How to make the best of failed clearcoat?

[Weslsew]

I'm looking for some tips on how to make the best of a vehicle with clear coat failure. I have an old work truck that was poorly repainted, and the clear is essentially all gone. I have no interest in repainting it, but I would like to make it look the best I can.

Is polishing on the basecoat a good idea or will that not turn out well? Are there any spray sealants/waxes or coatings that can bring some shine to a flat basecoat?

[Setec Astronomy]

Polishing is not a good idea, it will really just take the basecoat off. You can try a heavy wax like Collinite 476S, but usually that only lasts for about a week in this application. Sorry I don't have better news.

[wdmaccord]

I wonder if Mike Phillips' article on oxidized single stage paint would help. You could maybe apply the product by hand and let it sit overnight and see if it does anything. Maybe not since the single stage has the gloss built in and obviously a base coat doesn't. Just thinking out loud for you...hopefully others will chime in and tell you if this might work or not.

[RedXray]

I'm looking for some tips on how to make the best of a vehicle with clear coat failure. I have an old work truck that was poorly repainted, and the clear is essentially all gone. I have no interest in repainting it, but I would like to make it look the best I can.

Is polishing on the basecoat a good idea or will that not turn out well? Are there any spray sealants/waxes or coatings that can bring some shine to a flat basecoat?

You may be able to obtain somewhat of a shine but without the clear coat for protection It's not going to last long at all. You'll be trying to work shine out of the truck paint on a very frequent basis.

You said you weren't interested in repainting the truck... IMO an old work truck would be the perfect canvas for a DIY first paint job (assuming you've never painted a vehicle). A cheap harbor freight HVLP gun (the purple one), some single stage PPG Omni or PPG Shopline (PPG's budget paint) reducers, primers etc.

Just a thought as I know some people don't have the desire or the place to do a diy paint job.

[Souldetailer]

You may be able to obtain somewhat of a shine but without the clear coat for protection It's not going to last long at all. You'll be trying to work shine out of the truck paint on a very frequent basis.

You said you weren't interested in repainting the truck... IMO an old work truck would be the perfect canvas for a DIY first paint job (assuming you've never painted a vehicle). A cheap harbor freight HVLP gun (the purple one), some single stage PPG Omni or PPG Shopline (PPG's budget paint) reducers, primers etc.

Just a thought as I know some people don't have the desire or the place to do a diy paint job.

I like your thinking Red! This way you get a chance to
possibly, create a diamond out of coal. At the very least you
will gain some valuable knowledge and the pride of doing it
your way. Now I wish I had an old truck. Let us know what you decide and how you did. Good luck & take care.

Peace,

Darrin