How To Fix Peeling Paint.

[Interceptor]

I, like many people out there suffer from (PPS) Peeling Paint Syndrome.

My car looked wonderful when I bought her but in less then 2 years it turned into what you see below. It all started when I just got off duty and we were washing the ambulance and I decided to wash my car while I was at it. As I was wetting it down a huge chunk of paint flew off the C Pillar!!!
I stood there looking at bare metal in awe. Then it started happening all over my car. What the HELL!!

I didn't want to take it to a El' Cheapo paint place because it was just too much money.
So I bit the bullet and with a little help from 'The Power Block' on Spike I gathered up all the required tools.

This is a cheap rattle can "quick" fix and my goal was that no one would even know any work was done unless I pointed it out... and I succeeded! In fact... I was blown away by what I can do!!!

Lets start with some before Pictures. (Please excuse the horrible iPhone pictures, Shadows from bushes, and the weird 'blue hue' in the pictures.)

The 'tan' stuff you see around the peeling is silicone... I needed SOMETHING to water seal it and stop further damage.
(Sorry I don't have any closeups of the damage, but you get the idea)

Tools Needed:

*Paint
Primer
Color Matched Paint (I used Performance White)
Clear Coat
*Sand Paper
600 Grit
800 Grit
1000 Grit
*Solvent Spray
*Glazing Putty
*Plastic Spreaders
*Painters Tape
*Masking (I used Plastic)
*Sanding Block (You can make you're own)

Paint, Primer, Clear, Solvent and sanding paper was provided by [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]. They will mix and send you an EXACT match for your factory paint. I was happy with their product and telephone service... but unhappy that it took 2 weeks for it to get here.
All other tools you can pick up at your local hardware store.











BEFORE:








-Sorry I didn't take all the necessary pictures for each step, but I'll talk you through it.

1.) Wash and dry the car really well.

2.) Use the Prep-Solvent to clean the effected area to remove wax and grease (wipe down with a clean cloth).

3.) If needed... mask off the effected area with tape and plastic to protect surfaces that you don't want to sand.

4.) Wet or Dry Sand out the damage area with 600 Grit until smooth.

5.) Clean away any sanding dust. Then spray with prep-solvent and wipe with clean cloth.

6.)Apply THIN coats of Glazing Puddy using a Plastic Spreader. You will be applying several thin coats until smooth. (Work quickly.. this stuff drys fast!!)



7.) After waiting 15+ mins sand the area with 600 Grit until smooth.





8.) Using a tack rag and a light mist of water, clean the area of any sanding dust.

9.) Repeat steps 7 and 8 until you can run your fingers over the area and it's smooth as a baby's bottom with no pits or mounds. (Be sure you cleaned the area REALLY well before applying the primer.)

10.) Spray a LIGHT coat of Primer. Wait 5 Mins.

11.) Repeat Step (6). *Three to Five times*

12.) Wet sand with 600+ Grit until smooth and uniform. (You can skip wet sanding if you want)

13.) Remove old masking, wipe and clean area and reapply new masking.

14.) Spray Light coats of your Color paint.

*First Coat*



15.) Wait 5-10 mins and repeat step (10) at least three times OR until you see a nice uniform color. Be sure to wait 5-10 mins between coats.

*Last Coat*



16.) Wait 30 mins after your last coat of Base Color and Spray on a medium coat of clear. *Repeat if necessary* Waiting 5-10 mins between coats.









Nevermind the hole in the middle of the trunk... that's for my antenna.





You're DONE!!!!

Please wait at least a day... I would wait a week before using any rubbing compound or applying any wax.

All and all... I painted my car like new for around $65.00!!!!! And if I can do it.... TRUST ME.... YOU CAN DO IT!!!

[psygn0sis]

Great writeup Interceptor! I'm glad you got the peeling paint under control. How long did it take it you to do everything?

[Interceptor]

I spent 3 days doing the work.
That's only because I worked on one part per day, and it only took me about 3 hours per part (start to finish).
One day on the trunk, one day on the left side C pillar, and the third day on the right side C pillar.

It could have all been done in one day... easy.

I must say, it looks fantastic!! Even the people who saw the damage before hand can believe it's the same car.

[Patstang]

I , too, have PPS. I noticed 2weeks ago. I saw 1 bodyshop & they wanted $4000.00 to do me Interceptor. I scoffed. Help, please.

[Pecos Slick]

Painting is cheap. What cost is the prep. Do most of the prep and masking yourself and take it to the paint shop ready to paint except for the front and rear windows, have the masking tape on these areas already though.
DO NOT use newspaper, use paper or plastic used for painting. Newspaper lints too bad.

[Interceptor]

Painting is cheap. What cost is the prep. Do most of the prep and masking yourself and take it to the paint shop ready to paint except for the front and rear windows, have the masking tape on these areas already though.
DO NOT use newspaper, use paper or plastic used for painting. Newspaper lints too bad.

I agree with Pecos. It's all about the prep. Do it yourself and you'll save a ton of money!