Paint Fading Problems Found on Automobiles

As time passes, all vehicle paints fade slowly but steadily primarily due to the direct contact with the ultra-violet rays of the sun. although eventually all paint work will fade, by adopting several simple and easy measures, the great effects the ultra-violet rays of the sun have on car paint can be reduced largely, resulting a paintwork that can last much longer. This is especially important since most modern cars have clear coat paint. Once it fades, you have no other choice but to get a repainting.
Causes
Whether your vehicle has a modern clear coat finish or traditional single-stage paint, the things that cause it to fade or discolor are the same. The results may look different, however, and so will your chances of being able to fix them.
Sunlight
Over time the sun’s ultra-violet rays will inevitably reduce the gloss of your vehicle’s finish, particularly on the hood, roof and trunk. The sun’s heat, absorbed and retained by your vehicle’s metal bodywork, may also cause staining. This problem is greater in places like Arizona, where the sun shines and temperatures are high nearly all of the time. The best protection against the harmful effects of the sun is the application of a high quality wax every three to four months.
Chemicals in the atmosphere
Pollutants in the air combine to form sulfuric and nitric acids that will, if allowed to remain on your paintwork, gradually eat it away. Apply a protective coating and wash the vehicle frequently to combat this.
Restoring non-clear coat paint
Fading of old-fashioned single stage paint is the result of oxidation on the surface. This is good news (at least compared with clear coat finishes), because it means that you or your chosen body shop can probably restore your vehicle’s color and shine. To do it yourself, wash the car thoroughly and let it dry. Using an orbital buffer, apply a liquid rubbing compound to the faded areas. Do not press too hard, as you only want to take off just enough paint to restore the shine. Paint applied by the manufacturer is thin, and if you are over-enthusiastic with your rubbing, you may end up with bare metal. When finished, wipe off any remaining compound, and then apply a high quality polish.
Clear coat paint
If your vehicle has a clear coat finish that has faded or discolored, it is probably too late to do anything about it. The problem will carry on right through the thickness of the coating, instead of being on the surface, and will eventually result in the clear coat flaking off. This is absolutely a scenario in which protection is the name of the game, as the only option is to repaint the vehicle. Preserve that wax on the car, and clean it frequently.