You still love your car, but it is getting older.The clear coat finish could cause bubbles and blisters in the paint job.A pricey repainting job is the best fix for widespread cases of delamination.If you have experience with automotive painting, you can use a compressed air gun to apply a new clear coat.It is possible to make spot repairs with an aerosol spray can if the peeling is limited.
Step 1: The damaged area should be cleaned with 1000 grit sandpaper.
Rub the surface of the paper with circles.Even if it means peeling away a small amount of clear coat that is still in decent condition, Sand a little beyond the original damage.Don't scrub so hard that you remove the paint below the clear coat if it's still in good shape.Go straight to wet sanding and cleaning if the clear coat is gone.
Step 2: There is a transition between your work area and the clear coat.
2000 grit sandpaper has been soaking in water for an hour.There are transition lines between the repair area and the clear coat.It's a good idea to keep the sandpaper wet by dipping it in water.Straighten out or square off the area when you can, as this will make it easier to tape off later.
Step 3: Alcohol and solvent-based cleaners can be used to clean the clear coat-free area.
To clean the area you just sanded, use an alcohol-based cleaner.You can either get a clear coat repair kit or a solvent-based paint prep cleaner with it.
Step 4: Scuff the area with a piece of cloth.
These pads are similar to the ones you might use on your dirty pots and pans in the kitchen, and are available at automotive supply retailers.Don't use steel wool.You want to give the paint a rough texture.The area should be cleaned with a solvent-based cleaner.If the paint is already damaged from sanding, skip this step.
Step 5: Remove the masking tape from the work area.
Remove the tape from your pants once or twice to make it less sticky.The taped-off area is slightly larger than the actual damaged area.If you want your clear coat spray to land on the car where you intended, you need to expand the protective zone with more tape and plastic.
Step 6: The aerosol can should be sprayed onto the surface.
The can's label tells you to shake it.The optimal spraying distance and motion can be found on the label.As you spray, keep moving so that you can create an even layer.For the time recommended on the can, let this first coat dry for at least 5 minutes.You can be told to go over each dried coat with very fine sandpaper.Dust and debris can be wiped away with a tack cloth.
Step 7: The second layer of clear coat should be applied the same way.
Follow the instructions on the can if you only need two coats.Before applying the next coat, let it dry for at least 5 minutes.After the last coat has dried, remove the tape and plastic sheeting.Wait several hours or overnight to finish the repair.
Step 8: You can blend in the repaired area with the surrounding car finish.
Go over the repaired area with 2000 grit sandpaper.Then, use a polishing compound and a motorized buffer to blend the transitions and make your repair work disappear.If you want to buff the area by hand, you should expect to have a sore arm the next day.
Step 9: Find the factory paint color code on your car.
The peeled clear coat can cause the exposed color coat to fade, scratch, or peel.If you want the factory-applied paint on your car, you need to search for a tag with a paint code.If you need to put something under the hood or in the trunk, start by opening the driver's side door and looking below the latch.You can search by make, model, and year online or at an auto parts retailer if you can't find the paint code.If you want to try to match the color, you can bring a sample to the store that sells automotive paints.
Step 10: There is an all-in-one touch-up kit.
There is an all-in-one automotive touch-up kit that provides everything from tack cloths to the different paints you will use.To order a kit that is custom colored to match your vehicle's factory paint job, use your paint code.If you buy the individual components yourself, you will need primer, pigment, and clear coat sprays; sandpapers of varying grits; alcohol and solvent based cleaners; and tack cloths to remove dust and debris.Depending on the instructions for the paint products you choose, other items may be required.
Step 11: The area should be sanded down to the bare metal.
You can use the heavier grit sandpaper that comes with your kit.Clean the area with the provided cleaner, then wipe away the dust with a tack cloth.As per the instructions in the kit, tape off the prepared area when you are done sanding and cleaning.If you want to peel it from your pants once or twice first, use plastic sheeting and masking tape.
Step 12: 3 coats of automotive primer is required.
Follow the instructions on the can or kit.You may be advised to use fewer or more coats.The primer should be allowed to dry between coats.Then, use a fine grit sandpaper to lightly scratch the surface.Before adding the next coat, wipe it with the tack cloth.
Step 13: The number of coats must be applied.
3 is the average number of coats.Dust can be wiped away with a tack cloth after the paint has dried.Get even coats of paint with a smooth, steady spraying motion.Follow the instructions for spraying distance and technique.You should be spraying in aventilated area.
Step 14: The paint job needs to be finished with multiple rounds of clear coat.
You will most likely be told to apply 2 or 3 coats of clear coat.You will need to wet-sand with 1500 or 2000 grit paper in between coats.When wet sanding, dip the paper in water.Before proceeding, allow the final clear coat application to dry.
Step 15: Take care of the repaired area.
After lightly going over the area, use a motorized buffer and a polishing compound.The transition between the old and new clear coat will be more obvious if you buff by hand.
Step 16: A fresh air system is needed for your work area.
Dust particles and fumes can be created by repairing an automotive clear coat.Make sure you have plenty of fresh air in your workspace.It isn't ideal to repair a clear coat outside due to the many variables, but a garage with open doors and windows can do the job.Adding exhaust and circulating fans is even better.
Step 17: Wear breathing protection at all times.
You need to protect your lungs from dust and chemicals even if your work area is well-ventilated.Go for an activated charcoal facemask instead of the thin surgical mask.Dust and fumes can be kept out by wearing eye protection.Goggles, not glasses, is what this means.
Step 18: Follow the instructions given to you.
There are many different types of automotive clear coat repair sprays, each of which has its own specific directions regarding surface preparation, spray technique, drying times, number of coats, and so on.Before you start spraying or sanding, read the instructions.
Step 19: If you want the best results, have your car professionally painted.
Replacing bubbling and peeling clear coat spots can be done with the do-it-yourself products on the market.There will always be differences between the original paint job and the repaired areas.You will need to take your car in for a professional paint job if you don't want any evidence of repairs.The pros will remove the metal or fiberglass from the area.They might be able to paint a single section, like the hood, or the entire car.This can cost a lot of money.