There’s nothing quite like the feeling of driving a new car. The gleaming paintwork, the immaculate interior, and the fresh scent combine to create an experience that makes driving a pleasure. Over time, however, everyday wear and tear can dull that shine and lessen the appeal. Fortunately, with a bit of effort and some know-how, you can restore your car to its former glory. Read APD’s blog to find out how you can breathe some life back into your car’s appearance!
Our 6 Car Paint Restoration Tips
As we have mentioned, there is always the danger of car paint losing its shiny appearance because of sun exposure, pollutants and road debris. Fear not though, there are things you can do to make your car shine once again! Take a look at our tips below.
1.Washing and Drying
Start by thoroughly washing your car to remove dirt, grime and contaminants. Use a pH-balanced car shampoo and a soft, microfiber washing and detailing mitt to avoid scratching the paint. Rinse the car thoroughly and dry it with a clean microfiber towel or a soft chamois. Avoid air drying, as it can leave water spots. Water spots not only impact the appearance of your car, but they can be quite difficult to remove. Take a look at APD’s range of car wash products here
2. Use Car Paint Decontamination Products
Even after going through the process of washing and drying, your car may still have contaminants that need to be removed to achieve a truly clean surface. Paint decontamination involves removing bonded surface contaminants that a regular wash cannot eliminate. To remove embedded contaminants that washing alone may not eliminate, consider using a clay bar or a clay mitt. These products safely remove contaminants like tar, sap, industrial fallout and overspray, leaving the paint surface smooth and ready for polishing. Use clay bar lubricant on the surface of the car and gently move the clay bar over the paint and you’ll soon start to see a cleaner finish! Take a look at our polishing and buffering products here.
3. Car Paint Correction and Polishing
In the paint correction state, you should look for any swirls, scratches or oxidation. If you notice any of these issues, then you should use a polishing product to remove the thin layer of the coat to eliminate any of the surface imperfections. Once the correction process has been completed, you should then look to use polish to enhance the gloss of the paint. This polishing process will help you to bring out the bright sparkle and deep colour of your car’s paint.
4. Car Paint Protection
After correcting and polishing the paint, it’s essential to protect it from future damage. There are a number of different products you can use to protect the appearance of your car paint. For instance, Carnauba wax can provide a warm glow and protection to your vehicle. This wax is easy to apply to your vehicle, but you may need to reapply every few months. For a longer-lasting alternative that lasts around six months, you should look towards synthetic sealants. Both of these products provide a barrier against UV rays, contaminants and other environmental factors.
Read our blog to find out more about maintaining your car’s exterior!
5. Detailing the Exterior
To complete the transformation, pay attention to the finer details of your car’s exterior. Clean the windows with a streak-free glass cleaner and polish the chrome or metal trim. Protect plastic and rubber parts with a suitable dressing to restore their appearance. APD offers a range of exterior detailing products to ensure every aspect of your car looks its best.
6. Maintaining the Shine
To prolong the showroom shine, regular maintenance is key. Wash your car regularly using proper techniques and products. Avoid using harsh detergents or abrasive materials that can damage the paint. Periodically apply a quick detailer spray or spray wax to boost the shine and provide additional protection between full detailing sessions.
Shop Car Care Products with APD
Reviving your car’s paint and achieving a showroom shine is a rewarding process that can significantly enhance its appearance and value. With the tips and high-quality car care products available from Automotive Parts Distribution (APD), you can transform your car’s paint and make it look as good as new. From washing and decontamination to paint correction, polishing, and paint protection, APD has the products you need to achieve stunning results. With free delivery over £30 and a range of products available on our online store, you can count on us to provide you with high-quality products from leading brands!