Best Ways to Restore Classic Car Paint
We seldom think of it that way, but a car's paint job brings more than just eye-catching aesthetics: it's a protective coat that shields the vehicle from moisture, UV radiation, bits of debris, and other things that can damage bare metal.
So it's no surprise that reputable classic car paint shops in Orange County, CA advise car owners to take extra good care of their oldtimer's paint. Unfortunately, no matter how careful you are, there comes a time when looking for a way to safely remove car paint becomes the only viable course of action.
We've previously explained how to go about dealing with oxidized paint and bringing the shine back to dull paint. Now we'll tell you about single paint layer removal and how it can help your muscle car get its old shine back. Read on to learn more.
How to restore car paint finish?
Is your car paint showing signs of being faded or even heavily oxidized? All is not lost. As long as your vehicle has a clear paint finish, it's possible to restore most of its previous shine. Sadly, if your car has a non-clear coat, restoration probably isn't possible or even worth it.
You can clean medium or slight oxidation by first using detailing clay, and then polishing the afflicted areas (or the entire vehicle) back to its old shine. Theoretically, same can be said of heavy oxidation, but it's a lot more difficult and the result isn't as certain.
Whatever your situation, taking the necessary precautions is vital. Always wear protective gear such as gloves, steel-toed boots, and an appropriate respirator. If you're unsure about this, it's best to have your paint restoration performed by a reliable classic car restoration company that observes the correct automotive refinishing safety procedures.
How to polish a classic car?
First, you'll need some tools as well as a clean work environment to prevent bits of dirt or paint flecks from ruining your paint job. The tools you need include a dependable dual-action car polisher, detergents and rags for washing, a finishing polish, a cutting polish, and a paint sealant.
Follow these steps:
Carefully wash the entire vehicle to remove any grime, dust, bird droppings, etc.
Strip the dead paint and contamination from the metal's surface by using a clay bar.
Use a cutting polish to remove the topmost layer of paint without damaging the layers underneath.
Apply a finishing polish that is fine enough to reach into the paint's pores.
Seal the paint job with a few layers of paint sealant. The more sealant layers you apply, the deeper your paint will look.
Sounds challenging? If you do it on your own, it most certainly will be. But it's all worth it in the end when you're cruising in your beloved oldtimer through the beautiful Laguna Coast Wilderness Park while the sun sets on the horizon.
A word of warning about plastic parts
Plastic parts like bumpers and rear-view mirrors don't hold the paint as well as metal parts do. This results in the paint on these parts oxidizing considerably faster. Fix the paint on them with a gentle application of a finishing polish.
Where to find trusted classic car paint shops in Orange County, CA?
Chimera Motors is Orange County's premier classic car restoration and maintenance
company. Our shop is manned by first-rate car repair technicians and boasts cutting-edge machines and tools. We are proud of our successful track record in stellar classic car restoration.
Want to know more? Drop by our shop so that we can answer your questions and take a look at your classic car. We're eager to meet you.
