Why does black car paint appear dull and lose its shine?
2 Answers
Black car paint appearing dull and losing its shine may be caused by the following reasons: 1. Paint oxidation: Under the exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays, the paint film continuously evaporates oils into the air to protect itself. Over time, excessive loss of oils from the paint surface can occur, significantly reducing the brightness and depth of the paint, causing it to slowly turn white. Severe oxidation can be treated through grinding and polishing. 2. Traffic 'film': While driving, friction generates a strong electrostatic layer on the car. Static electricity has a strong ability to attract dust, oil stains, and chemical particles, forming a hard traffic film over time. This can easily lead to oxidation and corrosion of the paint surface, which can be addressed with grinding and polishing. 3. Fading: Oil smoke and pollutants in the atmosphere are the main causes of paint fading and discoloration. Fading differs from oxidation; when fading occurs, uneven color differences appear on the paint. Moderate to mild fading can be treated with grinding and polishing, while severe cases require repainting. 4. Etching: Etching refers to surface abrasion. Insects, bird droppings, tree sap, tar, and asphalt can all cause etching. Only very slight etching can be resolved with grinding and polishing.
The dull and lackluster appearance of black car paint is mainly caused by paint oxidation and dirt accumulation. Prolonged exposure to sunlight causes the oils in the paint to gradually evaporate, leaving the surface dry and lacking shine over time. Additionally, substances like tar splashed up while driving, tree sap, and water marks left by acid rain can form a matte film on the paint surface. I had a client whose car was like this—often parked under trees and not waxed for six months, making the entire car look like it was covered in a layer of gray haze. It's recommended to perform a deep paint cleaning every three months, using clay to remove stubborn stains, followed by applying a ceramic coating to protect against UV rays and restore a mirror-like finish. Whenever possible, park in shaded areas and avoid using highly alkaline cleaning agents when washing the car.
