Ok all, I bit the bullet and am having the color matched. It will be water based 2 stage paint and will need a clear coat- should I use matte, satin, flat or gloss? (I want the factory look) and is the part under the windshield flat or gloss?

I am going to paint (and need to know if I should use different clears for):

rear window trim
side trim
door waist
windshield trim
part at the base of the windshield
Side mirrors

I don't think they are all supposed to be painted gloss clear (maybe just the side mirrors?

Looking for input and facts if you have em. I'll try and get the mix info and share it on here.

 

 

My 1997 is all gloss. I used the people below for the paint. You have to email them and tell them you want Dorchester they actually do have it but you can't get to it thru the paint search. The bits are mostly aluminum and you will need an aluminum etch primer. I doubt you will get a good result with a water base over etch primer.

Touch Up Paint and accessories | AutomotiveTouchup

 

+1

The problem with the trim is caused by poor priming during manufacture. Preparation followed by an etch primer is critical to obtain a good and long lasting re-finish.

Here's a relevant thread from the FAQ's:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...rim-faq-55561/

Keith refinished Dorchester Gray trims on his early convertible and I did the same with the Satin Black trims on my 2005 Coupe.

Graham

 

I just ordered that, Carnival Red and some clearcoat to touch up some minor spots on my '97. On mine its the driver's door window trim and the door edge.

 

my 2001 was originally all gloss. when i ordered new windshield reveal molding, it "appeared" satin. a professional painter looked at it and said that it was intended to be rubbed out after installation, perhaps to protect the finish in storage and shipping. once he did this, it has stayed gloss looking and very nice.

the cowl panel in gloss really lifts the appearance of the car, consider finishing this way regardless.

 

I did this on my car's windshield and door trims just with what Keith did; with the wheel paint and clear. All but one piece still looks great 4 years later. The one piece I didn't remove the corrosion well enough has started to bubble, but I'll just redo it and do it right .