Over time, the paint on your car can begin to fade and lose its shine and vibrance. Unfortunately, even durable types of car paint can fade, chip, peel, and wear down over time due to environmental stressors.
Whether your car’s paint has major or minor fading, it is important to know what causes auto paint to fade, how to fix it and get it back to its original condition, and ways to prevent fading in the future. Keep reading to learn about common causes and proven fixes.
The paint on your car is not invincible and can start to lose its shine and pigment over time. Fading can be caused or exacerbated by several environmental factors.
Vehicle Paint Delamination
Unlike the above categories of car paint bubbles, we discussed on a previous post, paint delamination is more of a wear and tear process. This is usually seen in older cars, where the paint starts to break down, mainly because of exposure to the sun. As the top layers break down, it starts losing the ability to protect the base color. Delamination starts with smaller bubbles that, over time, the paint starts peeling at the end. Corrosion can also cause paint bubbling due to adhesion issues. Paint delamination can only be solved by stripping the paint off and getting your car refinished.
Why Does Car Paint Fade?
I have to say; there are few things more attractive than a freshly polished shiny paint job on a car. That deep look will almost make you want to push your hand through the paint. While there are lots of products that can help you keep your car paint in pristine condition, the truth is – fading vehicle paint is something that we all must deal with at some point.
So, what causes perfectly beautiful car paint to fade? Well, the most common cause of fading car paint is excessive exposure to UV rays. However, that is not the only cause. Here is an in-depth look at the causes of fading car paint:
Exposure to Sunlight
Exposing your car to ultraviolet rays can cause car paint oxidation. This is a process that occurs when oxygen and heat come together to damage your car’s paint. Over time, this reaction starts causing your car’s paint coats to dissipate, which enables oxygen to penetrate the paint further. As the metal underneath your vehicle’s paint keeps absorbing heat, this process keeps going on and on, and eventually, your paint starts fading.
Bird Poop/Pee
These substances are highly acidic, making them harmful to car paint if they are not washed off immediately, thoroughly, and properly. Do not forget about tree sap which also can-do harm to your car’s pant.
Certain Types of Paint
Some paints, especially those traditionally used to paint older types of cars, are more susceptible to fading over time.
Improper Care and Washing
Not properly washing or waxing your car or the use of harsh and abrasive chemicals can cause debris to build up and scratch your paint.
Fading Car Paint Due to Salt
When salt remains in contact with your car’s paint for extended periods, it can damage the paint and cause it to fade. Salt is corrosive by nature. When it is exposed to the sun’s rays, its crystals are heated, and they start eating away at the paint. This causes rust to foam, and the vehicle’s color starts fading away. I am sure many of you are thinking I do not drive my vintage car in the snow or rain so why even bring this up? Well the reason is that I was reminded just the other day watching a beautiful red 1970 Chevy Chevelle convertible blasting down the road with a cloud of road salt in his wake. We just finished a few day of freezing weather with sleet and freezing rain with the salters out spreading away, and now we have a bright sunny day with temperatures over 60 degrees, and that road salt/sand was still all over the roads. Jut not a promising idea for a classic car drive yet. Typically I wait for a few good rains to wash the roads of salt and sand away with dry roads before firing up the classic for a drive.
Air Pollution
Did you know that exhaust fumes from your car can damage your car’s paint? This just shows you how dangerous air pollution can be. Unburnt fuel from your car’s exhaust system contains carbon particulates that the to be jagged and hard. These bind to your car’s clear coat, and they expose the paint underneath in the process. Apart from that, they also contribute to the oxidation that causes fading vehicle paint.
How to Fix Car Paint Fading
There are several ways to restore faded car paint. If the fading is not excessive, buffing can help you restore the appearance and shine of your paint. However, if there is major fading, you will need to take your car for professional paint restoration.
Buffing can make car paint look vibrant and shiny. This is something that you can do alone at home. The best way to do it is with an electric polishing wheel, automotive clay lubricant, and buffing compound.
Buffing your car can help improve the appearance of faded paint and make your car look shiny and vibrant. This is an ideal solution if the paint has only faded mildly. To do this properly, it is best to follow a 7-step process to make sure you do the job right.
- Wash your car thoroughly using a sponge and car-washing soap.
- Spray the areas of fading with a thick layer of automotive clay lubricant.
- Using an automotive clay bar, rub over the faded areas to remove dirt and grime.
- Attach a wet orbital buffing pad to the rotary disc of an electric buffer.
- Apply a buffing compound to the pad.
- Carefully and thoroughly polish the faded paint with the compound.
- Once the paint looks shiny, wipe the compound off the surface of the car using a clean microfiber cloth.
This will leave your paint looking shiny, with a deeper color. If the fading is severe, buffing will not make much of a difference. The only way to get your paint back would be to go for professional restoration. Lots of certified collision auto body shops offer this service.
Prevent Your Car’s Body Paint from Fading
Tips for car owners who want to prevent your car pint from fading:
- Stick to a washing schedule. When it comes to your car’s paint, prevention is key, and your vehicle needs a deep clean to protect the topcoat from any existing and future damage. Regular washing helps prevent grime, bird droppings, and dirt from sticking to the paint job and damaging it. This same schedule helps you protect your car from the sun and other environmental factors.
- Hand dry the vehicle after washing. Are you one of those people who would leave their car to air-dry after a wash? If so, it is time to stop that practice. Water spots can leave behind minerals that can make the paint fade. Instead of allowing your vehicle naturally dry, use a microfiber cloth or clean cotton rags to absorb any excess water.
- Wax your car. If you want an extra level of car paint protection, a good wax job can go a long way. Waxing plays a significant role in keeping your auto body paint and finish in excellent condition. Have your car waxed at least once every six months, and you will add a protective layer to keep your car from harmful debris, natural elements, dust, road salt, and scratches – among other things.
- Do not use products with abrasives. Always use products that are free of abrasive materials if you want to preserve the glossy shine of your auto body paint. Also, make sure to clean your brushes, sponges, and cloths before wiping down your car. There can be stones and dirt buried in wiping materials which may cause scratching, chipping and other damage to the paint finish of your car.
- Always look for covered parking. Prolonged exposure to UV rays will damage your auto body paint by speeding up the process of oxidation. One way to prevent paint fading is by keeping the car out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Try to park in a covered garage, in the shade, or a car park. If you cannot find an enclosed or covered space to park your car, use a car cover to protect the auto body paint.
- Invest in a good quality car cover. Some may, so do your research before making a purchase. To get the best protection, choose one that offers superior water-resistance (to protect your car’s finish from excess moisture and acid rain) and breathability (to keep moisture from building up under the cover). More importantly, go for one that provides a snug fit. You do not want something that is too big for your car, since the loose cloth may whip against the exterior finish during windy days and ruin it over time.
- If you want to take it a step further, you can always have paint protection film installed on top of your vehicle’s paint. Many paint protection films are great at preventing fading. Some, have added benefits besides just making a barrier between the sun’s rays and your paint. Instead, this paint protection film is self-healing, activated by heat so all you must do is put your vehicle in a sunny location for a while if you get a minor scratch and it will simply disappear.
Finally
Wash your car regularly with a gentle cleanser and use gentle car-safe towels; this can be done professionally at a car wash or done by yourself. Even better for the car paint finish is to clean your car with a “dry wash” which is by using Quick Detailer spray with clean micro-fiber towels to wipe your car down to minimize water and car cleaner detergents on your nice paint job. Wax your car to revitalize the appearance and vibrance of paint; do this every three to six months for best results for regular drivers, and every year for the trailer queens.
