Does anyone know what type of paint and clear are put into our HHR's when they are manufactured (dupont, ppg, sikkens, etc)? How many coats of base and how many coats of clear?

How long should the factory finish last before it goes through the clear?

The reason i am asking is because i have a 2001 Honda Accord (dark green) and HAD a 2001 Nissan Sentra (Black)
-within 5 years of having the Sentra, the clear coat was already fading away and the car was starting to look terrible
-The honda has been around for eight years and it is still looking good
(original owner for both cars)

 

I don't know what brand but, it is the new water based paint.

Paint quality to me stinks, our HHR is black and the paint looks 5 years old. Since bought back in Nov of 06 I've waxed it twice and claybarred once(I know, I know black is the worst color to own.)it just doesn't look like I think it should. I've worked in the paint and body business and I just don't think their putting on enough clear.

The way ours looked bothered me until I saw our newly appointed company presidents NEW black infinity and his paint looked exactly the same.

 

I know what you mean. Auto paint just doesnt have the depth it used to.
My Imperial Blue seems to look a little better on a cloudy snowy day. On a regular day with good weather, the paint looks older.

 

reason #263 I bought a DSM.

seriously...I have no idea what brand paint they used...but I have had black cars-never again.
I have had dark blue cars-clear coat faded in 6 years.

I bought my DSM because clean, dusty, dirty, shiny, faded...it's the same color, and the same shine every day.

 

They usually buy from several manufacturers. The paint is a waterbased basecoat with a urethane clear. It is basically the same as most manufacturers. As far as GM's paints, have you seen Chrysler's? The dry grapefruit peel is notorious.