How to Buff Out Oxidation Spots on a Car

Oxidation spots occur on a car when the surface has deteriorated, and the clear coat has broken down. This can occur from repeated use of dish detergent to wash the car or from keeping the car directly in the hot sunlight for a long period of time. The oxidation spot is where the clear coat or paint breaks down and becomes dull and feels more rough than the smooth-painted areas. Oxidation spots cannot be removed from washing or waxing the car.

Things You'll Need

• Liquid buffing compound
• Buffer
• Buffing pad
• Polishing pad
• Polishing compound

Instructions

1. Park the car in a shady area away from the sun's UV rays. Using polish and buffing compound in the sun can cause the swirl marks to stay in the paint even after it is removed with the buffer.

2. Rinse the car and allow it to dry completely. The car's surface should be clean and free of any dirt or dust. The surface also needs to be dry before buffing.

3. Apply liquid buffing compound to the buffing pad on the buffer. Set the speed to medium and place the pad lightly against the oxidation spot on the car. Press gently on the spot while moving the buffer in a circular motion over the spot.

4. Allow the buffing compound to dry on the spots. Use the polishing pad in the same manner as the buffing pad to remove the buffing compound.

5. Place a new polishing pad on the buffer and apply some polishing compound to the pad. Start at the front of the car and polish the entire car, adding polishing compound as needed. Once the polish is dry, use the dry polishing pad again to remove the polish.

Tips & Warnings

• Wash your car only using soap made specifically for cars to prevent oxidation. Wax your car three to four times a year to protect the surface from oxidation.

• Don't apply pressure to the buffer. This can cause the buffer to burn through the clear coat and into the paint.