How to Fix Faded Car Paint

If your car’s paint has faded, there are steps you can take to restore its vibrant shine. In this article, we’ll address some of the most common causes of fading and offer tried-and-true remedies.

Fading is primarily caused by exposure to the sun. UV rays damage paint pigment, breaking it down.

Clean the Area

Environmental elements can corrode your car’s paint over time. Pollution is one of the most prevalent culprits.

Another culprit is road salt, which corrodes the clear coat on your vehicle and causes it to fade.

No matter the cause of your car’s paint fading, there are steps you can take to restore its lustre. These tips will make sure your vehicle looks like new once more.

Sand the Area

When you store your car outdoors frequently, the paint can start to fade. This can happen due to various reasons but is most commonly caused by exposure to sunlight.

UV rays from the sun can oxidize paint and break down its pigment, leaving it looking dull and rough over time.

Sanding is an effective way to restore the shine around faded car paint. But you must exercise caution when sanding.

First, ensure the entire area is free of dirt, dust and other pollutants. Doing this will make the sanding process go more quickly and effectively.

Next, use 180-grit wet/dry sandpaper to gently smooth away any rust or scratches in the paint’s surface. You may also use this technique on any clear coat surfaces to eliminate ridges and bubbles.

Buff the Area

If your car’s paint has become oxidized or has microscratches, buffing it back to a shine is necessary. You can do this using either a machine or by hand depending on which method suits best.

When buffing a surface, it is essential to avoid applying excessive pressure. Doing so can result in swirls or other imperfections if not done correctly.

To achieve this, you’ll need a pad and buffing compound. These products come in various forms with various amounts of abrasives and lubricants.

Before buffing, it is necessary to decontaminate the area to eliminate any loose dirt or dust that may be present. This step is especially essential if your vehicle wasn’t waxed or sealed previously.

After decontaminating the area, you can use a compound to restore faded paint’s smooth surface. This is an excellent way to make your car’s paint look like new again.

Wax the Area

As you likely already know, car paint oxidizes due to a combination of UV rays and sunlight exposure. This breaks down the pigment responsible for giving it its color, leading to dullness or flaking in some spots.

Road salt is another major contributor to car paint fading. The corrosive properties of salt can damage the clear coat, which gives paint its shine and glossiness.

Thankfully, there are products you can use to prevent your paint from fading and looking dull. These include car wax, paint sealant, and ceramic coating – each with their own distinct benefits but all with one common goal: keeping your coat as glossy as possible while preventing oxidation.