red paint

[carrie]

does anyone know why the red paint (mars i think) on mk1/2 golfs seems to fade really badly?

[AdamB]

all red paint fades badly, Something to do with the way the pigment reacts with sunlight.

[Len]

Yep and it always seems to be the bonnets that go first!

[carrie]

but why is mars red so bad at it?
i've never seen other red cars go so bad ie. never seen a faded red bm (except may be astras but then they are astra)

[Mixologist]

Yup, red fades fast!  My car is becoming a nice carrot arange colour

[AdamB]

Probably because the pigment that is used is particularly vulnerable to the frequency of sunlight, more so than most others. BMW do have a good reputation for there paint work, so would probably be better protected.
I also remember reading that you shouldnt wax red paint, as this will aid fading. I dont understand how this can be true, but it was a reliable source.

[Golfgal]

Would the wax particles sit on the paint and act as tiny magnifiers??

[Mixologist]

Then wouldnt it happen to other paints if it did that???

Anyone used to burn ants with a magnifying glass?

[Golfgal]

but mixed with the property's of the paint it speeds up the reaction!

Nah we used to leave it lying on paper towel at school so that it wud catch fire and burn down *allegedly*

[Mixologist]

LOL, More fun with bunsen burners and the bottles of alchohal