Jet black demystified??

F32Fleet · 10-19-2009, 03:11 PM

I think I know why JB is more of a PITA than other paints and it's not the clear coat being softer than other BMW colorss. Clear coat being glossy has some reflective properties and light will reflect back towards an observer once it hits the imperfections created by a scratch. JB's light absorbing properties enhances the reflectivity of the light leaving the scratch heading back towards to the observer. It's akin to lighting a candle in a dark room. The darker you make the room the more pronounced the light from the candle appears eventhough the amount of light emitting from the flame is constant.

All other colors reflect different wavelengths of light, so a scratch will appear to be more/less visible based upon which wavelength is being reflected back at the observer.

This is why silver cars are the easiest to maintain.

your thoughts?

Noc57 · 10-19-2009, 05:10 PM

True....my last e46 was titanium silver, and it looked good for a looong time.

My current 09 JB has swirls everywhere (damn dealer car washes

)

It bugs me, but there's really nothing you can do if you have this color. Swirls are inevitable even with the utmost of care.

I usually just keep it washed and put a nice coat of wax on the car to keep it looking fresh.

When clean, JB is absolutely stunning.

I'm debating on having my car professionally detailed to remove my swirls, but I don't just let anyone touch my car. I've seen cars come out looking much worse due to improper technique.

Before any detailer gets my $$ I'm going to make sure they're familiar with BMW's JB.

If I had to do it again?

Hell Yes.... I would still go with JB. Major PITA, but it's worth it.

10-19-2009, 03:11 PM	#1
F32Fleet Lieutenant General 3986 Rep 10,664 Posts Drives: 2015 435i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Southeastern US iTrader: (0)	Jet black demystified?? I think I know why JB is more of a PITA than other paints and it's not the clear coat being softer than other BMW colorss. Clear coat being glossy has some reflective properties and light will reflect back towards an observer once it hits the imperfections created by a scratch. JB's light absorbing properties enhances the reflectivity of the light leaving the scratch heading back towards to the observer. It's akin to lighting a candle in a dark room. The darker you make the room the more pronounced the light from the candle appears eventhough the amount of light emitting from the flame is constant. All other colors reflect different wavelengths of light, so a scratch will appear to be more/less visible based upon which wavelength is being reflected back at the observer. This is why silver cars are the easiest to maintain. your thoughts?
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10-19-2009, 05:10 PM	#2
Noc57 Lieutenant Colonel 77 Rep 1,859 Posts Drives: e92 335 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Orlando, FL iTrader: (0)	True....my last e46 was titanium silver, and it looked good for a looong time. My current 09 JB has swirls everywhere (damn dealer car washes ) It bugs me, but there's really nothing you can do if you have this color. Swirls are inevitable even with the utmost of care. I usually just keep it washed and put a nice coat of wax on the car to keep it looking fresh. When clean, JB is absolutely stunning. I'm debating on having my car professionally detailed to remove my swirls, but I don't just let anyone touch my car. I've seen cars come out looking much worse due to improper technique. Before any detailer gets my $$ I'm going to make sure they're familiar with BMW's JB. If I had to do it again? Hell Yes.... I would still go with JB. Major PITA, but it's worth it.
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