How to deal with peeling car clear coat?
2 Answers
Steps to repair peeling car paint: 1. Clean the car paint surface and ensure it is completely dry; 2. Remove the peeling part of the paint; 3. Simply repaint using the required painting method and materials. After the car has just been painted, it is best not to wash it for at least 24 hours, preferably 48 hours, because the newly applied paint has not fully adhered during this time. Washing the car within this period can definitely damage the clear coat on the paint surface, thereby reducing the paint's adhesion. Peeling car paint is caused by an improper ratio of clear coat to hardener during the painting process, which prevents the clear coat from adhering well.
I've been driving a private car for twenty years, and clear coat peeling is quite common, usually caused by UV exposure or paint aging. I remember last time my car roof had the same issue, with a layer peeling off. I used 800-grit sandpaper to smooth it out, then applied touch-up spray paint evenly, let it dry, and polished it afterward. But you need to be gentle—applying too much force can damage the primer and worsen rusting. Now, I recommend parking in the shade or using a car cover for sun protection, and regular waxing can slow down aging. If not treated promptly, rainwater can seep in and rust the metal panels, leading to costly repairs. My DIY approach saved me some money, but for large-scale peeling, it’s safer to go to a professional shop for a respray. The key is to wear protective gear before doing it yourself, especially to avoid getting anything in your eyes.
