Is you car looking dull or flat? perhaps your car looks like it has lost its shine leaving you with a hazy, matte appearance. This is called oxidisation, and it can be fixed.
Oxidisation occurs to all paint surfaces – some faster than others. Essentially it is the breaking down of paint molecules, and loss of oil content due to the exposure of air, sun and weather. In Australia, the harsh sunlight can speed up the oxidisation process, fading car paint colour and deteriorating the clear coat protecting your car.
Signs of Car Oxidisation
- Dull paintwork
- Colour has become faded
- Chalky appearance
- Patches of paint have dissolved (severe car oxidisation)
- Paint feels rough
- Clear coat is peeling off (severe car oxidisation)
AutoSmart Tip:
The best solution is always early intervention.
Identify dull paintwork early to cut it back and apply a protective coating to prevent long term damage to your car’s surface
Can dull paintwork be restored
In most cases, your dull car paintwork can be restored to a wonderfully gleaming finish that you can be proud of. Reconditioning dull paintwork can be done at home and will not only give you visually pleasing results it will also help to protect your car against corrosive rust.
Fixing car oxidisation will require a few steps to achieve the best long-lasting results. However if you car has reached severe car oxidisation where your paintwork has peeled to expose the undercoat then you will be best chatting to a panel beater.
How to fix car oxidisation
How to restore your car’s shine
- Wash your car surface
Using a pure car shampoo, clean the surface thoroughly removing dirt and grime
- Remove contaminants
Using a clay bar remove stubborn dirt and bug residue
- Apply a Cutting Compound
Choose a cutting compound that will suit your car’s age and the surface condition. See table below
- Apply a protective polish
Use a quality car polish such as the AutoSmart Platinum to give you a long lasting shine. This polish will also protect your paint surface for up to 6 months.
What products to use to repair paintwork
| Low Oxidisation Loss of shine | Medium Oxidisation Loss of Shine, Dull colour | High Oxidisation Dull surface, Chalky Appearance |
| AutoSmart Mirror Image, Luxury Wax Polish | Clay Bar | Clay Bar |
| AutoSmart Platinum Polish | Evo + Adaptive Medium Cutting Compound | AutoSmart Mirror Image |
| Evo 1 Fine cutting compound | Sophisticut | |
| AutoSmart Mirror Image |
Preventing paint oxidising
There are a few preventative measures you can take to maintain your car shine. The first and foremost is the regular use of polish to protect your car’s clear coat. Even a new car will require regular polish protectants. As long as you are using the correct products for your car surface you can do this yourself at home.
As the breakdown in clear coat and paintwork is sped up by environmental exposure, it is recommended to keep your car undercover where possible. Many people choose to even store their car under a car cover.