on mine.

jaedub · 03-10-2011, 03:18 PM

Honestly Its not a cheap paint but I think it doesnt protect the car quiet well. The paint is good but i think its too thin. If you run on a freeway and pebbles of rock hits your front bumper, it makes a inprint on the paint. I really suggest clear bra in the front but Its way off my budget. Other than that, paint is great. And might wanna wax your car every now and then to get bit more protection

Gunzero · 03-10-2011, 03:20 PM

I hope you ordered a silver z haha

SoCal 370Z · 03-10-2011, 03:35 PM

Here's Nissan's unofficial response:

Quote:

Real Paint is not necessary for normal operation of the vehicle on public roads. The addition of real paint would have raised the price of the car and potentially moved it out of the reach of some customers. Value has been a core principle of the Z car since the original 240Z and we choose to uphold this core principle by not adding additional costs that are unnecessary for normal use. Therefor, we chose to use imitation paint. For those individuals who choose to drive their vehicle daily, real paint is available as an aftersales item.*

*A humorous play on Nissan's official response to the lack of an oil cooler, but probably not that far way from the truth.

KravMaga · 03-10-2011, 03:49 PM

Thanks! Seems what u guys might b saying that it's probably the paint quality or hardness of the clear coat(s). That's cool. On my Mustang I had to wetsand pretty much every vertical surface cuz the orange peel was so bad, but once I did that, it was fine. I was mostly worried about the paint actually oxidizing right away no matter how well you take care of it.

@Gunzero Magnetic Black. FTW!

Gunzero · 03-10-2011, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCal 370Z

Here's Nissan's unofficial response:

*A humorous play on Nissan's official response to the lack of an oil cooler, but probably that not far way from the truth.

Hahaahahaa that was funny! Sounded pretty official to me

OMG MAGNETIC BLACK!!!! WTF!!!
>.> that's cool.
I wanted black, but I got red.
Just as bad to take care off and shows just as much imperfection as black.
My dad's pearl white never shows scratches or water spots lol.

SoCal 370Z · 03-10-2011, 03:56 PM

It's thin.

It chips too easily, hence, the need for a clear bar.

The plastic body pieces will change color over time (due to the additives in the paint for plastics).

Owners have found imperfections in the paint, and under the clearcoat (whether shipping damage that was repaired or factory was undetermined).

The factory painted splash guards look like they match a paint from another color although stated for your color.

Bird sh!t will almost immediately f@#k-up this paint unless you take measures to remove it in a timely fashion.

kenchan · 03-10-2011, 04:00 PM

yah, the Z's paint is softer than my G's paint... so care must be taken.

even using the wrong 'soft' clay will scratch the paint.

Cmike2780 · 03-10-2011, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KravMaga

Thanks! Seems what u guys might b saying that it's probably the paint quality or hardness of the clear coat(s). That's cool. On my Mustang I had to wetsand pretty much every vertical surface cuz the orange peel was so bad, but once I did that, it was fine. I was mostly worried about the paint actually oxidizing right away no matter how well you take care of it.

@Gunzero Magnetic Black. FTW!

I don't think the quality is bad, just not as good as it should be. You just got to watch out for any bird droppings or tree sap. A good wax every 4-6 months should just about remedy this. Clear bra the facia and you shouldn't have anything to worry about. You do get swirls easily though, but then again my car is black. Too bad they only used the healing paint tech on the 40th.

kenchan · 03-10-2011, 04:11 PM

yah, carry some QD, soft papertowels, and dispoable gloves, (and a ziplock for your trash) at all times so that you can remove the droppings ASAP.

Baer383 · 03-10-2011, 05:50 PM

There is absolutely nothing wrong with Nissan paint,the reason people are having issues is Nissan only puts 1 coat of clear on the cars to save money.

At my body shop all cars get 2 coats of clear and we have none of the problems mentioned.

ImportConvert · 03-10-2011, 05:51 PM

It's very weak.

When I was looking at Z's (new), I could not find one on a lot without some form of scratch in the clear, and many went into the base layer.

I looked at about a dozen or so.

I used to work for Ford, and I never saw stuff like that on the lot, nor at any other dealer lot I have visitied. The paint durability (or lack) really stood out when looking at the Z's.

christian370z · 03-10-2011, 07:37 PM

The paint chips very easily on metal panels and it also dents, literally, on plastic panels such as bumpers. I originally was not really that bothered about it but I have more chips on my front bumper after 3,500 miles alone than my last car did and that had 36,000 miles on it and was soft black paint.

For most people, 1 coat of clear will not be a longevity issue even if polished bi-annually and apart from orange peel, is pretty glossy and the flake is very even.

sonic370 · 03-10-2011, 07:45 PM

i no nothing about paint but i do no what rock chips look like so be prepared.

this may mean nothing but a nissan body tech told me when i had my front bumper repainted nissan had changed the paint over to water based.
is this true are is he full of it.

