PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
How can I remove the clear coat off my car paint?
What's a good way to remove the clear coat from my car paint? I want to do a better job of protecting my paint job, and I was told to change the clear coat once in a while. I think I can do it myself, but I don't exactly know how to get started.
Shannon Martin · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Removing your car’s clear coat is relatively easy for trained professionals, but untrained enthusiasts could risk ruining the paint job.
If you’d still like to try on your own, start by gathering these items:
- Detailer
- Electric polisher
- Sandpaper (multiple grits ranging from 400-1200)
- Washing hose
- Water
- Wool pads
Once you have everything you need, follow these steps to remove your clear coat:
- Wash the car: Make sure the surface is spotless and dry it thoroughly.
- Wet sanding: Starting with the 400 grit sandpaper, sand your car very carefully. You’ll want to gradually weaken the clear coat by going over it a few times and slowly building up in grit. When you’re done, the surface should still feel smooth.
- Taping: Tape off areas that need protection like lights, mirrors, and windows.
- Dry sanding: Now is time for the dry sanding. Work your way slowly over the vehicle with 600 or 800 grit sandpaper. Periodically rinse the car while you work. When the water turns a creamy color, wipe the car down and let it dry.
- Polishing: Polish the car in slow circular motions with the automatic polisher. Once you finish the first round, switch to a light polishing pad and repeat.
- Cleaning: Ensure the polished areas are spotless, then spray on a detailing polish.
Congratulations! Your car should look shiny and new!
Since you’re already putting so much time into your car, take another minute to keep it safe with
Jerry
. A licensed broker, the Jerry app helps you find and compare car insurance
quotes from over 50 top providers in minutes. If you’d like, Jerry can help you switch plans and even help cancel your old policy.View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies