If you’ve just washed your car and the paint has a dusty or milky look, the problem clearly wasn’t the dirt or even road salt you just washed off. In all likelihood, your car’s paint is oxidizing. And if you don’t stop it, things will probably get worse. You’ll soon find yourself seeking a professional auto detailer to assist in solving the problem.
What is oxidizing? What causes oxidation of vehicle paint? And how can it be stopped or even reversed?
Oxidation of car paint defined
First, oxidation is a chemical process – in technical terms, it’s when electrons are lost from molecules – which causes the paint to break down. Oxidation also happens to living matter (human tissue, rotting vegetables).
In the case of car paint, oxidation is largely a result of being exposed to heat and sunlight (oxygen also has to be present for oxidation to occur, which is not a problem in most situations involving cars and trucks).
With the oxidation of paint, the oil in the paint erodes, which is what gives the car body surface its dried and chalky appearance. The longer these conditions persist, the more the corrosion and drying. Eventually, the car body metal is exposed, subjecting it to rust (another form of oxidation).
Stopping and reversing car paint oxidation
The DIY auto owner can remove oxidation with a little elbow grease and can-do spirit. To do so, he or she needs several materials, physical strength – and a long day dedicated to the task.
Those materials include what is needed to wash the car (soap, sponge, drying cloths, and of course water), plus rubbing compound, car polish, car wax, and a power buffer.
Wash the car – with car soap, not household detergents or even dishwasher soap – then apply the rubbing compound to the areas that are showing oxidation, using the buffer. Once this is complete, wipe off the paint surface, then apply the car polish. After the polish dries to a haze, buff again. Repeat the polish step once more. Then apply the wax, allow it to haze, then buff it off.
While this is all very doable, oxidation removal is one of those areas where experience and expertise is a clear advantage. A professional mobile detailer knows the nuances, has professional-grade products, and can identify when more aggressive correction (like paint correction) is needed.
Prevention is the best medicine
Of course, the best strategy is to prevent oxidation from happening in the first place. Regular washing, waxing, and especially ceramic coating provide layers of protection that block UV rays and environmental contaminants from reaching the paint. Parking in the shade or a garage also goes a long way.
If your vehicle is already showing signs of oxidation, don’t wait – the longer you wait, the deeper the damage goes. Contact us at 310.809.0336 or schedule an appointment for a professional assessment.