I’m not a big fan of automobiles, and the only vehicles I like are my lawn tractors that keep the garden pristine.
It’s just that I had a minor car accident while learning to drive, and I haven’t been able to overcome that fear since. However, with my advancing age, it has become increasingly difficult to cycle around town.
So, my son suggested that I buy a car and I came home one day to find a new vehicle in my driveway. Apparently, my son gifted it to me, hoping that I would use it.
However, I must sheepishly admit that I hardly took it out of the garage. So, when I decided to clean it last week, I noticed that the paint was oxidizing and peeling off.
Not knowing what to do, I turned to the internet to learn how to remove heavy oxidation from car paint. Fortunately, the information proved vital, and I managed to save my new car; needless to say, I’m now driving more than I used to.
Hi! I’m Stacy Smith, and today I’ll share my secrets on protecting a car from oxidation.
Removing Car Paint Oxidation
What Is Car Paint Oxidation?
Have you ever noticed the color of your car appearing dull? There might be several reasons why that might be happening but one of the most common causes is oxidation.
Although it may not be noticeable initially, the effects become more prominent as oxidation increases. I studied online articles and found that the oxygen molecules present on the surface cause other nearby molecules to lose their electrons.
This starts a chain reaction, and pretty soon, most of the molecules fall apart. In other words, you will find that color loses its luster and vibrancy, following which the paint starts peeling. This increases the risk of rusting, and it’s essential to remedy the problem quickly.
Materials Needed
Before going into the nitty-gritty of removing oxidation from car paint, you must note the materials you’ll be needing for the project.
- Car polish
- Car sponge kit consisting of soap, sponge, microfiber cloths, and drying towels
- Electric buffer and pads
- Car wax
- Rubbing compound
- Masking tape
Steps To Follow
Once you have the required equipment, follow the steps mentioned below to restore the car to its former condition.
1. Wash The Car
You’ll need to wash the car to remove dirt and debris that has accumulated on the surface. As you can imagine, in my case, it was a lot of hard work, considering that I never used the vehicle.
But if you’ve looked after your car, cleaning it shouldn’t take much time.
Once you’re satisfied that it’s free of impurities, I suggest placing it in a shady spot away from the sun. Direct sunlight will heat the surface, thereby making it challenging to polish.
2. Use The Electric Buffer
Next, wait for the car to dry before using the automotive masking tape to reinforce the chrome molding and plastics. What’s more, trim the worn-out pieces near the oxidized areas to get a smooth surface.
If the paint appears clean, you can use the electric buffer and the rubbing agent. This is slightly tricky, and you must make sure that the compound mixes freely with the paint for the best results.
Also, it would be best to use a circular motion and remember to cover all oxidized portions numerous times. Be gentle and don’t rush; the paint should start attaining a more vibrant color.
3. Alter The Settings
Now, there are two types of buffing pads: heavy-duty and soft. I recommend that you use the soft pads first to see if the mixture efficiently removes the oxidation at the lowest possible setting.
In case it doesn’t, you can switch to a higher setting and use a heavy-duty pad. The faster motion should help to cure even tough spots, making the car as good as new.
That said, it does require you to use more of the rubbing agent, meaning you must wipe the surface with a dry cloth after buffing.
4. Polishing
After the rubbing agent, it’s time to apply the polish. It’s pretty much the same as the earlier method; you’ll have to use the buffer to get the desired shine and glaze on the surface.
Needless to say, after completion, wipe the excess polish from the surface with the microfiber cloth and move on to the next step.
5. Apply The Wax
All that remains is to apply the car wax, which acts as an added layer of protection to prevent damage to the surface.
It would be best to rub the wax using a soft cloth rather than a machine to deliver an even coverage. This should also prevent future oxidation, thereby ensuring that the car remains in top shape.
Additional Tips
Now that you know how to remove oxidation from car paint, I should tell you how to prevent it.
1. Monthly Maintenance
Do you remember when I spoke about waxing? Well, it’s essential to wax the car every month and not just for curing oxidation. This keeps the protective layer intact and prevents the paint from peeling.
2. Car Covers
It would help if you keep the car in a garage rather than out in the open, but unlike me, do take it out for a spin.
Using a covered space helps keep natural elements like sunlight, UV rays, and moisture at bay to increase the longevity of the vehicle. But in case you have an open garage, I suggest using car covers for added safety.
Final Words
Are you confident that you can take good care of your car, even if it undergoes heavy oxidation?
It’s no rocket science – all you need to do is carry out regular maintenance. Speaking of maintenance, I should go wash my car now, so I’ll be signing off.
See you soon, bye!