03blackbeast

So I think the title is pretty self explanatory. I know there may be some posts out there about this but seeing as options are constantly changing I figured I'd start off fresh. Was detailing my 03 over the weekend and I noticed it. Some fading paint about 3 inches long and 1 1/2 inches wide or so above my back window on the roof panel. It's the first I've noticed of my paint doing this. Now that I look closely, this area and my trunk are getting to be noticeably thin on the clear coat. Is there any option to DIY this easily? I really hate to have exposed metal like this. I'm actually surprised it's taken so long. I just passed 276,500 miles and she doesn't get garage time now since I live in an apartment. Any help or ideas are appreciated. You guys are the best!

3.2TLc

Hey 03Blackbeast, don't panic about exposed metal just yet.......after all it's just the paint's protective clear cote that's wearing for now. Ya still have the paint's basic surface color in good condition which will protect the metal from rust. Ya know that with over 10 years of exposure to the elements, it will take it's toll eventually. Consider your fading situation as being minor oxidation wear. How much do ya wanna spend ?

The only real cure is to have the flat surfaces wet sanded and re-cleared. But, for now.....keep the affected areas sealed and well polished with a quality brand wax product to prevent further deteioration.

03blackbeast

Well there's actually no paint in that area, it's just exposed metal unfortunately. There's no clear coat left either. If I rub my finger over it it's just rough metal. I'll have to get a picture or something. I may tape off and put clear coat over, since I have a can laying around, until I can get a more permanent solution.

00TL-P3.2

Mine has been getting progressively worse. May try to DIY it. Hood & roof mostly.
Wife's '04 Civic is starting to do the same.

My dad is planning on redoing some on his DD Saturn, so I'll see how it comes out before I Go at it on mine.

3.2TLc

If ya are down to exposed metal, then ya need to prep the surface and attempt to get some sorta paint on the affected area. Just a matter of prep, masking and feathering in some new paint at this point. Don't overthink the situation, just get some protection on the exposed bare metal at this point. If ya want it to be perfect, you're probably going to need to consult a bodyshop for professional advice and results. 276k, give it a shot !

MarcDavidoff

You can buy some spray paint specifically for your color code.. There are a few online retailers that sell it. I can't recall offhand who I bought from about a year ago, but I want to say for around $20 I bought a large can of aerosol paint that exactly matched my color. With some clearcoat applied on top it blended in very well to the few areas I needed to touch up

03blackbeast

Dude that's awesome. Exactly what I'm looking for. Did you have to clear coat over it? I'm gonna start researching now. Let me know if you can figure out where you got it from.

bonknhead

Try paintscratch.com. I used their paint to paint my splash guards. Good match.

03blackbeast

Anybody have experience with these guys?

http://www.automotivetouchup.com/tou...acura/2003/tl/

MarcDavidoff

Blackbeast- that is exactly who I bought it from for one of my Acura legends. It is Sherwood green so pretty dark color and I was wondering how well it would match but the paint I bought from these guys was dead on. And the nozzle on the spray can is better than the normal run of the mill spray paint can. It fans out nicely and sprays out uniformly. I used another brand of clearcoat to go over the top but I believe they sell clearcoat cans too. If I bought from them again I would probably try their clearcoat too

KatabaticSaint

Wrap your car.

Gabru678

iTrader: (1)

I was just thinking that Wrap / Plastidip might help.

But It wont help the exposed (thus possibly damaged metal underneath)

If He wanted he could just sand it down and then rattle can it with any color (if he cant get one that matches) and then Wrap / Plastidip it any color after that protection is done.

bk85

Eastwood makes a spray can clear that has an activator built in. High end clear so it only has a 48 hour pot life once you activate it.

http://www.eastwood.com/spray-max-2k...t-aerosol.html

BL85

03blackbeast

So here's a picture of what I'm looking at. Turns out what looked like exposed metal in the garage the other night turned out to be fading clear coat in the sunlight after work. Looks like I just need to touch up the clear coat. Any tips you guys have? Thanks

03blackbeast

https://www.dropbox.com/s/d0grvp08sx...03.13.jpg?dl=0

3.2TLc

Ya could try to smooth up the old worn clear-cote by deglossing the bad area with a fine 3M pad. Clean the surface with mineral spirits. After dry, mask off the window and moulding. Then use a quality clear spray to feather the spot into the existing finish. Use several light coats and be careful not to get too much overspray on the surrounding good paint. Let it thoroughly dry and blend surfaces with a light buffing compound. Make an attempt to contain the spray to the affected area.

03blackbeast

That sounds like it would work great. Thanks for the info.