ianellison

The red paint on my '90 C4 cab has slightly faded and has got a slight weather 'bloom'. What is the best way to restore the paint finish?

I had considered using a product like T Cut to take surface film off - but I am reluctant to use this as it seems very severe in its action.

Would a good wax alone - like Blitz, Zymol or Meguires be sufficient? I doubt it. I think I need to restore the paint surface first then apply a good wax to maintain it.

I am sure listers will have faced this problem and I should appreciate advice on this.

Geoffrey

You need an abrasive product to removed the oxidized paint. I would try 3M Perfect-It III with an orbital buffer (porter cable makes one). It is unlikely that you'd damage anything unless you were extremely careless. I'd follow that with Meguiars polish, then a top coat of wax.

last toy

I've read on this site that wet sanding will do wonders to restore color luster. Try searching the forum.

Rocket Rob

Have you searched the Rennlist concours forum? I'm sure they would have opinions.

https://rennlist.com/forums/concours-and-car-care-86/

Personnally, I use 3M's Hand Glaze to remove minor oxidation and use their PerfectIt when I need to be more agressive. I then top it off with The Wax Shop's SuperGlaze. No affiliation with either vendors.

DaveK

Autoglym also have an equivalent of t-cut which I have used on my (white) car. But - you need to be careful with it - I have an area on my spoiler now that is lacking paint.....

hawk911

Dave- what did you use to apply the product? Most dual-action or random orbit tools won't do that unless you forget what you're doing. My GriotGarage buffer is fantastic on the Porsche paint and gives it a great finish. Does wonders on oxidization too with the right product. I'm using Griot's line for now; until I find something I like better.

Geoffrey

If you are talking about just oxidation, I don't think you'll need to wet sand it.

Bearclaw

Ask around, find a detailer that people have had good experiences with, and take it there and let them look at it. What you need is something fairly aggressive using a good 'ol rotary in the hands of a skilled operator. That's what was done with mine, and it brought it back to 'red' from 'orange'.

Steven C.

DO NOT WET SAND YOUR CAR! The 90 model does not have a clear coat and you could easily end up into the metal...quickly! I know from experience on another car that an idiot got hold of.

You need a random orbital buffer like the one Griots sells. Then any mild polish like the 3M mentioned or Meguiars #2. Take your time and do a section at a time. Once complete use a good wax or my fovorite Rejexs available on line or at aircraft supply houses.

DaveK

I just used a cloth - and didn't even rub that hard for very long.

Although - from memory - I suspect the bottle might say "not for use on plastics". Never really thought they meant it though......

964polar

Start soft. Red and white solid colours are the softest among all colours. Start with a polish (ie Autoglym) and then a top-wax without any polish. Avoid circles and work with a fender or a door at a time. Do not start of with too hard polish or rubbing.

Bearclaw

Get a Porter Cable 7424 - the Detailer's Friend. A heavy-duty unit that works wonders, and virtually impossible to do damage with, even in the paws of a squirrel like me. Not cheap but high-quality. Amazon had the best price when I bought mine.

http://www.autogeek.net/pocapobu.html

MarkD

+1
and I think Detailed Image had the best price as a package when I bought mine. No affil. and shop around 'cause things change.
http://www.detailedimage.com/store/p...roducts_id=406

Bearclaw

Resounding "yes", get a package because you can never have too many pads of various types.

Red rooster

I would be very careful ! Guards Red is notorious in the paint business for fading , going pink etc.
I had a wonder paint treatment done that hastened the pink effect.Sorry but I cannot remember which one.
Annual buffing for the Le Mans trip worked for a few years but in the end a respray in modern paint was the solution.
All part of ownership experience !!

Geoff