Fading

In the past, car paintwork could be prone to fading, especially red and orange cars. Modern cars have largely solved this problem by using the clear-over-base system of paintwork, where a clear lacquer is applied over the coloured base coat. This clear coat provides protection from ultraviolet light and ozone. The coloured base coat it's self is also more UV stable, meaning that colours should stay vibrant for the life of the average car.

If you have a vintage car with solid paint, this is likely to fade and will do so far faster if unprotected with a wax or sealant. Because fading is caused mainly by UV radiation the faded paintwork is only on the very surface and so by polishing this away and removing this old paint, it can reveal bright and vibrant paint underneath. This can often be done a number of times over the car's life as older cars tended to have quite thick paint, however there is a limit before you polish through the base coat to the primer.

Should you have a fairly modern car and the paintwork does fade, the only remedy is to strip the paint off and repaint it as the affected paint is under the lacquer.

What it means

Fading is the gradual loss of colour and richness from a surface. On paintwork, strong colours such as reds and blues can slowly wash out to a flatter, paler shade. On plastics and rubber trims, rich blacks can turn grey. Inside the car, fabrics, leather and plastics can lighten, patch or discolour where sunlight hits them most. Fading is usually caused by UV exposure and general weathering rather than simple dirt or contamination.

Why it matters

• Makes the car look older: Faded paint and trim instantly age a car, even if it is mechanically sound and dent free.
• Shows where protection is lacking: Panels and areas that have not been waxed, coated or garaged usually fade more, which can lead to uneven colour across the car.
• Limits restoration options: Light fading in sound clearcoat can often be improved with polishing, but severe colour loss or patchy fades may only be fixable with recolouring or repainting.
• Highlights replacement panels and repairs: A freshly painted panel next to a faded original can stand out, and the reverse is also true if repairs are poorly matched.

Where you’ll see it

You will see fading mentioned on inspection reports, detailing quotes and bodyshop appraisals, especially for older cars and vehicles that live outside. Common phrases include faded red paint, faded plastics, sun-faded dashboard or faded seat bolsters. Bonnet, roof, top edges of bumpers, mirrors and parcel shelves are typical high-fade areas.

Context

Fading sits alongside oxidation and staining as common appearance problems on ageing cars. On clearcoated paint, fading often goes hand in hand with oxidation – the top layer dries, goes chalky and loses depth of colour. On older single-stage paints the colour itself can chalk and powder. Exterior plastics can turn streaky or patchy, and interiors can show seat belt marks where covered areas have stayed darker. Detailers may test polish a small section to see how much colour and gloss can be brought back safely before deciding between restoration and recommending repaint or recolouring.

Common mistakes

• Expecting severely faded or patchy paint to return to full, even colour with polishing alone when the pigment itself has broken down.
• Machine polishing heavily faded, thin paint without checking thickness, risking strike through to primer or metal.
• Reviving faded paint or plastics and then skipping protection, so the newly exposed surface fades again quickly.
• Confusing simple dirt or traffic film with genuine fading and repeatedly using stronger cleaners instead of tackling oxidation or UV damage.

Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 19/11/2025 15:35