What are the methods to deal with yellowing white car paint?
4 Answers
Here are some methods to deal with yellowing car paint: 1. Car washing: The car washing mentioned here does not refer to going to those roadside car washes with non-compliant procedures. They use cheap alkaline car wash agents, which can cause significant damage to the car paint. Neutral car wash agents do not have this problem, and adopting a good car washing method can greatly protect the gloss of the paint. 2. Polishing: Yellowing car paint refers to the yellowing of the outermost clear coat. Since the color paint is covered by the clear coat and does not come into contact with air or UV rays, polishing can temporarily improve the yellowing issue to some extent. However, it should not be done frequently as it can alter the thickness of the paint. Here are some reasons for the yellowing of white car paint: 1. Paint oxidation: UV rays from sunlight not only oxidize human skin but also cause some damage to car paint. If a car is exposed to the elements for a long time, the surface paint will gradually oxidize and turn yellow. 3. Not washing the car for a long time: This is something everyone can understand. If a person does not wash their face for a long time, pores will accumulate a lot of dirt, leading to a yellowish complexion. Car paint also has paint pores, and if the car is not washed for a long time, it will cause the paint to turn yellow.
I've been driving a white car for several years and have tried various methods to deal with yellowing. When the yellowing was slight initially, I would handle it with household items. For example, I'd squeeze regular toothpaste onto a damp cloth, add a bit of baking soda, and evenly apply it to the yellowed areas. Then, I'd patiently wait for about five minutes to let it dissolve the oxidation layer on the paint. After that, I'd gently wipe in circular motions with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth, being careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid scratching the paint. Once done, I'd immediately rinse it off with water to prevent residue. It's best to apply a thin layer of wax afterward for protection. Remember to park in a garage or under shade whenever possible, as prolonged exposure to sunlight is the main cause of yellowing, along with the accumulation of air pollutants. This method is low-cost and suitable for small areas, but its effectiveness is limited for severe yellowing. Always test it on a small area first.
To address the issue of yellowing on white cars, I believe professional polishing is the most reliable solution. Once, the door of my car had severe yellowing, and when I couldn't handle it myself, I took it to a professional detailing shop. The technician first used clay to clean the body, removing surface dust and contaminants, then applied a mild abrasive with a polishing machine, using gentle techniques to avoid damaging the original paint. They explained that polishing can remove the oxidized layer and restore brightness, but deep yellowing might require multiple treatments. The cost was around a few hundred yuan, which is worth it for the durability and safety. For daily maintenance, it's recommended to park away from strong sunlight and to dry and wax the car after washing. UV-protective wax is better as it reflects harmful rays and prevents new yellowing.
I have good parking habits, so my white car rarely turns yellow. The key is regular maintenance. I wipe the car to remove dust weekly and wash it thoroughly once a month using wax-containing car shampoo, followed by an additional layer of protection after waxing. I try to park away from direct sunlight, such as under trees or in garages. Choosing a wax with UV protection works even better. If there are slight signs of yellowing, I promptly use a specialized yellow stain remover to spray and wipe, not letting it worsen. These preventive measures keep the car paint looking like new.
