Easy Process to Revive Paint?

[panthermike]

My 2003 Corolla hasn't been properly polished/waxed for the last 12 years. While my buddy owned it for 10, I'm certain it was never done. I believe the Clearcoat is all intact, but overall it looks dull/hazy on several panels.

I am a novice(and that's being nice), but I know DIY is something I could handle. I am open to getting an easy to use/basic DA.

A process I used a long time ago IIRC:

- Wash and Clay
- Ultimate Compound
- Polish
- Wax

I am open to any suggestions or products you all have. I'm not looking for amazing results, but the 'ol gal deserves some love. This is the only picture I have right now, doesn't show much though.

 

[skyactiv]

Don’t worry about the paint it’s acceptable. Hubcaps will make that car look better.

 

[panthermike]

Don’t worry about the paint it’s acceptable. Hubcaps will make that car look better.

That's part of the plan as well. Will also either restore or replace the headlights.

 

[JohnnyG]

I'd call your local mobil detailer and let hime do it for $150.00. By the time you're done buying all the stuff and putting in the time, you'll be way over that. No "ceramic coating" BTW, from the detailer, they're overpriced. Just get some Griot's 3 in 1 after that and you'll be fine.

 

[CarbonToast]

I think you have a good plan. Also, Refinishing or buying new headlights will go a long way to making it look better!

 

[StumblingElk]

For headlights just make sure you use a product with UV blocker when you're done refinishing them


Turtle wax makes a great spray on ceramic to maintain the paint after it's been detailed

 

[Cujet]

If the clear coat is 2003 original, it very likely is thin and about done. You may be able to wet sand it with 2000 grit paper and buff with compound. But my best guess is it will simply be too thin and results will be nothing better than a brief clean up. And more than likely burn through.

Wax does very little to protect. A garage is what works.

If the clear coat is intact and not gone yet, the best bet might be wet sand and re-spray the clear. I did that to the hood and trunk of a friends car. Took about an hour to sand it, and maybe another hour to crudely tape it off and spray.

Look at the roof and RH front fender (on the left of the pic) for examples of what it looked like before.

While the job was not perfection, it make the car look 400% better.

 

[barbersurgeon]

Clay bar kit. then re-wax. Don't drop the bar!

 

[crashz]

If you want to try something with a bit less effort, Turtle Wax has a color wax that works pretty good to bring back some luster to the paint I use it on my white Ford and its nice.

Both of my trucks have peeling clear coat (2003 and 2014 Fords) so there is little left to do other than re-spray. But the white truck looks pretty good with the white wax. Nothing will save the 2003. I tried sanding the clear off of that, with the intent of re-clearing the hood (just like Cujet) and burnt right through the color in one stroke. So now the hood looks even worse.

 

[RooflessVW]

I'd call your local mobil detailer and let hime do it for $150.00. By the time you're done buying all the stuff and putting in the time, you'll be way over that. No "ceramic coating" BTW, from the detailer, they're overpriced. Just get some Griot's 3 in 1 after that and you'll be fine.

What is $150 getting you in your area?

 

[panthermike]

If the clear coat is 2003 original, it very likely is thin and about done. You may be able to wet sand it with 2000 grit paper and buff with compound. But my best guess is it will simply be too thin and results will be nothing better than a brief clean up. And more than likely burn through.

Wax does very little to protect. A garage is what works.

If the clear coat is intact and not gone yet, the best bet might be wet sand and re-spray the clear. I did that to the hood and trunk of a friends car. Took about an hour to sand it, and maybe another hour to crudely tape it off and spray.

Look at the roof and RH front fender (on the left of the pic) for examples of what it looked like before.

While the job was not perfection, it make the car look 400% better.

Looks great! I'm reading conflicting information that back in 2003, the Toyota "Super White" may have been a single stage paint. Still trying to figure that out.

 

[panthermike]

If you want to try something with a bit less effort, Turtle Wax has a color wax that works pretty good to bring back some luster to the paint I use it on my white Ford and its nice.

Both of my trucks have peeling clear coat (2003 and 2014 Fords) so there is little left to do other than re-spray. But the white truck looks pretty good with the white wax. Nothing will save the 2003. I tried sanding the clear off of that, with the intent of re-clearing the hood (just like Cujet) and burnt right through the color in one stroke. So now the hood looks even worse.

I'll look into it, thanks. The Vibe that I just got is 21 years old and looks great for the age. Apparently the previous owner used the Color Wax- Red version.

 

[JohnnyG]

What is $150 getting you in your area?

All of the things that the OP is planning on doing by hand is done here locally by a nearby mobile detailer. All except the ceramic coating, as I said. I have a feeling that they make a pretty good markup on that.
And, even if it's twice that (now), he would still be $ ahead.
Keep in mind, the first word in the title of this post is EASY.....what could be easier than watching someone else do it?

 

[RooflessVW]

All of the things that the OP is planning on doing by hand is done here locally by a nearby mobile detailer. All except the ceramic coating, as I said. I have a feeling that they make a pretty good markup on that.
And, even if it's twice that (now), he would still be $ ahead.
Keep in mind, the first word in the title of this post is EASY.....what could be easier than watching someone else do it?

$150 from me gets you a wash, vacuum, and spray wax. Done to a high level, but for $150 I'm only cleaning - not improving.

 

[JohnnyG]

$150 from me gets you a wash, vacuum, and spray wax. Done to a high level, but for $150 I'm only cleaning - not improving.

Apparently I get a lot more here.
North Carolina? That explains a lot. My brother just installed two A/C units in his house. Nothing special, just 3 ton units. First quote was $25,000.00!