The peeling of car paint or clear coat can result from a variety of environmental and chemical factors. Unfortunately, most any vehicle is susceptible to paint peeling or chipping. Some manufacturers have clear coats that are more vulnerable to wear and peeling. Regardless of how new your vehicle is, its important to take steps to prevent the degradation of its finish.
Minor areas of peeling can often be fixed without a costly new paint job. A new paint job may be recommended in severe cases of peeling, cracking or delamination. If you are concerned about peeling paint, there are affordable ways to attempt to mitigate the process before it gets out of hand.
Here is some information about the types of clear coat and paint damage with tips on how to approach the problem.
Reasons Your Clear Coat Is Peeling
Delamination of the clear coat can be a consequence of long-term UV light exposure after sitting outside in the sun. Incompatible chemical cleaning agents or an incorrectly bonded paint job can also be the culprit. When painting the vehicle, any coats that don’t bond correctly are susceptible to rapid degradation.
In cold weather climates, road salt used during the winter can accelerate the process further. Contaminants with acidic properties can accelerate problems with clear coat and paint. Bird droppings, for example, have high uric acid content resulting in a very acidic pH of 3-4.5. If not removed, these substances can result in the etching and breakdown of paint. Once a small spot of peeling has occurred, the problem tends to expand rapidly.
Car Paint Oxidation
Oxidation occurs when a substance reacts with oxygen and results in a loss of electrons. This process can lead to the eventual dissolution of car paint. It can begin with a slight fade, progressing to a patchy surface with a chalk-like finish. With constant sun exposure, glossy paint can become faded, cracked, and increasingly matte.
The early stages of faded paint can be fixed by the removal of contaminants, thorough polishing, and a chemical cleaner. Companies like 3M offer oxidation removal products that can polish moderate levels of fade. In cases where paint has dissolved completely, more extensive paintwork is required.
Choosing The Right Products
There are tons of choices for chemical cleaners, not all of which are ideal. Harsh chemicals can cause wear to your car’s paint. Even the best concentrated formulations should be diluted to regulate their potency. Many car shampoos contain a stabilized formula that maintains pH at a neutral level to ensure acidic compounds won’t wear on the paint.
Finding an ideal wax can be difficult due to the sheer quantity of products offered. If you’re concerned about sun damage, a wax with UVA/UVB inhibitors can be useful. Although natural caranuba wax doesn't typically contain UV protection unless specifically stated, it can be a suitable way to protect from most contaminants. A variety of polymer-based sealants can provide an even higher level of durability and protection.
Many waxes have hydrophobic properties that allow liquids to roll easily off the surface without leaving spots. If you drive in an area with lots of salt, whether it be a coastal climate or winterized roads, you may have to clean and apply coats more often to ensure protection.
Rough contaminants on the exterior can be spread around while washing, possibly scratching the clear coat. Using a clay bar on a lubricated exterior surface can be helpful to remove surface particles not easily removed through washing alone.
Many also opt for a polymer or quartz-based ceramic coating, which can enhance the life of the vehicle paint by addressing multiple causes of paint peel and damage. These coatings often incorporate hydrophobic, UV-shielding, and anti-rust properties. Once cured, they incorporate substantial hardness to form an effective layer of protection between paint and the environment.
The Importance Of Vehicle Maintenance
Cleaning your vehicle with the correct products is quintessential to its shine and longevity. There are techniques for cleaning cars correctly to avoid further damage. Frequent maintenance can be the best asset in your car care arsenal. And although waxing can be somewhat time consuming, it's a great way to protect your paint while enhancing shine.
Even if you don’t have the luxury of storing your vehicle in a garage year-round, there are steps you can take to make sure your car’s paint stays healthy. Using a car cover can be a relatively inexpensive way to control UV exposure. It’s important to check for defects often to make sure there are no initial spots that can be addressed before the problem develops further. Some simple TLC can go a long way in preserving your vehicle's finish.