How To Revive Old Paint

By Lyn Woodward 06/26/2019 4:24pmPrevious

 

 

 

 

Buying a used car? Selling an old one? Either way, making a previously owned car looking like new isn’t as tough as it seems. Yes, it does require some physical labor, but in the end, the results might well make that effort worthwhile.

When a wash isn’t enough

Case in point, I recently bought a not very gently used Mitsubishi Montero and after sitting outside for the better part of a decade, it really needed help. Taking it through the car wash and even getting it detailed there cleaned off the dirt, but the damage to the paint was years old and would take more than a quick once over.

Enter the professionals at Mequiar’s, who have over 117 years of experience taking care of cars.

Oxidation is just one culprit

When paint is attacked by the environment two things can happen. Contaminants can attack the surface or, if given enough time and exposure, can penetrate deep below. Marks and scratches, oxidation from the sun, and even that annoying sap and bird droppings are not your car paint’s friend.

Reviving the paint on my 1987 Mitsubishi Montero wasn’t going to be an easy job. Even the guys at Meguiar’s needed to see it in person before they agree to take on the job because in the pictures I sent them it looked too far gone. Would the effort be worth it? My fingers and toes were crossed.

Cleaning with clay

The first thing we did is getting all the surface junk off the paint with the clay bar. Yes, it’s literally a piece of malleable clay that looks like your kid’s Play-Doh. Using a spray detailer to get off any major surface dirt or dust we rubbed the surface with the clay. Think of it like exfoliating your face. Just hope you don’t have to use the professional aggressive clay on your mug.

The next part of the process is using what’s basically a liquid sandpaper, only not anywhere near that abrasive. We used an Ultra Pro Speed Compound that comes in different formulas depending on the extent of the paint damage. And, of course, we used an electric buffer because it’s a lot easier and quicker.

The Meguiar’s guys call this part of the process the initial cut, which literally means the product is cutting through the damaged paint. Makes sense. The Montero clearly needed an aggressive attack, so they used one of their more robust compounds. Not only does this get through the gunk, but it also finishes well, which means that it’s when the hard work is done, the shine will still come through.

Hard water effect

Because the Montero was sitting outside, it was exposed to regular sprinkler washing. Water in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles is particularly hard, and it left a lot of deposits. Minerals such as calcium, magnesium and carbonates can leave permanent marks even on glass. We used a glass polishing compound and the electric buffer to remove those tough water spots that Windex just isn’t powerful enough to tackle. I can run my hand over the windows now and it’s as smooth as the day it was made.

The final step was the Ultra Polishing Wax, which really took the newly exposed paint to the next level when it came to shine. There are actually two different kinds of wax. Carnuba wax, which is a natural wax and will make the color on your car deeper and richer looing, is not as durable as a synthetic.

Man-made wax does everything the natural stuff does, it protects the paint from UV rays and other elements in the environment, but it’s more durable. If you’re keeping your car outside, then this is probably a better option.

Waxing recommendations

There are tons of different waxes depending on the look you’re after for the finished product, a wet look or something to make the paint look richer, or how easy it is to apply or remove, so check them out and decide what’s best for you. Just make sure to wax your car at least four times a year. Even if it’s just a spray wax. It’s going to make a huge difference. Learn more about car care products and find out what it takes to make the best car cleaning kit.

All the hard work does pay off. And I don’t just mean the transformation of something as far gone as the Montero, which after only 20 man-hours, looks like a different truck. If you maintain your new or slightly used car, washing and waxing it regularly, then when it comes time to sell it, you’ll reap the benefits, and chances are you’ll be able to get more money for an older car that still looks great.