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  4. Fading

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.

Written by . Last updated 04/01/2023 14:24