How bad is my paint: just buff that out?

[southsails]

So, as far as I know, this Arktisblau paint (metallic) was cleared, and that is what is peeling off (in most areas). My goals for this car aren't to spend much, if any money on it, so a paint job that involves anything more than a rattle can is out of the question. The clear is really flaking off -- you can scratch it off w/ your fingernail near the areas in question. Such a shame, b/c the vertical paint areas are still very nice. The one area in the back (trunk and c-pillar) looks like it is down to metal, but could just be the nature of the paint in the sun.

Give 'er a good buffing?

[turbo_negro69]

HELL NO! that ain't buffing out for nothing in this world!!!!!
That paint is de-laminating, you need to sand that down, seal it, and re-paint. No spray can is going to save that.

[Schniddy]

^ Are you possitive on that??



That paints looks to have been just as bad.

[Garageaholic]

Wow schneider, that's fawesome. How long did that take you?

[cactusjacks1]

^ Are you possitive on that??



That paints looks to have been just as bad.

The paint in you picture is either Zinnoberrot or Brilliantrot. It would buff out as you show, it is single stage, non metallic.

He is referring to Arktisblau, it is 2 stage (base coat + clear coat) with metallic. Nothing invented, will buff that out.

The difference is single stage (no clear coat) vs. 2 stage paint. E30's used both. See Gustaves sight for a table.

http://www.bimmers.com/m3/spotter/years.html

[trent]

That red is a single stage....you can usually buff those out (my henna looked just like that when i bought it). Cracking clear coats = no.

[trent]

Wow schneider, that's fawesome. How long did that take you?

thats easy...that should have taken 5-10 min with the right tools.

[Schniddy]

That is not my car. Someone posted that a few weeks ago. All you need is a porter cable buffer, some heavy-duty aggressive polish, and either a cutting pad or a wool pad. Wool pads are more aggressive if I remember correctly.

[Garageaholic]

What kind of polisher? variable speed spinning wheel? or orbital? oooooooor does it not matter?

[asubimmer]

I did that to a yellow merc, I should have taken pics. It was almost white when I started cause of the fading etc...

[Schniddy]

What kind of polisher? variable speed spinning wheel? or orbital? oooooooor does it not matter?

http://www.autopia-carcare.com/how-to.html

read everything. You should start with an orbital.

[southsails]

I guess it is time for gloss white.

Edit: actually, do I have to take it down to primer, or can I get my bro to sand it down to the paint, and respray clear? I'm not looking for show car. Just "decent dd".

[trent]

http://www.autopia-carcare.com/how-to.html

read everything. You should start with an orbital.

I disagree with that. I start with 2000, then move to a variable speed polisher. Wool is the more agressive, finishing is done with various foam pads.

[Schniddy]

I disagree with that. I start with 2000, then move to a variable speed polisher. Wool is the more agressive, finishing is done with various foam pads.

Well I meant for a beginner. Wet sanding and using a variable speed polisher are for the big boys.

[trent]

Well I meant for a beginner. Wet sanding and using a variable speed polisher are for the big boys.

This is true, but you never get the BEST results with an random orbital..you just cannot build enough heat into the material