Paint and / or Detail Opinions, Please.

[kidrock]

I have an issue with the clearcoat paint becoming weather worn in a spot or 2. I could use some advice on what to do....all opinions are appreciated.

[911Freak]

Picture would be helpful but from what you describe it sounds like one of two things
1) the early stage of clear failure (delamination) (the clear for multiple reasons is losing its adhesion to the base coat) so it fades-turns frosty-opaque etc

remedy: carefully wet color sand with 2000 grit and polish carefully. This will buy you some time

2) the clear coat is just aged and starting to turn chalky (see #1)
remedy: again, carefully color sand the area and entire panel and buff to gloss

If you aren't confident or experienced enough (few are) have a proven profesional body shop perform the paint work

How's the rest of the paint, is it a repaint? How old is the clear coat? Do you regularly wax and polish the paint?

Hopefully you can extend the life of the luster by utilizing these techniques. Generally once this starts in one place or two it will start to show up in other areas usually the hood-roof and deck-lid as these get the most abuse form the sun.

Good luck and post up before and after pics

[kidrock]

thanks for your response. #2 (chalky) best describes the condition.

I initially believed that some rubbing compound, followed by polishing compound, and finished with some type of high-quality wax would do the trick. I hadn't thought about wet sanding. I haven't tried anything yet.

FYI, it's not the P-car....it's a BMW E38 (original paint) I recently purchased that spent it's previous life in Arizona. The hood and trunk have dime-to-quarter sized spots that need attention. The PO did a heck of a detail job before selling it.

I'll see what I can do about some pix....it got real windy over here in a hurry.