At this point the paint on my truck is so dingy that it's starting to look like rust instead or read. The paint has turned chalky and will come off on your finger if you drag it across any surface. This is severe oxidation I presume... What's the best way to fix this problem? (short of repainting)
Thanks a lot.

 

You might wash is really good and then use a finish restorer. There are lots of brands out there, so try some of the better known ones like McGuires, DuPont, Mothers(?) etc.

You might need to do it several times and a buffer really helps. This is a hard job and you risk eating thru the paint, but once it is as bad as you say, what the heck. After getting a nice smooth surface, you might use a good polish or light buffing compound. After that maybe a clay bar for that final touch and then a good coat of wax.

If the paint is too far gone, it may not look nice even after all the work.

When I have done this in the past it usually took me the better part of a day doing it by hand, so a buffer is advised.

Good Luck,

Jim Henderson

 

Do it the easy way. Try Dri Wash 'n Guard. It's a waterless car wash/ glaze that also does a beautiful job of restoring oxidized paint. You'll make the whole truck look like brand-new in about 1 hour. You gotta trust me on this one (man, I should start getting a commission on this stuff!).

 

I used rubbing compound on one of our tractors (I know, not a truck) that was badly oxidized. It made that thing look like new. I used a buffer and would recommend using one too. After that, use the polishing compound and it will look like a million bucks.

 

Be careful if you use rubbing compound, it's scary with a buffer. You might start seeing some primer! I'd start with a paint cleaner and then a polishing compound. Probably put the polish on with a buffer with terry-cloth pad. In this order:
1. Wash truck with blue Dawn dish detergent.
2. Rub down with paint cleaner.
3. Wash again with blue dawn.
4. Buff with a good polish.
5. Buff with Liquid Glass or your favorite wax.
I feel secure that if you follow these steps, you will see a remarkable change!! Remember to post here after your done with the "new" truck!

 

Paint oxidation is one of the most difficult situations to access because once oxidation starts, it is hard to stop. You must remove all oxidized paint, then apply a quality protectant. As a professional detailer, I use Dri Wash 'n Guard Waterless Car Wash to protect paint and in lieu of older less effective Carnuba products.

I use DWG OxyGone product to remove oxidized paint, however, I draw the line at severe oxidation. I realize this is highly subjective, but at some point, the paint is just too far gone to keep massaging in hopes of restoration. Once I think the paint is irreversibly damaged, I refer my customers to a paint restoration specialist/professional painter.

I hope this information was useful.

Duke in PDX

 

As long as you have enough layers of paint left on the truck, use rubbing compound. I did it to my WHOLE truck by HAND, it took forever, and was kinda tyring, but definitly worth it. Only use a buffer to apply it if your used to using a buffer, dont hold it in one spot to long. But you can use it to take it off and not have to worry, that way its a little easier on your arms. It brought back my trucks natural shine and made it nice and smooth. If theres still some spots afterwards that look oxidized then just rub a little WD-40 on it every so often and it makes it look like new.