How to Fix Peeling Paint on a Car

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Peeling paint, or delamination, occurs when the layer of clear coat begins to separate from the paint and peel off. Delamination of paint is most often caused by not preparing the surface well enough when painting or using low-quality paint, though it can also happen due to the age of the vehicle or prolonged exposure to the sun. At AutomotiveTouchup, we can help you learn the best way to fix peeling automotive paint as well as sell you the best products for the job. In this video, we use a Ford Escort ZX2 to show you how to repair peeling paint on a car, focusing on a typical high-wear area: the deck lid spoiler. Use the techniques in this video and the instructions below to fix delaminated paint anywhere on your vehicle and restore it to like-new condition.

How to Fix Peeling Automotive Paint, Step by Step

Clean the area where the automotive paint is peeling with prep solvent.
Sand the damaged area, feathering the edge of the clear coat to create a smooth, even surface.
Go over the affected area with prep solvent again so it's completely clean and ready to paint.
Mask off the part of the vehicle you'll be painting to prevent overspray.
Spray on a high-quality automotive primer and let it dry. Repeat this once or twice more to ensure complete coverage.
Sand the primer with 600-grit sandpaper.
Clean the area with water, dry it well, and use a tack rag to ensure that the surface is dust-free.
Spray on at least three coats of your exact-match touch-up paint, letting each coat dry for 5 to 10 minutes before adding the next.
Let the paint dry for at least 30 minutes.
Add three coats of clear coat, letting each one dry before adding the next.
Let the clear coat dry, then remove the masking materials from around your car paint delamination repair.