Faded Paint

[arin]

I recently bought a Contour and the paint on the roof is kind of faded. I'm guessing it's from the sun/elements or whatever, but what do you guys think..
96 Contour SE Sport
Midnight Red paint(I think?)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...Picture005.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...Picture004.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...Picture003.jpg
What can be done about this? I've had someone say a "rubbing compound" will take it out..


Also, is that really Midnight Red paint? I got the code and checked it, but that doesnt look like ANY red I've ever seen... Thanks

[Matt2kSVT]

I recently bought a Contour and the paint on the roof is kind of faded. I'm guessing it's from the sun/elements or whatever, but what do you guys think..
96 Contour SE Sport
Midnight Red paint(I think?)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...Picture005.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...Picture004.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...Picture003.jpg
What can be done about this? I've had someone say a "rubbing compound" will take it out..


Also, is that really Midnight Red paint? I got the code and checked it, but that doesnt look like ANY red I've ever seen... Thanks

*If* it is fixable, most likely only a professional detailer with a machine polisher is going to be able to bring it back. Just my $.02.

You can check www.autopia.org for advice and to find a detailer in your area.

[GTO Pete]

If it's oxidation, an aggressive polish/compound will help.
If it's paint fade.....see below.

That is not something that someone without the proper tools (buffer, polishes/compounds/etc.) and experience will be able to "fix". By "fix", I mean make it look a little better - not make it look like the rest of the paint.

Keep in mind that making it look better is only a temporary solution. Waxes have various minerals/oils/etc that "moisturize" the paint. As soon as the products on the paint wears off, you are back where you started.

There is nothing to "take out". The paint is faded - pigmentation is less/gone compared to the surrounding areas.

Your choices are:
1. live with it
2. repaint
3. have it professionally detailed and regular/aggresive maintenance to keep it sealed/protected

HTH

[arin]

Ok, would a shop be able to just paint that panel? Any idea on how much a good paint job would cost on that panel?

[blackcontour0580]

but it will come back over time im a detailer and it will look good for a while.

[arin]

What kind of detailing would be needed? Would the Detailing FAQ on the old forums be best? With the wash, clay, cleaner, polish, LSP procedure?

[Mystique97]

YIKES! My dad details cars a lot and I've never seen anything like this before. You'd need a buffer and some good rubbing compound for that and a good hand glaze (maybe a machine glaze before hand wouldn't hurt), my dad uses this stuff by 3M works good.

[arin]

Anyone have an estimate on how much it would cost to get the roof & back quarter panels some good paint?

[BrApple]

Anyone have an estimate on how much it would cost to get the roof & back quarter panels some good paint?

well I went with a high end re-paint and it ran me 4k for the whole car ... I was quoted about 1k for just bumpers and side skirts ... so maybe around that mark also ...

[arin]

GTO: How am I to know if it's oxidation or paint fade? If it is oxidation, what would an aggressive polish/compound be(brand?)? I've had someone suggest a "rubbing compound", but I don't know what that is and they're not exactly professionals.
What would you suggest doing before putting the money down for paint?