Whether you are a classic car collector or just have one ride that you consider a classic you know how important the paint job is to the value of the car. The older a car gets, the more likely that there will be flaws in the paint. Either just through aging or small accidents, paint jobs get damaged. Here are some tips on how to keep your classic car paint job looking good.
When paint is exposed to the elements for an extended period, it can eventually start to exhibit a chalky, white appearance. It’s called oxidation, and it occurs when the top layer of the paint starts to break down. Most of the time, oxidation is best left to the pro’s but if you decide to take on the problem yourself there are some recommended steps to follow. Start with a nonabrasive product and move on to increasingly abrasive products only if it’s absolutely necessary. For classic cars that have single stage paint, the best way to deal with UV fading is to start by washing and claying the vehicle. After you’ve removed all the surface contaminants, you can condition the paint with a sealer and reseal glaze.
Aside from oxidation, small paint chips are another problem that you may be able to resolve yourself. Small chips are relatively easy to take care of. You’ll need to prepare the area by washing it and then gently wiping it with a polishing compound, which will help to soften any rough edges. You can then apply a small amount of primer to the chip and finish it off with some touch-up paint.
Depending on your experience and expertise, there may be more paint imperfections that you can handle yourself. The issues mentioned before are some of the simplest to repair. If you are not experienced in advanced auto painting techniques it is probably the best idea to let a professional handle the job.