xr with dull paint

[Kernow]

Hi every one
Just put my black 88 xr on the road after winter hiatus,she has the original black paint which is now kinda dull ,any tips on products i can use to bring back the paint
thanks in advance
shawn

[merk23literturbo]

The top layer of paint oxidizes as it ages. That is now dead paint. You can safely remove it with a cleaning wax, which contains some ammonia. It might take two passes depending on how bad it is. You can also use 50/50 ammonia and water to remove the dead layer but you have to be real careful and test a hidden area first. I did this to my black car and it removed the oxidized layer very quickly. Then you wash it and wax it. I am painting the car anyway so I am not worried about any damage the ammonia does to the paint.

[hbar]

3M makes a product with a 3 step process which restores badly oxidized paint to new quality.

Step 1. A heavy abrasive compound that you apply and then buff thoroughly. Let dry and then wipe clean.

Step 2. Repeat with the mild polish.

Step 3. A finishing polish. Buff to a clear shine.

The product is used by the best body/paint shops and is rather expensive but it works better than any of the bargain stuff commonly available. I wouldn't even consider the many, cheap 1-step products.


The best results are obtained using a hi-torque, variable speed, dual action power buffer.

[merk23literturbo]

The best results are obtained using a hi-torque, variable speed, dual action power buffer.

I would disagree. I use the least aggressive method possible first and see what happens. Too aggressive and you will burn through on the 30 year old paint.

Here's some pretty good info about safe detailing. I can't believe how much time this guy spends making videos. Lot's of nice cars in the background.
https://www.youtube.com/user/AMMONYCdotcom

[MercMike]

Start slow !
3M makes some great stuff that is somewhat from the fiberglass boat business.
I have used Perfect-it and others in the past, it could cut through a car's paint in short order.
Finesse-it is lighter but still pretty stout.
Be careful
Do not hurry ?

[blugg]

loads of awesome youtube detail videos from user AMMO NYC on paint repair, clear coat finishes, detailing tools, detailing products and many other defects one could expect at any time to get.

[merk23literturbo]

loads of awesome youtube detail videos from user AMMO NYC on paint repair, clear coat finishes, detailing tools, detailing products and many other defects one could expect at any time to get.

He does amazing work(on amazing cars), he can wash a car and not put a scratch in it, even those ultra fine ones you never see. Amazing commitment to do one thing so well.

[hbar]

Yeah, I should have added a caution that using a power buffer can easily burn through the paint on an older factory finish, especially at a panel edge or at a seam. Almost all of my experience is with new paint that I sprayed myself, so I know how thick it is and how quickly it cuts.

I still recommend the power buffer, at least on the large surfaces and with the final polish.