Most new cars are applied a thin layer of paint followed by a thin protective layer of clear coat. Both layers fade off quickly on exposure to sunlight, wear and tear, rain, and oxidation. Polishing the vehicle’s surface, reapplying the clear coat, or repainting the car, depending on the extent of the damage, can help you restore the car’s original shine and color. While you can polish the surface yourself, you will have to contact a car detailing Melbourne company to repaint or reapply the clear coat.
Most car owners are unsure whether they need to just polish the car’s surface, reapply the topcoat, or get the car repainted. Here are four signs that indicate your vehicle may need paint correction or repainting:
Paint Slowly Fading Away
Fading occurs when your car’s paint loses its deep color and richness due to general wear and tear. Exposure to sunlight will act as a catalyst to the fading process. You will usually notice the fading when the clear coat of paint begins to break down, and the surface of your car becomes chalky. While you can wax and clean the car’s surface to bring back the shine, most times, you will have to repaint the car to get it back to its original color. Fading of paint takes time. Hence, most car owners don’t notice it till the color has faded considerably. Here are three ways in which you can determine whether your car’s paint is fading:
- Comparing old and new pictures of your car will help you identify the difference in color.
- Checking the records of the waxwork and paint protection work that has been done. If there has been a long gap between the car detailing and washing sessions, chances are the paint has begun to fade.
- Check the surface of your car for chalky and dull paint.
Scratches on the Car’s Surface
Scratches on your car are an indication that it needs new paint. While minor scratches may be buffed out, ignoring the obvious ones can lead to bigger problems. Furthermore, buffing minor scratches can also lead to thinning of the protective clear coat over time. Leaving the scratches unattended can lead to rust build-up on the surface. You can opt for paint correction if the scratches on the surface of your vehicle are minor, but if they are big, you will have to get your car repainted. One way to identify if the scratch on your car is big is to run your fingernail across the car’s surface. If it gets caught in the scratch, then it is too deep.
Paint Peeling Off
Discoloration, peeling paint, and bubbling are signs of the clear coat wearing away. The peeling is due to the coat thinning and not providing adequate protection to the car’s surface. Bubbles on your vehicle’s surface also indicate a damaged clear coat. Oxidation under the layers of paint will cause bubbling. Blotches or spots of discolored paint on your car’s surface also indicate your vehicle needs to be repainted. You can handle the peeling paint in three different ways.
- If you notice the peeling early, you can opt to polish the car’s surface when the paint is at the fading stage. Using a machine and polishing by hand will barely correct the fading. Most often, you may require a two-stage paint correction.
- Get a professional to reapply the clear coat on the car. You may have to spend a little on scratch removal, dent repair, and surface leveling, after which the clear coat will be applied.
- If there is extensive damage to the clear coat, you will have to get the car repainted and add the coat again. Painting the car yourself may not be a good idea. Contacting a professional company like Schmicko will help you get satisfactory results on your car’s paint job. This premier mobile car detailing company can assess the damage to your car’s surface and recommend whether you need to repaint the entire car or reapply the clear coat.
Your Car is Red or Black in Color
Unfortunately, red and black colored cars are more prone to fading paint than other vehicles. Both these colors absorb more UV rays, due to which the fading process is faster. If you have a red or black car, it is recommended you wash it regularly, park it in a shaded area, or use a car cover to slow down the fading process.