03-10-2011, 03:07 PM	#1 (permalink)
KravMaga Base Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: NY Posts: 67 Drives: A Black Car Rep Power: 14	Question on Paint I did a search and got a LOT of links but really couldn't find an answer. I had read before complaints about the paint of these cars. Not a deal-breaker for me by any stretch (my Z is ordered and just waiting for it.) I was just wondering what it is exactly about the paint people were complaining about. I have an '09 Xterra and have had no probs at all with the paint. Thanks for any answers or links in advance. __________________

03-10-2011, 03:10 PM	#2 (permalink)
6MT A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2009 Location: ITU Zone 2 Posts: 22,459 Drives: Reliant Robin Rep Power: 1789	Oooo... here's a can of worms just waiting to be opened. I'll guess that there will be around 50 posts on this thread within a day. There have been a few "complaints" that the paint is "soft". I've not noticed on mine. __________________ Andrew 2009 370Z Sport/Touring 6MT sold 2013 Honda Civic Si coupe D/D

03-10-2011, 03:20 PM	#4 (permalink)
Gunzero Track Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 889 Drives: Nissan 370z Rep Power: 258	I hope you ordered a silver z haha __________________

03-10-2011, 03:49 PM	#6 (permalink)
KravMaga Base Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: NY Posts: 67 Drives: A Black Car Rep Power: 14	Thanks! Seems what u guys might b saying that it's probably the paint quality or hardness of the clear coat(s). That's cool. On my Mustang I had to wetsand pretty much every vertical surface cuz the orange peel was so bad, but once I did that, it was fine. I was mostly worried about the paint actually oxidizing right away no matter how well you take care of it. @Gunzero Magnetic Black. FTW! __________________

03-10-2011, 03:56 PM	#8 (permalink)
SoCal 370Z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: US of A Posts: 2,842 Drives: Answers Rep Power: 33	It's thin. It chips too easily, hence, the need for a clear bar. The plastic body pieces will change color over time (due to the additives in the paint for plastics). Owners have found imperfections in the paint, and under the clearcoat (whether shipping damage that was repaired or factory was undetermined). The factory painted splash guards look like they match a paint from another color although stated for your color. Bird sh!t will almost immediately f@#k-up this paint unless you take measures to remove it in a timely fashion. __________________ ( Click to show/hide ) Why I NEVER say NO to the Panda Lou Fusz!!!

03-10-2011, 03:18 PM	#3 (permalink)
jaedub Track Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 906 Drives: 2010 Black 370Z MT Rep Power: 304	Honestly Its not a cheap paint but I think it doesnt protect the car quiet well. The paint is good but i think its too thin. If you run on a freeway and pebbles of rock hits your front bumper, it makes a inprint on the paint. I really suggest clear bra in the front but Its way off my budget. Other than that, paint is great. And might wanna wax your car every now and then to get bit more protection

03-10-2011, 04:00 PM	#9 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141520	yah, the Z's paint is softer than my G's paint... so care must be taken. even using the wrong 'soft' clay will scratch the paint.

03-10-2011, 04:11 PM	#11 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141520	yah, carry some QD, soft papertowels, and dispoable gloves, (and a ziplock for your trash) at all times so that you can remove the droppings ASAP.

03-10-2011, 05:50 PM	#12 (permalink)
Baer383 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Lawrenceville,Ga Posts: 4,293 Drives: My foot up your azz Rep Power: 29	There is absolutely nothing wrong with Nissan paint,the reason people are having issues is Nissan only puts 1 coat of clear on the cars to save money. At my body shop all cars get 2 coats of clear and we have none of the problems mentioned. __________________ 2013 ZL1 754 rwhp 747 rwtq

03-10-2011, 05:51 PM	#13 (permalink)
ImportConvert A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: SWMO Posts: 4,454 Drives: 2019 CX5 GT Reserve Rep Power: 7626	It's very weak. When I was looking at Z's (new), I could not find one on a lot without some form of scratch in the clear, and many went into the base layer. I looked at about a dozen or so. I used to work for Ford, and I never saw stuff like that on the lot, nor at any other dealer lot I have visitied. The paint durability (or lack) really stood out when looking at the Z's.

03-10-2011, 07:37 PM	#14 (permalink)
christian370z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Newport Beach Posts: 3,900 Drives: 2010 370Z/Saab 900se Rep Power: 431	The paint chips very easily on metal panels and it also dents, literally, on plastic panels such as bumpers. I originally was not really that bothered about it but I have more chips on my front bumper after 3,500 miles alone than my last car did and that had 36,000 miles on it and was soft black paint. For most people, 1 coat of clear will not be a longevity issue even if polished bi-annually and apart from orange peel, is pretty glossy and the flake is very even. __________________ -320whp / 259wftlbs- SP Rays -- RE-11s -- SpecialtyZ Tune -- Swift Springs -- Stillen 25R Oil Cooler -- Stillen G3 Intakes -- Berk HFCs -- F.I. 12" CBE -- Stillen Sway Bars -- Es14 Spring -- INGS+1 lip -- CF Spoiler -- GTR Start Button -- VLED Parking Lights -- PWJDM V2 shift knob

03-10-2011, 07:45 PM	#15 (permalink)
sonic370 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: Orange Texas Posts: 1,574 Drives: 09 370Z Sports PGK Rep Power: 18	i no nothing about paint but i do no what rock chips look like so be prepared. this may mean nothing but a nissan body tech told me when i had my front bumper repainted nissan had changed the paint over to water based. is this true are is he full of it.

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