How To Keep Your Paint Finish Looking New

A paint job on your custom truck is one of the biggest investments you can make. However, on your daily driver, paint may not mean quite as much. Or you may not take the extra steps to protect it properly. But here are some tricks to keep that finish looking good as new on an older vehicle without having to empty your wallet.

Severe scratches on any vehicle would probably turn most potential buyers or even current owners away from showing off their ride. But before you start anything you want to check how deep the scratches actually are. The rule of thumb is that if your fingernail catches any of the scratches, they’re probably too deep to get out.

There are a few different options you can use. There’s the traditional rotary-style buffer or an orbital buffer that’s great for paint correction. You’ll also need a rubbing compound.

First, apply the rubbing compound to whichever buffer you choose to use. Slowly work it into the paint. Then, slowly turn the rpm up on the buffer and work about a one-foot section at a time.

If you’re just starting out, the orbital buffer is the way to go since it’s very hard to damage paint with it. Rotary buffers create a lot of heat so keep that in mind if you choose to work with one.

With the right tools, you can bring your paint back to life!