Written by: Wrecktify Collision
Does the paintwork on your vehicle seem to be fading and losing its shine? Despite the advances in paint chemistry for automobiles, it's still going to fade over time - and when it does, it can impact more than the visual aesthetic of your vehicle, but its value as well.
In this post, we'll dig deeper into why car paint fades, what factors can help accelerate it, and how to repair it. Read on to learn more or contact Wrecktify Collision today for more information and to schedule an appointment.
What Causes Faded Car Paint?
So what causes faded car paint? While it's true that paint can simply just fade naturally over time, various factors can lead to accelerated fade. Here's a closer look at some of these factors and what you can do to prevent premature fade:
Sunlight
This is the leading cause of faded car paint, as the sun emits some rather harsh UV rays that can break down the pigments in car paint. Humans can protect themselves from the sun's UV rays by wearing sunscreen and the right type of clothing. Vehicles don't necessarily have the same luxury. However, there are ways to prevent sunlight fading. One is by parking your car in a garage or covered area. Another way is to cover your vehicle if it's not going to be in use for an extended period.
Road Salt
If you drive in an area that experiences winter weather, you know that road salt is a familiar sight in various parts of the year because of melting snow and ice. However, if road salt gets onto a vehicle's paint job, it can lead to rust on the body. A good way to prevent this from occurring is to be more mindful about washing your vehicle during the times of the year when road salt is prevalent.
Cleaners & Chemicals
When you wash your vehicle, make sure that you're only using cleaners and chemicals that are designed for use on automobiles. Using improper cleaners or chemicals can clash with the paint shop and cause fading and discoloration.
Pollution
Environmental pollutants (and other contaminants) can take a toll on your paint job. There are a few ways to prevent this. One is by being more vigilant about washing your vehicle's exterior, especially if you notice signs of buildup. Another way is to detail your vehicle with the right type of exterior product to better prevent damage from such contaminants.
Lack of Proper Care
Finally, a lack of proper care is another leading cause of accelerated paint fading. If you're serious about your vehicle, you know how important proper maintenance is. Washing and waxing your vehicle regularly is key to maintaining its paint job and its shine.
How to Fix Faded Car Paint
Contrary to what you may believe, faded car paint doesn't always mean you'll need to get a fresh coat. In many cases, it may be able to be buffed back to life. This is done by washing the vehicle and then using a special tool to remove any dirt or other contaminants that may be embedded into the surface of the paint. The car's exterior can then be buffed back to life by using a quality buffer and a buffing compound.
Compounding and polishing is another way to restore a faded paint job. This involves removing the car's clearcoat layer and then polishing it to restore the shine and smoothness to the vehicle's surface.
While it is possible to handle both types of restorative repairs on your own, it's always best to work with a trusted body shop to ensure the job is done right.
What if the Paint is too Damaged?
If the paint job is too faded or too damaged, the only way to restore your vehicle's shine is to refinish it. This often involves working on the entire vehicle, though there may be some instances where only parts of the vehicle require refinishing. This is best carried out by a professional body shop, such as Wrecktify Collision.
Tips for Preventing Faded Car Paint
Looking to prevent faded car paint? While we outlined several tactics in the above section, there are other measures you can take as well. Here's an overview of all the ways you can help preserve your vehicle's paint job:
- Park in a covered area (garage, carport, etc.) or cover your vehicle if it's not being used for an extended period. Doing so helps safeguard it from the sun's UV rays and also environmental contaminants (bird droppings, tree sap, pollen, etc.).
- Wash and wax it regularly. This helps remove various contaminants, while waxing can also help create a protective layer on your vehicle that brings out the color in the paint job.
- When washing your car, ensure you're only using products that are safe for it. Failure to use car-safe products can cause more damage than is good for your vehicle.
Remember, even when you take the right preventative measures, you still may experience fading over time. When this occurs, the best thing you can do is seek professional service to repair any issues. Wrecktify is here to help with all of your vehicle restoration needs.
Is Your Car’s Paint Showing Its Age? Reach Out Today!
Is your vehicle's paint job in need of some restoration? Contact Wrecktify Collision today for more information and to schedule an appointment. As experts in all things auto restoration, we'll get to the bottom of your vehicle's issues and then perform the most appropriate service relative to help you get its shine back. We offer free estimates and will carry out the appropriate prep, priming, and painting to bring your vehicle's paint job back to life.
207 Hoesly Drive, New Glarus, WI 53574
608.527.2246