Auto Detailing, how to restore the shine? ?

Question

I have a white Honda Civic (2002) and on the passenger side door there are several little spots where the paint won't shine. They are about the size of a dime or so, and when I waxed using a high quality wax, those spots were still dull looking. Does anyone have any idea what might have caused this, and how I can remedy the problem?

Answer 1

HI

You might have some bad paint ... Some of the cars now a days have had some BAD quality control and the paint clear coats are c**p.. That's why you see some car with the clear coat peeling off and fading colors. not much you can do but repaint in those case's.

Maybe take it to a paint shop and have them look at it and see if its the paint.

good luck

Tim

Answer 2

Could you go in depth with the spots/color and where specifically on the door (bottom, middle, etc.)? From what you're telling me, complete assumption until you provide more information, they are black dots that are most likely residual tar, oil or brake dust; typical contaminates that accumulate from driving. I suggest you spray P21s Total Auto Wash on the effected area and let it dwell for a few minutes. Agitate using lamb wool mitt. Rinse and Dry. Then using an aggressive clay bar, clay the car. Make sure you use adequate lube and pressure. You'll begin to notice the dots beginning to disappear. Finally follow through with the wax. Note if it is not only because of paint contamination you may try polishing. It may be oxidation when paint discolors.Follow the same steps as I recommended without the waxing, than I suggest using Menzerna Super Intensive  with a yellow pad following through with Menzerna PO106FA with an orange or white pad depending on its condition. Than you wax.

**EDIT** If the white paint looks duller it's most likely from oxidation. Polishing the car will restore the lust back into the paint...Note paint preparation is responsible for 90% of the car's shine. Despite how rare or expensive the wax is, it cannot reach it's full potential without proper prep (clay, polish, etc.)