Rubbing compound for oxidation/clear coat failure

[Bret11]

Hi everybody -- first post other than my introduction post in the welcome forum.
I need to address some clear coat failure/oxidation on the roof of my 92 saab 900s (scarabe metallic green paint). I've been looking into a rubbing compound, but not sure if it's the right approach. In fact, a little research has lead me to believe that there isn't much that can be done for clear coat failure. Originally I was thinking about testing an area using the clear coat safe rubbing compound -- something that could be applied by hand. I also saw quite bit of information about Ultimate compound, but now I'm not so sure that using a rubbing compound is the right approach. I haven't purchased any products yet because I thought it would be best to consult the experts here on the forum before I go and rub a hole through my paint. Any help or insight on this topic is appreciated.

Thanks,

Bret

[The Guz]

Re: Rubbing compound for oxidation/clear coat failure

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if it's clear coat failure the only solution is a repaint. Compounding or polishing over clear coat failure will speed up the failure. If it's oxidation then ultimate compound will take car of it. Pictures help.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Rubbing compound for oxidation/clear coat failure

Unfortunately, this is correct:

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if it's clear coat failure the only solution is a repaint. Compounding or polishing over clear coat failure will speed up the failure. If it's oxidation then ultimate compound will take car of it. Pictures help.

You may find that using a compound and/or polish makes the finish look better, sometimes a lot better. But that elation fades quickly since the fix is only a very temporary bandage on what amounts to an irreversible progression of ever spreading clear coat failure. The only way to stop it, and repair the damage, is to sand it all off and repaint the panel.

[Bret11]

Re: Rubbing compound for oxidation/clear coat failure

Pics:

[The Guz]

Re: Rubbing compound for oxidation/clear coat failure

That's definitely clear coat failure. Only real fix is a repaint.

[Bret11]

Re: Rubbing compound for oxidation/clear coat failure

Unfortunately, this is correct:

You may find that using a compound and/or polish makes the finish look better, sometimes a lot better. But that elation fades quickly since the fix is only a very temporary bandage on what amounts to an irreversible progression of ever spreading clear coat failure. The only way to stop it, and repair the damage, is to sand it all off and repaint the panel.

So in this case, despite the fact that a rubbing compound would make the finish look better only temporarily, would it actually do more harm than good by prematurely wearing down the clear coat and leaving the paint even more exposed than before?

Because if there's no harm in doing it, I'd like to at least give the rubbing compound a try in order to make the finish look better in the short term.