restoring paint shine

[Kunihiro]

I have just purchased a 1999 Honda Prelude and if I am correct, I believe the factory paint is a two stage paint with color and clear coat.

The paint looks fine, but is a little dull. What can I do or what Meguiar's product would work to restore the finish on the paint? I realize I'm looking at a car that's almost ten years old, but at least I can try to restore the finish.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Allen

[Mike Phillips]

Hi Allen,

Welcome to Meguiar's Online!

A quick way to check to see if the finish can be restored is to start with a cleaner/wax like ColorX which can be found in most automotive parts stores. Wash your car, shake the product up well and apply it to a small section about a foot squared with a little enthusiasm. Allow to dry and then wipe off and inspect. If the area looks better continue around the car, if you see no change or little change, at least not enough to say "wow!", then post back here what you're seeing.

Claying is also very important if the paint feels rough to the touch after washing, if so then you should clay first before trying any paint care products like the ColorX.

[Mike Phillips]

List 'O Links

Many of the things we cover in our Saturday Classes are discussed and talked about in the threads found in the sub-forums of the Information Station


First read this,

Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle


Then read these...

How To Remove Swirls By Hand
How to remove a defect by hand with ScratchX
Using the G-100 to remove swirls with the Professional Line
Circles or Straight Lines?
Which LSP is Best for Light Colors
How to locate Meguiar?s Professional & Detailer products in your hometown
How to tell when a Meguiar's wax is ready to remove - The Swipe Test
The Dual Action Counterweight "Controversy"
What are the Differences Between Meguiar's Waxes
What's the Deal with "Layering"?
Measuring Clear Coat Thickness
Rotary vs. PC vs. Regular Orbital Buffer
Glass Polishing...Deep Cleaning
NXT Tech Wax Cure Time
Suggested Products for Taking Care of a New Car
Colored Waxes - Do they really work?
PC + #83 not "Cutting" it! - The Limits of the Dual Action Polisher
What it Means to Remove a Scratch
Why Meguiar?s Recommends Polishing Paint
A Lesson From White Paint
Each one, teach one... Ferrari Fiorano 355 F1 Spider

[Kunihiro]

Thanks Mike

Thanks for your reply. Quite frankly, I'm a returning forum member. I just couldn't remember my login name and password so stupid me, I had to re-register.

Anyway, at your recommendation, I'll wash/clay/wash/ColorX in that progressive order (in a small area like you recommended) and then I'll post back.

Thanks,

Allen

[Guiser]

I have a 2000 silver Prelude and the paint is 2-stage (I know, doesn't help much). My recommendation is wash/clay/clean/polish - optional/wax/wax. If you clay using Quik Detailer and wipe off the residue after every section you will have "washed" the entire car. And always do test spots to make sure you get the results you want on a small area, then do the whole thing.

- Ben

[Kunihiro]

Originally posted by Guiser
I have a 2000 silver Prelude and the paint is 2-stage (I know, doesn't help much). My recommendation is wash/clay/clean/polish - optional/wax/wax. If you clay using Quik Detailer and wipe off the residue after every section you will have "washed" the entire car. And always do test spots to make sure you get the results you want on a small area, then do the whole thing.

- Ben

Ben,

I haven't taken possession of this car yet, but thanks. I will try out your recommendations. I just ordered the Color X and give that a shot too. It's the metallic mist blue/gray color.

Allen