Over the course of it’s life, a vehicle will pick up swirl marks, scratches, and the paint surface will oxidize despite best efforts to wash correctly.
The effects of oxidation on your car’s paint job are noticeable at first as a slightly duller appearance. As it progresses, the surface of the paint begins to fade and the color won’t look as vibrant as when you bought it. Heavier oxidation results in a dull, chalky surface as the paint continues to deteriorate. Finally, the oxidation will claim the car’s clear coat, causing patches of paint to dissolve permanently. This exposes bare metal to the air and begins the oxidation process, leading to rust. Although oxidation can be removed in its earlier stages, once the clear coat is gone and the paint begins to come off, you have only two options: repaint the car completely or kiss it goodbye.
Oxidation occurs for many reasons. Airborne contaminants like tree sap, rail dust, airplane fallout, exhaust pollution, bugs, and many other airborne contaminants get stuck into your paint.
Although oxidation is unavoidable, it is treatable. Oxidation can be bad for your car if it’s left unchecked,
Wash your car with a good wash and towel dry it. Once it is dry give it the “feel test” simply glide your hand gently across the paint. If you hear a rough scratching sound or you can feel your hand gripping against a rough paint surface it may be contaminated. If you drive you car daily and have not clayed your car in more than 6 months, it will probably be contaminated.
How do I know if I have neglecting my paint?
- If your vehicles are or were washed with dish soap which contains detergents.
- If your car’s finish is left unprotected (example: not waxes or sealed.)
- If you have never clayed your paint.
- If your paint feels rough when you glide your hand across a recently washed vehicle.
- If it no longer looks shiny… You have neglected your paint.
The only way to remove oxidation and blemishes is through machine polishing.