Clear coat area “peeled” off bumper after power wash. Fixes?

[1 SX]

I’ll jump right to it.
I was power washing the sonata and paying “extra” attention to the rear wheel wells and as I was cleaning the lip of the bumper underneath the fuel door cap I heard what sounded like paper ripping and a piece of clearcoat the size of my hand flew off the bumper i’ll post a picture later as Sonatas on the road atm.
It instantly made the car look old so it bothers me more than It probably should as this is its first imho “major” paint issue.

This car was elderly owned garage queen that drove it about 350 miles a year from 13 until 2019. And then picked it up with less than 3000 miles on it. It currently has about 57,000 miles and minus the clearcoat that I power washed off the bumper the paint is an extremely good condition - And I was hoping to keep it that way for just a little bit longer but this clear coat issue is my own self doing by being too obsessive and a little too eager with the power washer

What I’m asking is how would I be able to stop the clear coat failure from spreading and give it a somewhat better appearance without having the whole bumper re-sprayed? I know that would be the correct way to fix this, if you can imagine perfect paint just with small “flakes” or “sheets” of clearcoat coming off. i’m willing to give it a shot myself trying to at least give it a visual better appearance and maybe fixing it before paying body shop prices at the very last resort.
I just can’t leave it because every time I wash the car or drive in the rain more of the clear coat is going to blow off the bumper.

Thanks.

 

[PimTac]

Sounds more like a protective film that was applied. Clearcoat doesn’t come off like paper ripping.

 

[ls973800]

Sounds more like a protective film that was applied. Clearcoat doesn’t come off like paper ripping.

Yes, some cars do have a plastic protective sheet near the wheel wells and the bottom of the fenders and doors from the factory, others could have been applied after market.

 

[Hyundai Respecter]

You could mask off the area and give it a little sanding then spray some new clear coat from a rattle can. It won’t look perfect but there won’t be a dull spot. YouTube videos can probably show you how.

 

[ls1mike]

I would wet sand the bumper and just apply some clear coat. I have done that with pretty good success on a couple of different cars.

 

[wpod]

Sounds more like a protective film that was applied. Clearcoat doesn’t come off like paper ripping.

Unless it is a GM product.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Who pressure washes a car?

 

[tyman]

Who pressure washes a car?

People washing their cars at home with something like a soap/foam cannon. Plus it's not like the wands at regular car washes are that much different....they're still pressure washer wands.

 

[Dave9]

1) Don't pressure wash, OR stand further back so it's not so forceful.

2) Wet sand the entire bumper and rattle can, 2K clearcoat. It costs more than typical 1K clearcoat but the greater durability is well worth it.

My home garden-hose-attached foam cannon wand is nowhere near as powerful as a car wash wand.

 

[gregk24]

And this is why we don't pressure wash cars.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

People washing their cars at home with something like a soap/foam cannon. Plus it's not like the wands at regular car washes are that much different....they're still pressure washer wands.

Washcloth, Paul Mitchell Shampoo One**, and warm water in a bucket are the way to go.
wring and Rinse washcloth frequently during the task.
if the car is sandy or grit covered = soft brush and water first.

** best car wash "detergent" I have ever used - by far.

 

[RooflessVW]

A picture is worth a thousand words

 

[RooflessVW]

Who pressure washes a car?

Every car I've washed for the last 5 years. More effective and uses less water.

 

[tyman]

Washcloth, Paul Mitchell Shampoo One**, and warm water in a bucket are the way to go.
wring and Rinse washcloth frequently during the task.
if the car is sandy or grit covered = soft brush and water first.

** best car wash "detergent" I have ever used - by far.

I just rub dirt on it

 

[RooflessVW]

I just rub dirt on it

 

[K-Man]

It sounds more like a piece of protective film than the clearcoat failing. Before applying clearcoat to anything, check this possibility.

 

[Cujet]

Clear coat can in fact peel off just as the OP describes. Many base coats contain few binders and solids. The adhesion between a base coat and clear can be quite poor.

 

[tyman]

Clear coat can in fact peel off just as the OP describes. Many base coats contain few binders and solids. The adhesion between a base coat and clear can be quite poor.

Let’s also not forget it’s a Hyundai. Not exactly the pinnacle of quality.

 

[The Critic]

And this is why we don't pressure wash cars.

If you use a white 40-deg tip it is usually safe. But you have to be smart about how it is done.

 

[dishdude]

Grandma scraped up the bumper and it was repainted. Factory paint doesn't flake off bumper covers...that aftermarket flex additive on repaints is useless. I used the pressure washer all the time when I owned cars worthy of a hand wash.