Dull paintwork

[branchespark]

My May 2010 GTD has paintwork that is going dull (Black Pearl Effect). Even after some serious cleaning and some 3M cutting compound, only an hour or so later the paint has gone dull again.

I am going to go back to the dealer (who did the 3M tests and checked the paint thickness), but has anyone else seen this problem? Am I too hopeful to think that VW will re-sparay the bodywork, as the car is well within the warranty?

I would take a photo, but that won't really show the shoddy finish.

Thanks.

[Mr GTD]

Never heard of this on such a newish car...wud like to see a pic tho if you can find the right light to actually show what you mean..that's really the only way were gonna be able to advise ect ect...

Have you had the car from new? if not was the paintwork like this when you brought it?

[ScottA]

Very strange, yeah some photos might help. I would probably looking into rejecting the car if that is possible rather than have a full respray.  but that might just be me. Hey you could always ask them to spray it a different colour if you fancy a change lol

[branchespark]

Haha - rather like the black, to be honest.

I'll try and take some photos later. If I look really closely at the finish, it looks all blemished - hence the dull look to it. Might have to dig out my DSLR to get a good photo - it's raining now, so dark.

I have had the car for 18 months and it was an ex demonstrator. The chap at VW today used a paint depth meter to check it hadn't had some shoddy paint job, but it's definitely only one coat thick.

Sam

[RickS]

Haha - rather like the black, to be honest.

I'll try and take some photos later. If I look really closely at the finish, it looks all blemished - hence the dull look to it. Might have to dig out my DSLR to get a good photo - it's raining now, so dark.

I have had the car for 18 months and it was an ex demonstrator. The chap at VW today used a paint depth meter to check it hadn't had some shoddy paint job, but it's definitely only one coat thick.

Sam

Branchespark - I'm not being patronising here so don't be offended; have you tried polishing and waxing it using a DA and some high quality products? Cutting compound is only for removing swirls and light scratches, it's not really meant to be a final finish. Are you saying the 3M is not removing the blemishes? I can't believe the paint was like that from new so something must have happened to it before you got it.

[SRGTD]

Haha - rather like the black, to be honest.

I'll try and take some photos later. If I look really closely at the finish, it looks all blemished - hence the dull look to it. Might have to dig out my DSLR to get a good photo - it's raining now, so dark.

I have had the car for 18 months and it was an ex demonstrator. The chap at VW today used a paint depth meter to check it hadn't had some shoddy paint job, but it's definitely only one coat thick.

Sam

Paintwork becoming dull and losing its lustre can be the result of how a car is washed. Do you clean your car yourself or entrust it to the likes of Kosovan car washers in the local supermarket car park? If the latter, then it's highly likely your paintwork has become swirled as a result of poor washing technique and dirty cleaning materials/equipment, and it will look increasingly dull after successive washes. It's much more noticeable on dark coloured cars than light coloured ones too. I'd recommend always using the 2 bucket method, pre-rinsing/soaking first, and then using a good quality wash mitt and drying towels.

There's some good information and advice under the Detailing section (Detailing guides and FAQ) of this forum. Good luck; I hope you get it sorted.

[JonnyG]

Even after some serious cleaning and some 3M cutting compound, only an hour or so later the paint has gone dull again.

I've never heard of paint going dull in an hour ?   What exactly have you tried ? 

If I was in your shoes I'd find a local detailer and ask for their advice.  I'd be very surprised if a machine polish (paint correction/swirl removal) followed by a wax or sealant would not restore the shine.

Black Pearlescent has a clear coat (lacquer) over the top of the paint,  and if you polish too much, you will go through this to the base paint and then you'd be in trouble, so take care with the 3M Cutting polish.

This is an old Polo I restored a while ago ... you can see the dull section (unpolished) vs the polished section.  Does yours look anything like the dull section ?