Clear Fading Remedies?

[High5er]

Sup dudes.

I've got some clear fading on the rear bumper and its LITERALLY the only place I have it on the entire car. I've got a bit of paint experience so I was going to try a light wet sand with a high grit and hit it with some clear. Then buff it and stuff to try and get some shine.

Has anybody else tried this? I just wanted to see if maybe there were some tricks or tips I should know that would make this go smoother. Thanks in advance!

Gabe

[deevergote]

Usually, when the clear begins to oxidize, the only way to fix it is to sand and repaint (or at least reclear). If the damage isn't all the way through, you may be able to fix it.

I don't know that there are many paint restoration experts on here. Most people here usually either repaint, or just live with the damaged paint. Those that have maintained their original paint have usually prevented damage in the first place (TypeG, for example.)

[High5er]

Usually, when the clear begins to oxidize, the only way to fix it is to sand and repaint (or at least reclear). If the damage isn't all the way through, you may be able to fix it.

I don't know that there are many paint restoration experts on here. Most people here usually either repaint, or just live with the damaged paint. Those that have maintained their original paint have usually prevented damage in the first place (TypeG, for example.)

Well from what I can tell, the clear is just faded. The paint doesn't really look too damaged. It just looks it lost its shine. I'm going to try and give it my best shot. At the very least, it should look better than the peeling, flaky bumper I have now lol

[sonikaccord]

My advice, start off with the highest grit in an inconspicuous area. Preferably rubbing compound first, if that doesn't work, 2000-3000 grit paper.

[High5er]

My advice, start off with the highest grit in an inconspicuous area. Preferably rubbing compound first, if that doesn't work, 2000-3000 grit paper.

I was going to start somwhere around there so I get the clear flaking off without starting to remove the paint. I was going to try and do it this weekend but I got busy. That clear fading is killing me though!

[deevergote]

If the clear is flaking off, there is definitely no way of saving it. Sand it down and reclear.

[High5er]

If the clear is flaking off, there is definitely no way of saving it. Sand it down and reclear.

Thats what I was going to do? I know. I was just going to start with light wetsanding so I can have a smooth surface to start with when I go to hit it with the clear..
Plus it would just look weird having some shiny paint and a dull bumper.

[deevergote]

Ah, ok. From the initial sound of your post, it sounded as if you were looking to restore the clear, rather than removing and reapplying it.

[High5er]

Ah, ok. From the initial sound of your post, it sounded as if you were looking to restore the clear, rather than removing and reapplying it.

Oh. Yeah sorry for the confusion. Im going to hit it with a few coats and buff and all that good stuff. the only thing im worried about is how the brand new clear is going to look against the 20 year old clear. Im hoping it blends well

[deevergote]

Done properly, it should look fine. It's clear, after all! It's not like you're trying to colormatch 20 year old paint. THAT can be a bitch.

[High5er]

Done properly, it should look fine. It's clear, after all! It's not like you're trying to colormatch 20 year old paint. THAT can be a bitch.

True. Unfortunately, I'm really nitpicky and that coupled with being a car guy makes for clean car but an empty wallet lol. Im just worried that the paint has faded a bit as well. I'm pretty sure its just dull from lack of clear but theres a good chance its actually fading.

[ninethreecoupe]

If the paint overall on the car isn't that bad there's a good chance you can bring it back with a good detail (unless you've already tried that). I've worked on some cars with really shitty paint that I was able to return to pretty decent condition.

[existlosangeles]

either way the paint job is gonna look better than the fading haha
i sprayed my whole trunk because it was fading,
i hated it. now it looks minty

[KeeleDesign]

If the clear has failed. The paint has indeed began losing it's pigments that give it's color. As the clear is the UV protectant for the paint. Even the highest quality paints now days that have uv protectants in the pigments will still fade in a short time without the correct millage of uv protectants in the top coat of clear.

If you just want to re-clear your hood. Don't take sand paper to it if the clear has come off. Lightly wet scuff the hood with a 3m grey scuff pad and commet, until it is uniformly all dull. Reclear 2-4 coats depending on brand and thickness. Let it cure.

anywhere the clear had came off will have a sharp edge. now you can take some 600-1000 grit in a block and wetsand the new clear until everything is completely flush and smooth. Reclear 2-4 coats depending on clear type.

This should look the best it possibly could without full removal and repaint.