1st Post - Restoring finish of single-stage red with oxidation

BimmerSteven · 03-18-02, 02:35

I've been searching previous posts but nothing really seemed to apply to what my car is experiencing. A quick rundown on the condition of the paint...

After a few months of less than ideal maintenance to the exterior of the car - it's all nice and faded again.

It's a single stage (no clearcoat) red on a late 80's BMW 3 series (known to fade).

Any tips on bringing back the shine that it had after my last detailing frenzy? I've got 3M Professional Formula One Step Cleaner Wax (Medium Oxidation Remover), and Perfect-It Show Car Paste Wax. With a clay bar before the cleaner wax, should this be all I need to freshen things up a bit? Should I use anything special to wash the car initially? I'm not hoping to win any Concours, just make it look respectable. Thanks in advance for any insight you may be able to provide. This is a great site with a lot of good information being exchanged. Glad to be a member.

DavidB · 03-18-02, 03:01

Steve,

Chances are the paint is distroyed. Once paint oxidizes to a point that it no longer shines on its own, the only way to get it to shine is to use a polish and wax. As you have seen, though, once the wax evaporates, so does the shine. Any detailing fix you apply at this point will be temporary. At some point you will need to have the car repainted.

You can put off the repainting for a while by using a good sealant instead of your wax. A product like Klasse AIO / Klasse SG or Zaino Show Car Polish will provide a lasting shine with much better durability than wax. Of the two product, I think Klasse is better on a poor surface. Both products can be layered for additional gloss and depth.

db

BimmerSteven · 03-18-02, 03:16

David,

Thanks for the response. I don't believe the paint is destroyed, just in need of some TLC.

I will give the Klasse products and try and report back with any questions/comments. I found a picture of the car when it was nice and shiny. Though it's not the greatest picture (and the car wasn't in the greatest shape, sitting on spare wheels, without an engine, the airdam falling apart) it shows you that the paint still has some life left in it. Notice in the door that you can see the reflection of the car parked just off camera in the other side of the driveway.