How to sort this out then?

[Blim_bug]

I know, probably will need a respray to get it 100% perfect, but is there anything I can do to make this look a little prettier?

First problem is that paint is flaking - it's obviously had a respray at some point in it's life, but is there anything I can do to make this look a little better? Wet sanding to bring the ridge down?



Second problem is that the lacquer is peeling, again would a wet sand be safe enough to remove this?



Any recommendations for someone in Surrey who might be able to sort this for me?

Cheers,

[Jaykaybi]

No laquer = nothing you can do. Sorry mate.

[Blim_bug]

Ohhh, respray is the only option then?

[Jaykaybi]

Blim_bug said:

Ohhh, respray is the only option then?

Or (and I'm reticent to suggest this) smart repair. PM Anatol on here, if you can't afford the repsray.

[Blim_bug]

I'd rather not fanny about with it to be honest.

If it's too far gone and respray is the only way to go, then it has to be done!

Thanks for your responses!

[PJ S]

That lacquer is so far gone it's shedding of its own accord like a snake would.
No hope for a smart repair - it's going to need taken all off, so it's a bodyshop job.

Is that an Audi or a Ford?
The state of the clearcoat on the second image suggests some very aggressive chemicals have been used to clean that with over its lifetime, unless you've already had a go at wet sanding it.

[Blim_bug]

Nope, it's a VW.

I don't think it's any chemicals (I only ever wash the car myself) and I certainly haven't tried sanding it myself. I think the previous owner got a cheap front end respray (to get rid of stone chips etc) and this is the result.

[TallPaul]

Without winding up the regular smart repair guys here, that looks like its already had a poor previous smart repair. The lacquer is peeling around the vent due to poor keying, the rest of it is breaking down & delaminating- a classic sign of low quality (probably single-pack) lacquer with very little UV resistance.
If you're in love with the car, it needs the recent paint sanding off & repainting.

[paintman]

Whoever did it didn't bother doing it properly.
Why do you say it was a Smart repairer that did it?

It will need all the previous 'repair' sanding off or you are likely to have further episodes of peeling if any is left.

Edited by paintman on Saturday 12th June 23:02

[TallPaul]

Thats a fair comment, any low grade bodyshop could quite easily have done it, not specifically a smart repairer.

[Anatol]

TallPaul said:

a classic sign of low quality (probably single-pack) lacquer...

Lacquer edge looks significantly too high-build for 1k. Looks like insufficient prep leading to adhesion failure to me. If the OP has other evidence for his instinct that the vehicle has had a poor front-end respray, that sounds like the culprit.

Remove all the failing finish and renew will be the only long-term repair option...