A car’s clear coat is a very important layer. It’s what gives our cars the sheen and shine that makes us proud when driving out of the garage. It protects the car paint from the sun’s UV rays allowing it to retain its color despite being subjected to frequent exposure to sunlight. Moreover, it also protects the paint from minor scratches. This is why clear coat peeling is something you should take seriously. Addressing peeling clear coat immediately will save you from expensive body repair later on. How to fix peeling clear coat on car? Read on and find out.

How to Fix Peeling Clear Coat on Car: A Step-by-Step Guide

Before you start, make sure you are working in a well-ventilated area. Don’t repair your car in an open area to prevent dust and particles from sticking to your newly-repaired clear coat. Wear safety gear like gloves, goggles and a mask.

Gather All the Materials and Equipment You Need

• Sandpaper (2000 grit is recommended)
• Polishing wax compound
• Masking tape
• Clear coat paint spray
• Fine grit pad
• Cleaning agents (glass cleaner, solvent or pre-paint cleaners)
• Soft rags for applying cleaning agents
• Cardboard or old newspapers
• A rotary buffer or an orbital buffer

Let’s Start Learning How to Fix Peeling Clear Coat on Car

Step 1

Get a fine grit pad and gently but firmly scruff off affected clear coat. It’s a good idea to surround the area with masking tape to prevent damage to other areas.

Step 2

Use the fine grit sandpaper to sand the area. Remove all peeling paint and sand to about an inch around the affected area. Yet, be firm in sanding but be careful not to damage the car paint underneath the clear coat. Sand in small areas and continually check if you are sanding past the clear coat.

Step 3

Wash the area with cleaning agents. We recommend using a glass cleaner first. Spray on the sanded areas and polish away sanded particles. Next, pour some solvent based cleaning agent on clean and dry rags. Polish on the affected area until it is smooth and clean. Allow it to dry completely. FInally, check if you miss any peeled paint. NOTE: Don’t use strong solvents as this might cause more damage. Be sure to use only pre-paint solvent-based cleaners from a reputable automotive supply store.

Step 4

Get some newspaper or cardboard and cover the areas around the area to be repaired.

Step 5

Apply the clear coat. Spray a very light first coat. Allow it to dry for about 5 to 10 minutes. Then spray the second coat. Be careful not to touch the wet coat with your hand or allow any particles to settle on it.

Step 6

Remove the tape and cardboard or newspaper. Let the paint dry for 24-48 hours. If you live in a humid area, you may need to wait for 48 hours. If you live in a dry area, 24 hours should be enough.

Step 7

Check the newly painted area. It will look different than the rest of the car paint. To resolve this, sand the edges of the new paint with a 2000 grit sandpaper.

Step 8

Polish off the sanded area. Apply polishing wax compound and start buffing. You can use a rotary buffer or an orbital buffer whichever is available. The aim is to blend the edges of the new clear coat with the existing clear coat.

Step 9

Wipe clean and marvel at your newly repaired clear coat.

There you go – now you know how to fix peeling clear coat on car! Additionally, regularly waxing your car can make the repairs last and places another layer of paint protection. Check the repaired area after a few days to see if there are still signs of peeling.

NOTE: We would like to stress that this method of how to fix peeling clean coat on car is not permanent. Therefore, the repaired clear coat may not offer the same UV protection as the original clear coat, or peeling might start in other areas of the car. This is common if you have an old car or if it is always exposed to the elements.

How to fix peeling clear coat on car? If it seems to be too difficult for you, you can have it professionally done. You can bring your car to a professional detailer like DetailXPerts. We have plenty of experience in fixing this issue easy. Schedule an appointment today.

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