How to Restore a Car's Finish

Getting a shine back into your car's finish is relatively easy as long as the paint isn't completely gone, having left behind spots of factory primer or bare metal. With a little elbow grease, your car can look much better and be protected from further damage. If there is only some oxidation and dulling, you can save thousands on a paint job by restoring the finish instead.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rags Soap and towels Compound (rubbing or polishing) Wax (optional, but highly recommended)

1. Purchase paint restoring compound. If the paint on your vehicle is in really bad shape, try a coarse rubbing compound. If it is just a bit dull with some oxidation, polishing compound will usually work just fine. Both these items can be found at your local auto parts store.

2. Wash and dry the car well. The compound is not a cleaner, it is an oxidation remover, and so it is best if all the dirt and grime is removed from the paint before application. Car wash soap or dish soap works very well.

3. Apply in a circular motion to the paint job with a damp rag. You don't need to push down very hard when applying the compound, because the idea is to get a nice, even coat. Do about a 1 square foot section at a time, avoiding rubber, decals and chrome.

4. Let the compound dry to a white haze, and then rub off with a dry rag. Use the same circular motions you used to apply the compound. You should see immediate results, and the luster will return to the paint. Repeat the process and wax the car for best results.