How to Repair Sun-Damaged Car Paint

If you have been running around with your car for some time, you may have noticed that its appearance has started to deteriorate. Long periods of exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun cause photo-degradation of the paint and the colour begins to fade. The paintwork may even begin to crack, making the exterior of your car unattractive.

At some point, the best car paints will begin to succumb to the powerful ultraviolet radiations of the sun. So how do you go about fixing the sun damage to your car paint and restoring its look?

 

Apply a rubbing compound

One simple way of doing this if the paint has faded but the quality of the surface is still intact is to apply a rubbing compound, which is obtainable from auto parts stores. A rubbing compound is a cutting paste used for finishing body repairs, and it can restore weathered paintwork. It will refresh the colour looks and buff the shine back into the paint.

To obtain the best results, select a very fine cut. Carry out the application in a shaded area, away from direct radiation of the sun, so that the compound does not harden while you are still working on it.

To begin, wash the car thoroughly and wipe with a clean cloth. Apply the rubbing compound to the sun-damaged area with an orbital car polisher or a buffing pad. Use circular motions until there is no residue of the compound left on the panel.

It is advisable to work on small sections at a time before moving on to another. This prevents the compound from drying up before you can reach other areas.

Clean it up

When all the affected areas have been attended to, extend the application to the rest of the car, beginning from the top. Wash the car with plain water and wipe with a clean cloth to get rid of any compound left. Inspect the body of the car to ensure that you have not missed out any area.

Seek professional assistance

While a rubbing compound can give your car a new topcoat, seeking professional assistance is advisable if the paintwork is cracked or badly damaged. Trained technicians will help in evaluating the condition of the paintwork and come up with a plan to restore the shine of the paint. They will refinish the entire vehicle, or paint only the panels that are corroded. Heading to a reputable professional may be the way to go if you want the guaranteed results you are looking for.

Damaged car paint can make your car look unattractive, and if you ever plan to sell your car or trade it in, you need to preserve its visual appeal. Waxing your car at regular intervals will add a layer of protection to your car paint and extend its life. Make use of covered parking to prevent the sun’s rays from damaging the paint. If you don’t have access to covered parking, use car covers, especially on sunny days. Wash your car only with a gentle cleaner specifically designed to protect car paint.