All vehicle paints fade gradually over time as a result of exposure to the ultra-violet rays of the sun. You can reduce the effects considerably, however, and make your paintwork last much longer, by taking a few simple and easy measures to protect it. This is particularly important if your vehicle has clear coat paint, as most modern cars do, because once clear coat paint fades, there is nothing you can do about it short of repainting.
Whether your vehicle has a modern clear coat finish or traditional single-stage paint, the things that cause it to fade or discolor are the same. The results may look different, however, and so will your chances of being able to fix them.
Over time the sun's ultra-violet rays will inevitably reduce the gloss of your vehicle's finish, particularly on the hood, roof and trunk. The sun's heat, absorbed and retained by your vehicle's metal bodywork, may also cause staining. This problem is greater in places like Arizona, where the sun shines and temperatures are high nearly all of the time. The best protection against the harmful effects of the sun is the application of a high quality wax every three to four months.
Pollutants in the air combine to form sulfuric and nitric acids that will, if allowed to remain on your paintwork, gradually eat it away. Apply a protective coating and wash the vehicle frequently to combat this.
Fading of old-fashioned single stage paint is the result of oxidation on the surface. This is good news (at least compared with clear coat finishes), because it means that you or your chosen body shop can probably restore your vehicle's color and shine. To do it yourself, wash the car thoroughly and let it dry. Using an orbital buffer, apply a liquid rubbing compound to the faded areas. Do not press too hard, as you only want to take off just enough paint to restore the shine. Paint applied by the manufacturer is thin, and if you are over-enthusiastic with your rubbing, you may end up with bare metal. When finished, wipe off any remaining compound, and then apply a high quality polish.
If your vehicle has a clear coat finish that has faded or discolored, it is most likely too late to do anything about it. The problem will continue right through the thickness of the coating, rather than being on the surface, and will ultimately end in the clear coat flaking off. This is definitely a situation in which prevention is the name of the game, as the only solution is to repaint the vehicle. Keep that wax on the car, and wash it often.
