YACT: Cloudy Clear Coat

[43st]

I'm looking to sell an older car of mine (1993 Silver Mazda 626) but the clear coat has some minor cloudiness. I've tried a polish but it didn't appear to do anything, and I'm not even sure if polishes were meant for clear coat finishes.

I've look around the internet and all I can find is clear maintence, not much on clear coat restoration.

Anyone have any tips or hints at fixing the clear coat?

 

[NutBucket]

I think you'll have to take it and get if buffed professionally (no, you don't want to attempt this on your own).

 

[DurocShark]

Originally posted by: NutBucket
I think you'll have to take it and get if buffed professionally (no, you don't want to attempt this on your own).

You can do it. Use a low speed buffer like the $20 ones at the auto parts stores and a cleaner wax (not rubbing compound!!)

But it'll look like shiite in 2 months or so. Plenty of time to sell it.

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: DurocShark

Originally posted by: NutBucket
I think you'll have to take it and get if buffed professionally (no, you don't want to attempt this on your own).

You can do it. Use a low speed buffer like the $20 ones at the auto parts stores and a cleaner wax (not rubbing compound!!)

But it'll look like shiite in 2 months or so. Plenty of time to sell it.

Well, it just sounds like the OP has already tried a low-speed buffer (he did mention polish so....)

 

[43st]

It still looks like poo. I did a small sample section with random orbital elbow grease. If this is too big a deal then I don't care, but it would be nice to fix the car up a bit for the new owner.

 

[43st]

Anyone else? Would a light rubbing compound damage or help it?

 

[TechnoKid]

Your paint might have oxidation. You need to go through several steps to remedy this. First, I'd use a mild cutting compound, such as 3M finesse it swirl remover, then use IHG (Imperial Hand glaze) then wax. If the swirl remover doesn't work, you'll have to start with a more aggressive compound. Always try and use the least abrasive stuff you can use. You can use a polish for clear coats, but it depends on what kind of polish. Meguiars makes a good polish, yellow #7 show car glaze, and 3M IHG mentioned before is a good pure polish.

ProperAutoCare has a good tutorial page as well as a full line of products to help you with your car paints needs.