Need help with dull white single stage paint

[lilbilly]

Hi all, I'm a complete nOOb when it comes to detailing. Been doing some reading and searching the last day or so.

I bought a 2003 Pontiac Vibe (Toyota Matrix), that is in desperate need of paint help. From what I gather, it's a single stage paint. It's been neglected to say the least. First, it's flat out dirty, almost like the paint is absorbing dirt and has been for a while. Second, I have a rock chipped hood that I have to deal with. Third, I really want to bring the paint back to life, or at least respectable looking.

As a complete noob, I've learned a little reading. But could use some specific direction, as to what to buy, what to use and what steps to take. I'm sure that I can do it with elbow grease for a TON cheaper than a paint job.

advice is much appreciated!!

Here are some pics, sorry there wasn't sunlight after I got home from work but I think Sundays time change will help that.

[thepanchmx]

Have you tried first, wash and clay?

[lilbilly]

Re: Need help with dull white single stage paint

Have you tried first, wash and clay?

I haven't done anything besides run it through a touchless car wash. After which I realized it was going to take more than a rub down.

So, what products are recommended? I need everything, start to finish.

Soap wash?
Wash towels, mit?
clay bar?

I've never washed my own car with with the good stuff, only used household type products or taken it to the car wash.

[Murr1525]

Re: Need help with dull white single stage paint

Well... where to start...

Obviously the rock chips will need cared for separately... a polish and wax wont fix them. Some folks have had good luck with the Dr. Color Chip stuff, so could look there.

As for the regular detailing (and of course can read more, ask about how to do each step):

1. Wash - Gold Class Soap, 2 buckets, Grit Guards if possible, good quality towels, mitts. Meguiars does sell the MF wash mitts, and Water Magnet drying towels (3 pack).
2. Clay - Smooth Surface Clay kit, + extra Quick Detailer bottle.
3. Clean - Ultimate Compound
4. Mild Cleaner/Polish - Ult. Polish
5. Wax - Ult. Wax
6. Wax

Use the Smooth Foam Applicator pads to apply, and Supreme Shine towels to remove.

I might want to use something like T.R.I.X after washing and before claying, to give a little stronger cleaning, and help a bit with old tar, etc.

[lilbilly]

Re: Need help with dull white single stage paint

Well... where to start...

Obviously the rock chips will need cared for separately... a polish and wax wont fix them. Some folks have had good luck with the Dr. Color Chip stuff, so could look there.

As for the regular detailing (and of course can read more, ask about how to do each step):

1. Wash - Gold Class Soap, 2 buckets, Grit Guards if possible, good quality towels, mitts. Meguiars does sell the MF wash mitts, and Water Magnet drying towels (3 pack).
2. Clay - Smooth Surface Clay kit, + extra Quick Detailer bottle.
3. Clean - Ultimate Compound
4. Mild Cleaner/Polish - Ult. Polish
5. Wax - Ult. Wax
6. Wax

Use the Smooth Foam Applicator pads to apply, and Supreme Shine towels to remove.

I might want to use something like T.R.I.X after washing and before claying, to give a little stronger cleaning, and help a bit with old tar, etc.

Thanks, appreciate the thoughts.

Should steps 3-6 be done with a DA or a rotary? I have a friend with a rotary and some experience with it, I've never really used one before.

As for the rock chips, should something like that be done mid way through the process?

[Murr1525]

Re: Need help with dull white single stage paint

Hand or DA really... dont see much need for a rotary at the moment. Or at least until you get a bit more cleaned up and see whats what.

Well, you dont want wax in the chips... but you dont want to wax over fresh paint... so kind of iffy either way. I'd probably just detail first, then worry about cleaning the chips, and painting in the future.

[Meticulous-Detail]

Re: Need help with dull white single stage paint

To add to what others have said, you really want to try and get this paint as CLEAN as possible first.

I would start of with a dawn wash, maybe even some APC mixed in.
Then a product like T.R.I.X, Iron X, Wolfs Decon Gel.............etc
Have some Stoners Tarminator handy or 3M adhesive remover for the tuff spots
Then clay, then Megs UC, then Megs UP and Megs UW

Also, I would take that pinstripe off as it has seen better days. 3M Adhesive remover should take care of that. The headlights look yellow too, might want to pick up Megs headlight restoration kit. How are the wheels? If they are bad too, then pick up some Megs All Wheel and Tire or Wheel Brightner. You can use IronX on the wheels too.

