How to Remove Oxidized Clear Coat Automotive Paint

The paint on a vehicle is supposed to feel smooth as glass and look glossy and shiny. Unfortunately, when the clear coat becomes oxidized, it feels rough and looks very dull and flat. Oxidation is a result of many years of enduring sunlight, harsh heat, cold, rain and pollution. The only way to get your car smooth and shiny again is to remove the oxidation and clean it up. This method works well on new and old vehicles.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Medium/strong grade of liquid rubbing compound
• Liquid car polish
• Orbital polisher with extra pads

1. Park the vehicle in the shade with no direct sunlight shining on the surface. Sunlight heats the car's paint and can make it so hot that the polishing and buffing steps can harm the paint.

2. Pour a small amount, about 6 to 8 oz., of liquid rubbing compound onto the pad of the polisher. Place the polisher against the painted surface of the car and turn it on. Begin polishing the paint, moving the polisher back and forth and in small, circular motions. The compound should be worked into the paint until it disappears completely.

3. Apply a clean pad to the polisher along with more rubbing compound when needed. One vehicle can use up to two or three pads.

4. Look at the vehicle to make sure all surfaces with paint have been cleaned by the rubbing compound. The paint should already look brighter and have a shine to it. If any areas are still dull, go over them again.

5. Place a buffing pad on the polisher and apply a small amount of car polish to the pad. Go over the entire vehicle, adding more polish as needed. This makes the car shine as much or more than it did when new.

References

• Paint & Body; Jim Richardson; September 2002
• Traci Benoit; Hyperformance Kustoms; Lake Charles, LA

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