# Repairing faded paint

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/repairing-faded-paint/38254>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [October 18, 2009, 12:01am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/repairing-faded-paint/38254 "2009-10-18T00:01:14Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 6\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Guillaume](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c67d28/32.png) [@Guillaume](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Guillaume)\
**Post date:** [October 18, 2009, 12:01am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/repairing-faded-paint/38254/1 "2009-10-18T00:01:14Z")

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The paint on the hood and roof of my BMW has become disfigured. It has faded and a thin white scale has formed atop it. I applied polish and buffed it to seemingly little effect. I could, however, scrape away the white scale with my fingernail.  
  
  
  
 As I was reluctant to spend an afternoon scratching away, risking ruin to the painted surface and to my fingernail, I thought that someone within the erudite ranks of the Car Talk Clan might know of a more simple and efficient way of removing this white scale or deposit and of restoring the painted splendor of the car.  
  
  
  
 I and my blighted Beemer would welcome your advice.  
  
  
  
 Gratefully,  
  
  
  
 Guillaume

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**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\
**Post date:** [October 18, 2009, 12:20am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/repairing-faded-paint/38254/2 "2009-10-18T00:20:00Z")

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It sounds like the clear coat on your BMW is failing. Probably only cure is to repaint. Take it to a reputable paint and body shop or two, see what they say. Good paint work isn’t cheap.

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**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\
**Post date:** [October 18, 2009, 12:44am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/repairing-faded-paint/38254/3 "2009-10-18T00:44:46Z")

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What you’re describing is called “Dead Paint”.

This means that the pigments in the paint are breaking down and turning white. Since clear-coat is just paint without a pigment added this dead paint effects both the clear-coat and the base coat. And once this begins with the paint, the only fix is a new paint job.

Let me guess. You weren’t one to wash and wax the vehicle on a regular basis?

Tester

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**Author:** ![Caddyman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/caddyman/32/23_2.png) [@Caddyman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Caddyman)\
**Post date:** [October 18, 2009, 12:54am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/repairing-faded-paint/38254/4 "2009-10-18T00:54:18Z")

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Year, model, mileage, storage conditions? (inside/outside)

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**Author:** ![pleasedodgevan2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ad7895/32.png) [@pleasedodgevan2](https://community.cartalk.com/u/pleasedodgevan2)\
**Post date:** [October 18, 2009, 5:43am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/repairing-faded-paint/38254/5 "2009-10-18T05:43:01Z")

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Try to get the wax off with a vinegar solution; use a wet rag. Then get the vinegar off with a water wet rag. Sand with 220 grit and wipe down. Paint with clearcoat in a can and it will look great.

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**Author:** ![meaneyedcatz](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/meaneyedcatz/32/692_2.png) [@meaneyedcatz](https://community.cartalk.com/u/meaneyedcatz)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2009, 4:43am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/repairing-faded-paint/38254/6 "2009-10-19T04:43:22Z")

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Your paint is delaminating. Polishing and buffing will not restore paint that is not there.