suntan question

[polarbearpants]

I recently debadged my black ford escape, and it looks awesome, but obviously where the emblems were are much darker than the paint around it. I assume this would even out over time but is there any way to speed this process up? I'm a total newb to all this, thanks in advance!!

[imz4n]

Re: suntan question

I would start with some ultimate polish and decide if a compound is needed after trying the polish. The UP has a mild cut level and should be the least powerful process . Be prepare to do the entire truck after the fact. LOL

[ethereal45]

Re: suntan question

I would take a good look at the paint and decide if it needs a full correction. By compounding / polishing or perhaps just polishing you may get the paint richness back that will blend in with the paint that was below the emblems.

[Murr1525]

Re: suntan question

The area under the badges will be closer to the original color.

So you have to detail the rest of the car, and bring it up as close to original condition as possible.

What condition is the rest of the paint in?

[polarbearpants]

It's in really good condition, needs a clay bar run over some spots but it is just a few hairs lighter than what was under the emblems, no garage spot has kept it out in the sun most of the time

[Murr1525]

Re: suntan question

If you want to keep the detailing simple at first, you could look at something like:

1. Wash
2 .Clay
3. ColorX
4. Wax - Nxt 2.0, Ult, Wax, etc.

That would shine things up pretty well, and be fairly quick. And get any dirt off the surface that may be makingit look lighter.

[polarbearpants]

Thanks much everyone, we'll see what turns out

[Michael Stoops]

Re: suntan question

How old is the Escape? The older the vehicle when debadged the greater the potential for a color mismatch between the formerly concealed paint and the constantly exposed paint. The clear coat is supposed to provide UV protection for the color coat beneath it, and it does, but it's not a 100% block. Over time you'll see some fade back of the entire paint job, except of course the paint under badges, emblems, trim, etc. Since the fading is almost always in the color coat, and you can't reach through the clear to work on the color, there isn't much you can do except let time take it's toll on the newly exposed paint. Even wet sanding and buffing won't do much of anything to alleviate the difference.

[92-RS-ZO3]

Sounds like my 92 Camaro RS, solid white car, took the red stripes of and you can really see the difference where the stripes were. Real nice bright white where the stripes were and a faded darker white on the rest of the car. Have gotten it back a little bit with UC and UP, but not as much as I wanted.