One of the biggest factors affecting the overall look and resale value of a vehicle is the condition of its paint. Whether you plan to keep your car for many years to come or trade it in, maintaining the paint job can make a big difference. One thing every vehicle owner should know is how to prevent and treat paint oxidation.
Sudden Impact Auto experts explain what paint oxidation is, how to prevent it, and how to treat oxidation damage in your car.
What is Paint Oxidation?
Before you get into repairing your car’s paint oxidation, you need to know how to recognize oxidized paint. Your car’s surface will appear dull and rough.
Car paint oxidation comes from a combination of exposure to the elements. Oxygen and water react on your car’s surface to break down the top layer of paint. This layer breaks down from exposure to the harsh UV rays from the sun. Consequently leading to vehicle paint oxidation, which looks like faded paint.
How Does Paint Oxidation Affect a Car?
Oil is what gives the car paint the glossy and smooth effect. You can see how oxidation decreases this. Your vehicle’s paint will start looking flat and dull when it first starts to oxidate.
Next, the color will fade and become noticeably less vibrant. Over time the surface of the paint will begin to feel dusty and rough. Then, the coat will start flaking off in patches. At this point, the body of the car is at greater risk because the metal is exposed to other corrosive agents, like rust.
That’s why prevention and treatment are so important in protecting the value and integrity of the vehicle.
How Do You Prevent Paint Oxidation?
Unfortunately, scientists haven’t found a way to stop time yet. The corrosive process of oxidation can’t be stopped, but it can be significantly slowed down. There are a few measures that any car owner can take to keep oxidation at bay. These are especially important now, as the sunny summer months are here.
Wash your car often with the right soap
Washing your vehicle regularly is always good. You should avoid doing this in direct sunlight and be sure to use special car wash products. Try not to use dishwashing soap or detergents because they can remove the oil from the paint as well as wax coating.
Apply wax after washing
Many car owners skip this step as it takes a little extra time. However, if you apply wax to the car it will protect the paint. You should use a car wax that is specifically made to prevent UV damage.
Seek covered parking
You can keep your car’s paint protected by parking under a covered area. If your car is exposed to UV rays for a long time it will damage the paint and it will speed up oxidation.
How Do You Treat Paint Oxidation?
Restoration of the original car paint
If you notice the early signs of paint oxidation, it’s best to act fast. Like with rust, the longer the corrosion is allowed to continue, the worse the paint damage becomes. If your car paint is faded you can treat it with an intense buff with a liquid abrasive, followed by a wax coat. To diminish UV damage you can do this often to restore your car’s shine.
Repainting the car
Oxidized paint that shows more significant damage may require more invasive intervention. When the car is cloudy and there are white patches of pain or flakiness, this is when oxidation is most severe. Here, you may require a professional touch-up or a fully new coat of paint. When you repaint your car it fully restores the glossy sheen and the paint will stay protected from any future corrosion. This is a bigger investment, but it will pay off when it’s time to sell or trade-in the car.
Professional Car Painting in Las Vegas, NV
If you’ve been dealing with these problems and they’re damaging your car’s finish, simply get it to an auto repair shop. Sudden Impact Auto is happy to help you with this. We are qualified to get your paint back to the factory condition so you’re ready to get back on the road and enjoy this spring.
Don’t hesitate to call us on 702-457-3002 or submit our online contact form here.
