Paint issues / questions -

[BlackBart]

I have an '04 XC in black - there may be two blacks that year, not sure which. The PO obviously left it out in the sun for long periods. The upper surfaces are pretty faded - hood especially, rood in front of sunroof, top of rear hatch.

I tried some Meguiar's #4 cleaner on it just to see. Milder than a rubbing compound, but still petroleum distillates and abrasive. Well, it looked good right away and I thought, that's too easy. Very black, water is beading up. Still needs some work obviously, and wax.

So my concern and question is whether the clear coat is gone or I have cut through what was left and I'm just polishing black paint, which will fade again.

This doesn't like like peeling clear coat, it's just faded badly with some very big swirl marks, all the same direction. I'm no paint or detailing expert, however! Also, the stuff in the bottle is very old and I don't know if they break down or if cold affects them, stored in the garage.

<EDIT> photos!

[BlackBart]

Just another clue - no black came off on either cloth, only the leftover orange cutting compound.

[JRL]

You are restoring the clear (only) so keep on plugging away
Buy fresh cleaning/polishing/wax products if they're more than a couple of years old

[BlackBart]

They're very old. I'll get new. Griots has a good reputation, may try their cleaner and polish.

Paint code says 019-26

https://www.volvoclub.org.uk/paint_colour_codes.shtml

According to this source that means Black (duh)
2 = Herberts (STANDOX)
6 = Water based solid/metallic/pearl + 2 component varnish.

I think all that means clearcoat.

Thanks -