Advice on dull area in paint

[Ryan]

Hi,

This is my first post here, but I've been lurking around a few weeks now.

Anyway, I recently got a 1998 Trans Am about a week and a half ago. I haven't had time to fully go at the car and remove some of the swirls and other defects with the DAP (that this site inspired me to buy ), but before I started this weekend, I was looking for some advice on an area of paint:




I tried to show the spot as best I could; it appears dull and stands out. I am really hoping that I don't need to reclear the door, but I have a bad feeling that is the only solution.

Is there any hope for my door?

[Mike Phillips]

Hi Ryan,

Seeing this is your first post, Welcome to Meguiar's Online!


We're sorry to say this... but that spot is an area where the clear coat is missing.

[Ryan]

Thanks Mike,

That is what I was afraid of. Is it possible to apply a new layer of clearcoat on the door, or does the door need to be sanded down, repainted, and then have the clearcoat reapplied? I've been told that you can't patch the clearcoat (with good results). Some of my family that I'll be going to visit in coming weeks have a shop and everything I need to get it fixed up.

Also, should I avoid this spot when working with the DAP to prevent further damage?

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by Ryan
Thanks Mike,

That is what I was afraid of. Is it possible to apply a new layer of clearcoat on the door, or does the door need to be sanded down, repainted, and then have the clearcoat reapplied? I've been told that you can't patch the clearcoat (with good results). Some of my family that I'll be going to visit in coming weeks have a shop and everything I need to get it fixed up.

Anything is possible, it could be a really good painter could scuff your door and re-clear it and it will turn out okay/good. I would guess the chances are better that it won't look good and you might/probably will run into problems down the road, but talk to a painter or your family friends and get their advice. Part of the problem is that this is a metallic finish and if the exposed spot has been buffed too much already, then by the time it is scuffed and then cleared, it's going to have a different visual appearance compared to the metallic finish around it.

The best bet would be to repaint the entire door with the correct basecoat and then clear the entire door.

Also, should I avoid this spot when working with the DAP to prevent further damage?

Yes. Maybe one time make one pass around the area and then only maintain it by hand after that. Depending on what you have into the car and what you want, it might be one of those things you learn to live with and leave your money in the bank.

[SchwarzenSchafe]

If this is a metallic as you say Mike then base coating the whole door will result in a mismatched panel. THe proper procedure is to blend the basecoat over the damage and re-clear the entire door.

[Ryan]

Originally posted by SchwarzenSchafe
If this is a metallic as you say Mike then base coating the whole door will result in a mismatched panel. THe proper procedure is to blend the basecoat over the damage and re-clear the entire door.

Thanks for the tip! It is navy-blue metallic (and looks quite nice when clean).

I bought the car knowing there were some flaws with it, but I intend to fix them. I don't like having a less-than-perfect car, so in a few months, it will be as good as new.

Thanks again for the advice!