I bought my 86 IROC a couple months ago. It was painted a while back and then sat for some time. When I got it, the paint was very dull and looked washed out to a light pink almost, with some very blochy clouding of white in the paint.

I figured I'd try to take the lightest compound I could to it try and remove it, but that didn't work. Then I tried something a little more abrahsive, only to find that it was taking a light amount of paint off on the rubbing pad I used. I have been using polish by hand and wax to try and get the paint to stop going back, but after a few days, it starts to go back to a cloudiness. It has gotten quite a bit better and doesn't go back quite like it did before. They did a nice job on painting it, but then neglected it. Is there any hope for this paint, and does this also mean it was never clear coated? It does not have a mirrior finish like I would like, what are my options? Thanks.

 

Get it buffed, high speed should take care of it. Try a small section first... like the rear deck lid, its small and flat and should be easy to buff, just don't burn the paint off the spoiler, maybe even remove it first. I doubt the car is beyond help unless you can see primer.
I assume the car is ... red? since it is fading pink... paint on the rag is ok, it is taking off the bad paint, prob not clear, but you can probably bring it back really nice. I have seen some people take a car that was trashed and make the paint look new by high speed buffing. Can't do it really by hand.

 

I have an electric 10" buffer. What should I use with it (polish?)? I tried buffing it once and started to get some paint off with it so I got a bit worried (pretty new to this). Is there a technique I should use, as in how hard to press, how fast to move with the buffer, etc. Also, will the car be okay without clear? It has chipped in a couple of spots, but nothing bad. The car is far from down to primer as well, and yes it'd red. The paint once polished or waxed looks fantastic, its just not reflective really. Thanks for your help.

 

Do you know if it was painted with an enamel?If you are using compound and you see color on the rag then that means that the car was painted in enamel.You would be better off doing the car by hand if it is.
If it has a urethane clear coat and you are having trouble buffing it you can wet sand it with 2000 grit and then try to buff it.I have also noticed that a great compound goes a long way.Meguiar's makes a compound/ polish called solo.I used it on my black truck and its great.The best wax EVER is the NXT.
If your car is a base coat clear coat then no it will not be ok without clear.Clear coat is like sunscreen for you basecoat.It keeps it from fading.Basecoat is actually kind of fragile with out it.Hope this helps!

 

Buffing takes a knack.. I don't know what it is, sorry. I have just seen some real junkers come out amazing with just a high speed buff. Not sure about any of your questions. Ask a detail shop, also find out about how the car was painted, enamel or bc/cc. If its bc/cc, get some clear on it!