How can you determine if clearcoat paint is present on a surface?

The correct method to determine if clearcoat paint is present on a surface is by using fine grit sandpaper and looking for a white residue. When you rub fine grit sandpaper on a surface, it can help reveal the type of paint that is applied. If the surface has a clearcoat, the sanding action will typically result in a white or cloudy residue, which is indicative of the clearcoat layer being disturbed or removed.

Clearcoat is a transparent layer that is designed to provide a durable finish and protect the underlying paint. When fine grit sandpaper is used, it can effectively abrade this layer while leaving the base colors relatively unaffected. This approach provides a practical means of identifying the paint layers without relying solely on visual or other less direct methods. By examining the residue, you can deduce the presence of a clearcoat on the painted surface.

Visual inspection alone may not definitively indicate whether a clearcoat is present, as other painted surfaces may appear glossy or clear without a true protective layer. Additionally, a color meter would typically measure color rather than the presence of a specific paint layer. Applying a solvent could potentially damage the finish or make it difficult to assess if a clearcoat exists, so it's not the best approach for this evaluation.