Cleaning up the paint

[xmeatbagx]

So I got all these white spots all over my truck. I'm thinking it's the clear coat getting crappy. Is there any way to get rid of the spots without screwing up my paint?

[Eagle]

Your diagnosis is probably correct. I had my '88 Cherokee repainted by Maaco when that happened, but it was a mistake. The new paint looked good for about a year, then it started to face and chalk. Now I have rust peeking through the paint on the roof, and the finish looks like a flat rather than a gloss.

 

What I would suggest that you try is a light sanding with wet-dry paper, trying to sand away the burned clear coat but leave the color coat -- then respray with a new clear coat.

 

Disclaimer: I think this will work, but I have not tried it yet.

[Blue88Comanche]

You could also try a clay bar. It would be less aggressive than sanding it. Bit if the clear coat is shot then the clay bar won't help.