I stumbled across this article/post on restoring single stage paint. Hopefully it comes in handy for anyone here. I'm going to try it out.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/25304-secret-removing-oxidation-restoring-show-car-finish-antique-single-stage-paints.html

The key thing to remember is lots of elbow grease,Meguairs #7 mirror glaze and a high quality wax. None of that over the counter crap from autozone.

I met Mike Philips during one of his free classes at Meguiar's when he used to work for them in Irvine.

Meguiar's #7 is available from Autozone

I use this product sparingly, this product is painfully hard to buff out if you add too much. Read the instructions, and don't do as I did! But it seems his guide states to use it heavy and wet. So now it makes sense, apply a thin layer at a time, keep working on that panel (keep it wet) and apply with pressure.

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How do you make your paint look so amazing?

I'm planning on covering paint restoration with my '78 once I get it home.

I recall when I first did my gradual restoration, I had to use Paint Cleaner to get the oxidation out. Use a combination of this and clay bar and a good hand wash with soap to prepare the paint and remove any oils.

Once I got some decent progress and the paint prepared, I started using Meguiar's #7 since it's a pure polish. Do it in multiple coats like Mike P. said but it doesn't have to happen all in one sitting. Then wax in between.

Here is Paint Cleaner at work on a friend's car years ago. Keep cleaning until the paint shines. Paint Cleaner is not abrasive so use a good clean applicator and wipe off with a clean towel.



I use this same trick on my car, naturally, to keep the paint clean (hence the name) from oxidation.



Then use #7 or wax as needed.



You're no stranger to detailing so this should be a piece of cake for you!

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This is true, maybe for christmas I'll get a DA.

which paint cleaner are you using, it appears the Meguiars paint cleaner has been discontinued? I ordered some #7 from amazon last night since it was cheaper than anywhere in town.

The paint on my 240D isn't perfect, there are some chips and a massive chip on the roof that has some rust(I will need to clean that and protect it), but I figure a polished surface even with some flaws will be better than oxidation. The car is a survivor anyways

They still have it:

http://www.meguiars.com/en/automotive/products/a3016-deep-crystalreg-system-paint-cleaner/

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

For professional results, I've been using Wizards finishing products for many years.

The Meguiars products are all filled with petrochemicals, which to me for various reasons including performance, is unacceptable to use as a DIYer.

The final shine and protection by Wizards products is superior to Meguiars, as well.

We use the Wizards products on all our stuff, new and old, fiberglass or paint.

Joe, I use Meguiar's paint cleaner. Always used Meguiar's on my 300D, and have been very happy with the results.

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So I cleaned the car and clayed the drivers side and did a single application of the #7 and it really brought the paint back to life. I don't have any wax over it since I want to do a few more applications but I can already see a difference.

I think the car was repainted or at least the drivers side door and with a brush because there is evidence of paint dropping and the paint is nowhere as nice as the rest of the car. Oh well. I wasn't expecting it to be perfect.



This was taken with my phone but I took shots with a real camera and I'll get those up shortly. I think to truly correct the paint ill need to use some polishing compounds and a DA. But for now this will make it look better than a junker to the HOA.


Before


During


After

Well done!

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Apparently the meguiars paint cleaner has been discontinued. I'll clean the door jambs with some all purpose cleaner and then figure out what to use to clean up the paint before using the #7

Hopefuy I can finish off the car today and give it a coat of Poor Boys World blue wax. Might do the wife's 300D with #7 since it's paint needs some loving. And adjust the darn AC compressor belt