<P> Automotive paint is paint used on automobiles for both protection and decoration purposes . Water - based acrylic polyurethane enamel paint is currently the most widely used paint for reasons including reducing paint's environmental impact . </P> <P> Modern automobile paint is applied in several layers, with a total thickness of around 100 μm (0.1 mm). Paint application requires preparation and primer steps to ensure proper application . A basecoat is applied after the primer paint is applied . Following this, a clearcoat of paint may be applied that forms a glossy and transparent coating . The clearcoat layer must be able to withstand UV light . </P>

When did they start putting clear coat on cars