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Charybdis

New Member

• Dec 8, 2012

• #1

Hi All

My 1986 RRC has an odd paint problem. All around but especially on the O/S, the paint looks old and scuffed but a closer look revealed what appears to be pristine paint underneath a top surface that has started to delaminate. It is almost as if it was once covered in sticky backed plastic that has started to break down.

Is this an early attempt at a paint protection coating?

Has anyone else come across this on their car?

Any suggestions for dealing with it?

Now dark so can't put up photos at the moment.

 

dogsbody

Very senior member

• Dec 8, 2012

• #2

Could it be a clear lacquer on top of the paint. You really need to get it to a good body shop or painter to find out what paint system was used. There have been so many types over the years since that was built. I suppose the worst would be one of the versions whereby the paint stays quite soft and needs the lacquer to protect it.

 

lorri789

Well-Known Member

• Dec 8, 2012

• #3

Some times the clear lacquer on the classic was **** poor especially on the low rear quarters and the low front, just behind the tyre

 

Datatek

Well-Known Member

• Dec 8, 2012

• #4

Most high end cars these day have a clear gloss coat over the paint, in the past it was only used on metalic finishes. Failure of the gloss coat is a common problem, wifes R11 has the problem, my MK2 Daimler Jag had the problem, just seen a 5 year old BMW in the village with the lacquer peeling.

 

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Charybdis

New Member

• Dec 8, 2012

• #5

Interesting answers here, thanks, everyone.

Is there a DIY fix?

 

kevwill

Active Member

• Dec 8, 2012

• #6

Yes, its the clear lacquer thats sprayed over the base colour coats (like a varnish). We use to spray this over metallic base colours to give it the gloss finish. This was back in the day of cellulose and 2 pack paints. These days modern paint are (surprisingly) water based, even the clear lacquers that are the top coat.
On an older motor the lacquer would have deteriorated/weathered. It might be possible to carefully flat it off with wet & dry paper (lots of soapy water) back to base coat and then reapply a lacquer. But the modern paint may well react with the old cellulose, so you might have to strip back and repaint to get a good finish.

 

dogsbody

Very senior member

• Dec 8, 2012

• #7

dogsbody said:

Could it be a clear lacquer on top of the paint. You really need to get it to a good body shop or painter to find out what paint system was used. There have been so many types over the years since that was built. I suppose the worst would be one of the versions whereby the paint stays quite soft and needs the lacquer to protect it.

Click to expand...

That was stupid of me - just ask on LandyZone

 

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Charybdis

New Member

• Dec 9, 2012

• #8

Thanks for the answers - the lacquer deteriorating makes perfect sense.

I have nothing to lose by removing some lacquer in a test area and seeing the state of the paint underneath.

Best outcome would be the paint being OK underneath and protecting again with a good wash and wax but I just know I won't be that lucky.

 

sas1810

New Member

• Dec 9, 2012

• #9

Charybdis said:

Thanks for the answers - the lacquer deteriorating makes perfect sense.

I have nothing to lose by removing some lacquer in a test area and seeing the state of the paint underneath.

Best outcome would be the paint being OK underneath and protecting again with a good wash and wax but I just know I won't be that lucky.

Click to expand...

dont put any wax on unprotected paint. when you come to put the lacquer on, it will react and you'll end up painting the whole panel/car.

there are additives in wax and polish that react to the above.

once you have the lacquer off, go over it with a spirit cleaner, tack rag and then go over it with the lacquer. make sure you are well ventilated and no dust!

 

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Charybdis

New Member

• Dec 9, 2012

• #10

Thanks. Will wait for warmer weather, though, no hurry.

Could I use a spray-on lacquer?

 

stutab

Well-Known Member

• Dec 9, 2012

• #11

I have the same problem with my 84 rrc but I am re spraying mine (don't like the colour) there is a company called Hugs Paint. I found them on ebay. You can still get cellulose paint through them, but they recommend a temp of +7 and ideally 16°c.

 

sas1810

New Member

• Dec 9, 2012

• #12

stutab said:

I have the same problem with my 84 rrc but I am re spraying mine (don't like the colour) there is a company called Hugs Paint. I found them on ebay. You can still get cellulose paint through them, but they recommend a temp of +7 and ideally 16°c.

Click to expand...

thats about right. its because at low temps the paint "blooms", gives like a dull opaque colour that you wont polish out. two-pack was more forgiving.