How to Repair Faded Auto Paint Spots

Paint on cars left out in the weather will fade, especially on the hood, roof and trunk. Faded spots will make your car look old and worn out. Auto body shops may charge several hundred dollars to repair those spots, or try to talk you into a new paint job, which is usually unnecessary. Learn how to fix faded paint and get your car looking like new again.

Things You'll Need

• Car soap
• Sponge
• Liquid rubbing compound
• Orbital buffer
• Buffing pad
• Car polish
• Polishing pad
• Dry cotton rag

Instructions

1. Wash the car with car soap and a soft sponge. Rinse with water and allow the car to dry completely. Park the car in the shade after it dries to let the surface cool.

2. Apply liquid rubbing compound to the buffing pad on the buffer. Starting at the front of the car and working toward the rear, buff the faded areas using a small, circular motion. Don't press down on the buffer. Wipe away any excess compound with a dry cotton rag.

3. Using the buffer's polishing pad, repeat the buffing process with car polish. Apply more polish to the pad as needed. Allow the polish to sit for five minutes and then wipe with a soft, dry rag.

Tips & Warnings

• Park the car in the shade or inside a garage when buffing. Sunlight can heat the surface of the paint and cause the buffer to burn through the paint.

• Never use dish detergent to wash a car. The detergent harms the clear coat.