What is single stage paint oxidation?
Your paint has no clear coat on top, so the sun weathers the colour itself. It breaks down the binder at the surface and leaves loose pigment. That is the chalk on your hand, and why the car looks pale. The colour under the chalk is still good. That is why a wet cloth brings it back while it is wet.
What kind of repair does it need?
A machine polish. On this paint it truly restores the finish. It cuts off the dead layer and shows the good colour underneath. But every pass takes some colour. A panel can only take so many, so it is worth doing properly once.
The dead top layer comes off and good colour is underneath. Every pass takes some colour with it. A panel can only take so many, so do it properly once.
What to do next
Find a detailer who has worked on single stage paint, and say those words when you call. Ask them to measure the paint depth first if they can. Afterwards, wax or seal it regularly. If a shop quotes a respray for chalky paint without trying a test spot, get a second opinion.
Sources
- PPG GBpaint maker
A chalky dusting or powdering at the paint surface, often associated with old, weathered paint film
- Sherwin-Williams Automotivepaint maker
Pigment is no longer held and protected by resin…
- DetailingWikiwiki
Surface without a clear coat, have paint particles that carry the color of the surface in them.
- Malco Automotiveproduct seller
if the paint color transfers to the applicator or cloth, single-stage paint has been used.
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