What Exactly Is Car Paint Oxidation?
The surface of your car’s paint job is continuously in contact with oxygen molecules. It causes other molecules close to it to lose electrons, causing those other molecules — like the ones in your car’s paint — to fall apart over time.
How to Tell if the Paint on Your Car Is Oxidizing
The effects become more evident when your paint oxidizes. At first, you’ll notice that the paint appears duller than it did previously. The surface of the paint will then begin to fade, and the colors will become less brilliant. A paint job that has been heavily oxidized will have a dull, chalky finish. The clear coat will deteriorate in the final stage of oxidation, causing spots of paint to disintegrate permanently. This invites rust and necessitates repainting the vehicle.
How to Prevent Car Paint Oxidation
Although you can’t keep your car in a vacuum all the time to prevent car paint oxidation, you can prevent oxidation from becoming an issue for your car’s finish with the correct tools and frequent care.
Here are some techniques for removing oxidation from your car before it causes major harm to your paint job:
1. Place your vehicle in a shaded area with temperatures between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Clean the car’s exterior thoroughly to remove all dust and debris before fully drying it.
3. To remove oxidation from the paint’s surface, use a product specifically formulated for oxidation removal. Polishing chemicals can remove light-to-moderate oxidation, however rubbing compounds must be used to remove high oxidation.
4. Apply the compound gently to a small area, massage it into the paint, then immediately remove it, continuing until no traces of oxidation remain.
5. Waxing your car after it has been washed and polished helps to prevent oxidation and adds an extra layer of protection. Headlights can also become corroded, so use a specialized headlamp cleaner to clean and shine them.
Tips To Help Prevent Car Paint Oxidation
The greatest strategy to avoid oxidation from becoming an issue is to simply maintain routine upkeep for the outside of your vehicle.
First and foremost, this entails waxing your car at least once a month to create a protective layer against oxidation of the paint.Also, if possible, keep your car in a garage, beneath a car cover, or both as much as possible to help prevent your car’s paint from becoming highly oxidized.
By following these guidelines, you may assist avoid oxygen’s insidious influence on your car’s gloss and sheen, keeping your automobile from ever having dull car paint.