Improve Paint Condition of VW Mk7

[JohnM_92]

Hi all,

just joined after lurking for a while.
Recently picked up a Mk7 Golf and trying to improve the paint condition – previous owner didn’t take great care of it.
Looking forward to learning from you lot

[DaveF-SkinnysAutos]

Hiya and welcome!

You need to either post some photos so we can understand what issues you want to resolve, or have a look back at some of the older lengthy posts which cover a lot of paint and detailing in the Bodywork & Detailing section.

[Belle427]

If you just want to improve the look without going ott then wash it, use a chemical decontamination product like Autoglym magma, wash again and then polish with something like Autoglym advanced paint restorer.
You should then top it off with a a protectant to preserve it for a while and make it easier to clean going forward, Autoglym also have something for this such as rapid aqua wax or ceramic spray.
Im just picking Autoglym products as they are readily available in halfords and do the job as good as any other.
If you want to get further into the rabbit hole then buckle up and prepare for the ride.

[The big yin]

You could check out
www.detailingworld.co.uk

lots of good information (as is on here) but be warned it can become addictive and costs £££££££££ s but all worth it and your car will be shining.

[trickywoo]

Depends how bad and how much interest you have in detailing going forward.

Sounds likely it will need paint correction which needs a machine. The cheapest worth having is a DAS6. By the time you’ve also bought the pads and compound it’s going to be near £150.

You can easily spend more.

What I’m saying is it may be worth paying a pro to get it as nice as possible. You can then keep that look for a really long time with two bucket, grit guard washing with quality car shampoo.

[paul_c123]

It needs cleaning (properly) then assessing to see what the type and severity of damage is. But for a basic guide, here's what I'd do:

1) Snow foam directly onto dry paintwork/bodywork, leave to soak 5-10 mins
2) Pressure wash off all loosened dirt and foam (there will still be road grime on it)
3) Hand wash using a reasonable gentle car shampoo and a hand mitten (microfibre style - you can get a pack in Asda)
4) Rinse
(5 if its a dark/black car, dry it too)
6) Run fingers over clean paint, if it feels gritty or there's obvious marks in it, claybar using a detailing spray/lubricant
7) Assess how 'bright'/dull the paint is, and how badly scratched it is - then you're into machine polishing and/or more targeted correction of scratched or damaged areas.