I second Dr. Color Chip. I was at a Car Show/Auction and was looking at a 11 Escalade, looked really nice didn't notice the rock chips until I was really close. Owner used Dr. Color Chip.

On all products mentioned make sure to follow directions, good luck!

[BillyJack]

Re: Need help with dull white single stage paint

Welcome to MOL!
I've handled a few neglected vehicles like yours before. Your first priority should be a good thorough cleaning. Even though it's not recommended for regular use, you may want to use an APC or even liquid dish soap for the first wash job. Use some soft brushes, such as an old paint brush with the bristles trimmed shorter, to get all the garbage out of the cracks and crevices. Then have at it with some clay to remove all the bonded contaminants and level the surface. You'll likely be impressed with the difference a good claying step makes. Once you're completely clean and contaminant-free, evaluate the finish and decide your next move. Ultimate Compound will probably be necessary from what the pictures show, but a strong cleaner wax such as Color-X or the new White Wax would likely give you a substantial improvement if working by hand. If you have someone available who's competent with a rotary, it may save a lot of time and effort, but be damn sure they know what they're doing.

Bill

[lilbilly]

Re: Need help with dull white single stage paint

Welcome to MOL!
I've handled a few neglected vehicles like yours before. Your first priority should be a good thorough cleaning. Even though it's not recommended for regular use, you may want to use an APC or even liquid dish soap for the first wash job. Use some soft brushes, such as an old paint brush with the bristles trimmed shorter, to get all the garbage out of the cracks and crevices. Then have at it with some clay to remove all the bonded contaminants and level the surface. You'll likely be impressed with the difference a good claying step makes. Once you're completely clean and contaminant-free, evaluate the finish and decide your next move. Ultimate Compound will probably be necessary from what the pictures show, but a strong cleaner wax such as Color-X or the new White Wax would likely give you a substantial improvement if working by hand. If you have someone available who's competent with a rotary, it may save a lot of time and effort, but be damn sure they know what they're doing.

Bill

What about just going to the self wash and having at it with the brush there, then bring it home for a hand wash?

[lilbilly]

Re: Need help with dull white single stage paint

To add to what others have said, you really want to try and get this paint as CLEAN as possible first.

I would start of with a dawn wash, maybe even some APC mixed in.
Then a product like T.R.I.X, Iron X, Wolfs Decon Gel.............etc
Have some Stoners Tarminator handy or 3M adhesive remover for the tuff spots
Then clay, then Megs UC, then Megs UP and Megs UW

Also, I would take that pinstripe off as it has seen better days. 3M Adhesive remover should take care of that. The headlights look yellow too, might want to pick up Megs headlight restoration kit. How are the wheels? If they are bad too, then pick up some Megs All Wheel and Tire or Wheel Brightner. You can use IronX on the wheels too.

I second Dr. Color Chip. I was at a Car Show/Auction and was looking at a 11 Escalade, looked really nice didn't notice the rock chips until I was really close. Owner used Dr. Color Chip.

On all products mentioned make sure to follow directions, good luck!

yeah I was wondering about the pinstriping, it's tattered and looks bad.

[BillyJack]

Re: Need help with dull white single stage paint

What about just going to the self wash and having at it with the brush there, then bring it home for a hand wash?

I don't see much need for that step, except maybe to use the pressure wand to blow the **** out of body seams, wheelwells etc.

Bill

[Murr1525]

Re: Need help with dull white single stage paint

Yeah, pressure washing would be good. But just using a cheap brush will add more scratches, and make more work for yourself.

[lilbilly]

Re: Need help with dull white single stage paint

10-4. Going try to start today, but might be tomorrow afternoon. Will report with pics!

[Murr1525]

Re: Need help with dull white single stage paint

No need to rush... you can wash and clay everything at once, then work panel by panel with the cleaner/polish/wax if needed.

[Slats]

Re: Need help with dull white single stage paint

The good news is that white is the easiest color to bring back after its been neglected so badly. I've owned 2 white vehicles that looked about the same as yours and they both turned out looking great- just takes some time. Good luck!