Recovering and reviving poor paint......

[crazymagman]

A friend has an '02 Altima which she has run through car washes since she got it a couple years ago, but it has a layer of mold or mildew on the paint. I don't think a one time hand wash is going to to get this off. Can you suggest the proper method for cleaning the paint? Once I get this off, then I have the proper car wash, materials and Wolfgang sealer to put on it. I just want to get it decent looking for her again.

Thanks!

 

[BJackson8]

I can't say that I have ever seen mold on paint, but this would be my approach.

1. Use foam gun and aggressively wash the car, trying to get as much junk off as possible.
2. Use detailing clay or clay alternative to remove the remainder of the junk.
3. Compound/Polish - sounds like this will never be a show car, but you should be able to make major improvement
4. Sealant

 

[BillyJack]

I agree with the other BJackson. Back in 2009 I bought a Red Olds Intrigue that spent a considerable time parked under some tall pines with no exterior care. With combination of a fine black dirt, pine needles and sap it looked absolutely miserable. First, I gave it a good wash, using a soft paintbrush in all the crevices and crannies. Then I clayed it, using plenty of soapy water to flush away all the garbage the clay dislodged, as well as keeping the clay relatively clean. After a second claying with a fresh clay bar, this time using a QD as a lube, it started to look respectable. Finally, I could then do a finish evaluation and proceed with my polishing steps.

Bill