On my Camaro I still have this 20 yr. old paint job- it's pretty decent for now but it seems faded and dull. Does anyone know anything I could do to bring back the color and shine? :( I know I probably need a new paint job but for now this is what I have... LOL :bowtie:

is there any checking in the paint you is it a mettalic or solid color you may be able to do some light wet sanding if needed otherwise id just hammer it with my buffer

Buff it. You will be surprised how it can bring back the shine in a old paint job.

cut and buff if there is enough paint left....

My single stage paint job is 10 or 11 yrs old and I just use Meguires Paint Cleaner on it.

A simple polishing should work, depending on how bad your paint is.

Here is a great article on restoring the finish on a singe stage paint.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/25304-secret-removing-oxidation-restoring-show-car-finish-antique-single-stage-paints.html

Get a 6" orbital buffer with a foam bonnet or pad and some Meguair's Ultimate Compound. I found this is very safe for a novice and there is almost no risk of being able to burn through the paint. It won't be as fast as a professional buffer with regular compound but it is easy.

I use a Porter Cable 7424 with 5.5" pads. Almost impossible to burn thu your paint.

Like Mike said, not as fast as the professional buffers but a lot safer.

http://www.autogeek.net/porter-cable-7424xp.html

$100.00 at a detail shop will get it looking real good!!

Yeah I have been using TR-3 wax, it helps and takes out oxidation.

Get one of these. One of the most used tools I own. I would not wet sand it though. You don't want to take off more than you have to. Most old dull paint will come alive if you buff it. Just be careful on the edges.http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy51/tylerlayne/Picture1014.jpg

Any tips on buffing?

I would not use a heavy duty compound as it will cut off to much paint. Start with a medium duty and a 2" pile wool pad. If you can get a buffer with adjustable speed it makes it easier to get into tight spaces. Be careful on sharp edges and always make sure your buffing pad turns away from an edge and not into it as edges are easy to burn through. After using the medium duty compound use a polish/swirl remover and a black foam pad. Third, post up some pictures of how it comes out. Should look pretty good. Good Luck.

+1 on Meguires.

Be careful of using a mech buffer or a clay bar. I did that on our 1986 IROC
that turned out to have a single stage on it. We PAID for clear, but obviously
they didnt do it. The paint was so thin I went through it and now it needs
to be repainted. I would try the least invasive approach first and see if you
like the results. I noticed "clouds" in the paint which turned out to be the
primer showing through!

Tom

My single stage paint job is 10 or 11 yrs old and I just use Meguires Paint Cleaner on it.