What does fuel do to car paint?
Petrol is a solvent, and solvents soften clear coat. Fuel that runs down a panel and sits there softens the top of the clear coat. It leaves a dull, sometimes rough patch in a run shape, usually starting under the fuel flap.
What kind of repair does it need?
A machine polish. The softened surface is cut back to good clear coat. If the fuel sat long enough to reach the colour, or it has stained rather than dulled, that panel is painted.
How long it sat decides it. Caught early, it is a polish on one area. Left long enough to bite past what the clear coat can give, the panel is painted instead.
What to do next
Book a detailer. It is worth fixing, because a dull patch under the fuel flap is exactly what a buyer notices. Next time, rinse a fuel spill with water straight away. Wiping spreads it.
Sources
- PPGpaint maker
ACID/SOLVENT ATTACK
- PPG GBpaint maker
remove the paint down to a sound surface, ensure that all traces of contaminants are removed, and repaint
- Sherwin-Williams Automotivepaint maker
Sand and featheredge damaged areas to remove chips, then refinish
- Standoxpaint maker
Micro/Spot repair or complete refinishing is necessary for true rectification
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