amg55

Interesting article at GermanCarFans.com about new paint technology developed by MB. Here's an excerpt:

<< Mercedes-Benz World Premiere of Innovative Nano-Particle Clearcoat >>

Offers significantly greater scratch resistance and improved gloss.
After four years of development work, an innovative new clear lacquer is set to go into series production at Mercedes-Benz at the end of 2003. Ground-breaking nano-technology ensures that the new product is substantially more scratch-resistant than conventional paint. The E, S, CL, SL and SLK-Class model series are the first cars in the world to be available with this new paint system, whilst customers of other Mercedes models can look forward to the increased scratch resistance of nano-paintwork from spring 2004. This new technology represents the Stuttgart-based car maker’s latest significant contribution towards considerably enhancing the already exemplary long-term quality and value retention of its passenger cars.

The newly developed clear lacquer, which contains microscopically small ceramic particles, hardens in the paintshop oven, forming an extensively cross-linked network. The paint is thus more effectively protected against scratches caused by mechanical car-washes, for example. The nano-particles provide a three-fold improvement in the scratch resistance of the paintwork and ensure visibly enhanced gloss over an extended period of time. Following extreme tests in a laboratory car-wash, Mercedes engineers noted an around 40-percent improvement in paint gloss compared to conventional clear lacquers.

New nano-particle clearcoat will be introduced as standard for both metallic and non-metallic paint finishes.

hllatif

As a matter of fact, I just heard about it tonight on DCTV.

awiner

I wonder if it will chip as easily as the current topcoats.

See:

https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...threadid=54102


For pictures and info.

amg55

Answer should be no, since the ceramic particles baked into the clear coat will anneal and form an internal shell of sorts.
Not that it won't chip, but should chip much less easily.

MercManiac

Now, if MB can only do the same thing with their windsheilds. OK, I know they're the safest made but they pock mark easier than any other windshield.