When your car was new, it was sleek and vibrantly colored. Over time, that beautiful, radiant color and shiny finish may start to look dull and faded. Unfortunately, faded paint is a fairly common problem that can be caused by a combination of environmental factors and improper care. The good news is, if you understand what causes paint to fade, you can take steps to prevent it from occurring.
Some of the most common reasons for dull or faded paint include:
- Sunlight
The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are one of the top culprits when it comes to faded paint. This is because UV rays can contribute to oxidation, a chemical process that occurs from the paint’s exposure to heat and oxygen. Over time, the paint begins to lose its oil content, which causes it to dry out. This makes the paint lose its vibrancy and take on a faded, chalky appearance. Eventually, oxidation can also cause the clear coat to deteriorate, leaving the body of the vehicle susceptible to rust.
- Salt
Although we don’t have rock salt on the roads to worry about here in San Francisco, we do have plenty of salt air! Salt can be very corrosive, especially if it’s left on the paint for an extended period of time. The heat from the sun increases the pores in the paint, which allows the paint to absorb a greater amount of salt and moisture. When exposed to UV rays, salt crystals will begin to eat away at the paint. Not only does this cause fading over time, but it can also result in rust formation.
- Air Pollution and Exhaust
Unburnt fuel in the environment and from your exhaust can also damage the paint. Carbon particulates are hard and jagged, which allows them to bind to a car’s clear coat and create scarring. Over time, this can lead to oxidation.
- Car Washes
Some automated car washes use spinning plastic brushes and harsh soaps that can damage the paint and cause the clear coat to appear dull.
- Improper Hand-washing Methods
Like an automated commercial car wash, using bristle brushes on your car or harsh soaps can damage the paint and cause a dull appearance.
- Acid Rain
Acid rain contains acidic material that can ruin the paint on your car and even weaken the metal below. Although the moisture will evaporate, the acidic compounds remain and can cause damage, especially in combination with the sun’s UV rays.
Prevention and Repainting
As you can see, there are many things that can cause your vehicle’s paint to fade or become damaged. How can these be prevented? First, you should try to park your car in the garage or in a shaded area whenever possible. If you don’t have a garage or shady area, you may want to consider using a weatherproof car cover. If you can reduce the amount of time your vehicle sits in the sun, this will go a long way in preventing oxidation.
Secondly, you should get your car professionally detailed every few weeks or whenever your exterior looks dirty. This will get rid of corrosive elements, like exhaust, rain deposits, bird droppings, dead insects, and other impurities that can damage the paint.
Along with improving the appearance of your vehicle, the paint is essential for preventing rust and corrosion from developing on the body. These can compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle – and your safety. A nice paint job also increases your vehicle’s resale value, so there really aren’t any downsides to keeping your paint in good condition.
If your vehicle looks faded or the paint has been damaged in an accident, contact European Collision Center for expert paint matching and repainting services that will help it regain its luster! Give us a call at (415) 551-9700 to schedule your appointment.