How to Fix a Faded Automotive Clear Coat

Faded automotive clear coats can be restored to a near-original shine.

A faded clear coat on a vehicle can make your car look very old. UV rays are very harmful to automotive paint and causes oxidation, making the clear coat look faded. Once fading has occurred, fix it without having to shell out hundreds of dollars for a new paint job. To fix a faded automotive clear coat, you'll need some automotive experience for the best results.

Things You'll Need

• Car wash soap
• Sponge
• Liquid rubbing compound
• Buffer
• Buffing pad
• Car polish
• Polishing pad

Instructions

1. Wash the entire car with car wash soap and a soft sponge. Rinse the car and let it completely dry.

2. Use a buffer and a clean buffing pad to apply a quarter-size amount of liquid rubbing compound to the car's surface. Run the buffer at high speed and move it in small circular motions. Apply more compound as the compound runs out on the surface. This process is abrasive to the top clear coat and removes the layer of oxidation that causes the faded look.

3. Change the buffing pad to a polishing pad and use the car polish on the entire car using the same methods as the liquid compound.