Unfortunately, automotive paint is not indestructible; it is susceptible to a number of factors that might eventually cause it to chip, peel, and fade. It’s crucial to understand what can cause fading and how to prevent it, regardless of whether you work as a collision repair technician or are just a car owner who wants to take care of their vehicle.
The good news is that, depending on the extent of the damage and the general condition of your car, faded paint can frequently be restored up to a point. Continue reading to discover helpful hints for avoiding fading as well as how Auto paint Australia repair can restore your car’s brand-new appearance.
What Causes Car Paint to Fade?
The state of a car’s paint can be negatively impacted by a number of things. These consist of:
Sunlight: Sunlight is the main culprit behind faded automotive paint. The pigment in automotive paint is impacted by the sun’s corrosive UV rays, which can gradually degrade and oxidise it. The paint will gradually start to seem dingy and harsh, and in more severe situations, it may even start to peel off in patches.
Road salt: On melt snow and ice, salt is frequently applied to highways. On the other hand, if road salt builds up on a car, it may cause the paint to fade and the metal to rust. If you reside in a colder climate, it is imperative to routinely wash your car over the winter to prevent this.
Bird droppings: Unbelievably acidic bird droppings can chip away at the paint on your automobile if they are left on the surface for too long. Act as soon as possible if you see bird droppings on your car. Gently clean the area with a moist towel and detergent. Scrubbing should be avoided as it can harm your paint.
Type of paint: A vehicle’s paint job may be more prone to fading depending on the kind used. A vehicle painted with a base coat and clear coat separately has a lower likelihood of fading than one painted with single stage paint, which blends the colour and the clear coat together. Applying the clear coat on top of the base coat helps protect the paint from UV rays and prevent fading.
Lack of proper care: Your finish will either shine or fade depending on how well you take care of your car. Regular car washers and waxers increase the likelihood that their vehicles’ finishes will remain in good shape.
3 Strategies to Avoid Fading Car Paint
Prevention is the key to keeping your car’s paint in good condition. By taking care of your vehicle’s finish now, you can avoid having to make expensive repairs later. Additionally, you will be able to maintain your car’s worth and aesthetic appeal if you ever intend to sell it or trade it in.
Park in a Covered Area
It’s important to park under shelter whenever feasible. Finding covered parking is usually a good idea because, as was already noted, the sun’s rays can be quite harmful to a car’s paint. This includes parking in a carport, garage, or even beneath a tree. If you do choose to park under a tree, be cautious of bird droppings because they can harm your paint.
Regular Car Washing
One of the finest things you can do to protect the environment and your automobile from sun damage is to maintain a regular wash routine. In addition to having a dirty automobile, owners who don’t regularly wash their vehicles are more prone to collect microscopic dirt that gets embedded in the finish of the car.
Take your automobile to the car wash or wash it yourself once every few weeks. Use the proper supplies if you choose to do it yourself; never just grab a towel and some dish soap from the kitchen!
Use a soft sponge or mitt and a mild cleaner made especially for cleaning automobile paint instead. Use a different sponge to clean the wheels and tyres to prevent spreading any brake dust, sand, or other debris to the surface of your automobile, which could harm it.
Wax Your Car After Washing
The paint on your car can benefit from an additional layer of protection by waxing. Additionally, it will add a gorgeous shine to your car after a wash.
There are several various types of waxes available, including paste, liquid, spray, and wipe-on/wipe-off. No matter which recipe you use, make sure to always carefully follow the application instructions.
If you live in a cold region or wax your car every three months or so, the paint on your automobile will last longer. Don’t go overboard, though, as this can lead to buildup on your car’s surface.
How to Fix Faded Car Paint
You might be thinking, “How can I fix it,” if the paint of your automobile is already faded and not as brilliant as you would want. Fortunately, fading automotive paint doesn’t always call for a new coat. You can do a number of things to revitalise your existing finish.
You might be able to buff the shine back into the paint if the paint has faded but the surface quality is still decent. Be mindful that you’re buffing with an abrasive substance that, if not applied correctly, might cause even more harm to the paint.
Buff Your Car
Buffing your car can help make faded paint look better and make it look bright and vivid. This is the best option if the paint has only slightly faded. It’s best to follow a 7-step approach to ensure you do the task properly.
- Using a sponge and vehicle-washing soap, give your automobile a thorough cleaning.
- Apply a liberal coat of automotive clay lubricant to the faded areas.
- Rub the faded areas with an automobile clay bar to get dirt and grime off.
- Connect a wet orbital buffing pad to an electric buffer’s rotary disc.
- The pad with a polishing compound.
- Use the compound to gently and completely buff the fading paint.
- Use a fresh microfiber towel to wipe the compound from the car’s surface once the paint seems gleaming.
What if the car has too much paint damage?
Depending on the paint’s state, it’s not always possible to restore a car’s paint. The only other option to restore the shine is to refinish the car if the paint is too worn or damaged for buffing to be effective. This could involve completely repainting the car or merely painting the corroded parts.