Blending paint where graphics were

[Sand]

Hello all, I hope this is in the correct place.

I have aluminum panels that once had graphics on them, the paint around where the graphics were has faded a little bit.

I would like to make all the paint uniformed again, is there a way to achieve this without repainting the panels?

Thanks for the help.

[Andrew Wilson]

Re: Blending paint where graphics were

It sounds as if some of the paint around the graphics has oxidized a bit. Depending on how long the graphics have been on the paint, you could use a paint cleaner such as SwirlX, Scratch X2.0, or Ultimate Compound (in order or least to most aggressive) to clean up the paint and try to match the other areas. If one application doesn't of the paint cleaner doesn't work, I would try reapply it a couple of times.

[Murr1525]

Re: Blending paint where graphics were

Yeah, doing a proper detail on the rest of the panel will be the best you can do. What kind of paint is it?

Wash
Clay
Clean - As mentioned above, SwirlX or UC.
Polish
Wax

[Sand]

Re: Blending paint where graphics were

Not sure on the type of paint, its on a sand rail. Removed the vinyl graphics and you can tell the paint Is still fresh where they were. Paint is 5 years old.

Just hoping to avoid color sanding and or painting.

[geert dr]

Re: Blending paint where graphics were

Thats a clear case of what is known as "ghostwriting".
The best way to clean this up is polishing the paint that was'nt coverd with the graphics !

By the way ,what is a sand rail ?
EDIT: Googled it ,its something like a dunebuggy right ?

[Murr1525]

Re: Blending paint where graphics were

Not sure on the type of paint, its on a sand rail. Removed the vinyl graphics and you can tell the paint Is still fresh where they were. Paint is 5 years old.

Just hoping to avoid color sanding and or painting.

Just give the whole thing a good detail, and hope for the best. Being outside in the desert could certainly fade the uncovered paint more than can be saved.

On the other hand, the covered paint probably wont take 5 years to catch up....

[Sand]

Re: Blending paint where graphics were

I started with SwirlX and while the weather beaten portion is coming back to a nice shine, it still doesnt match up with where the vinyls were.

Off to the store to get the more aggresive in the list.

[Murr1525]

Re: Blending paint where graphics were

Well, did it improve at all?

[Sand]

Re: Blending paint where graphics were

Yes, very little. Just hoping I don't need to start color sanding.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Blending paint where graphics were

If it is improving, there is hope. Have you only tried the Swirl-x? It so it may be time to go with the ultimate compound.

[Sand]

Re: Blending paint where graphics were

Started with SwirlX and while it put a shine back to the sun faded portion it didnt do what I was hoping for.

Went to Ultimate Compound, and while its getting better its still not there.

Before anything:



After both SwirlX and Ultimate Compound:

[Sand]

Re: Blending paint where graphics were

I posted pictures of before and after but they need to be approved by a moderator first.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Blending paint where graphics were

I posted pictures of before and after but they need to be approved by a moderator first.

Done. Sorry for the delay

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Blending paint where graphics were

Are you getting any color transfer when working on this paint, ie any pigment coming off onto your applicator?

The pigments used in red paint, ink and other coatings tend to be among the least color stable and will burn out under heavy UV radiation. You may not be able to fully match the original color that was protected under the vinyl graphics for so many years. It may be a matter of time for the UV rays to work their power on the freshly exposed areas and burn them back to the rest of the finish.

If you are seeing color transfer onto your applicator, however, you stand a better chance of achieving a uniform appearance (or darn close) than you will with a clear coat finish.

[Sand]

Re: Blending paint where graphics were

I am getting a yellow color transfer. In the 2nd picture you can see a lot of orange peel that I never really noticed before. I may just try to hit it with 1500 and knock that down.

It may help with the fade also.