Last year, before I put the car away for the winter, I noticed the front half of the car has sort of a dusty look and sandpaper feel to it while the other half of the car looks and feels normal. There is a clear cut line going across my hood and down the side where the paint goes from smooth and shiny to rough and dusty looking. Looks like someone taped it off and spray painted white paint on it. It looked this way after washing and stayed the same after waxing. Is it oxidation in the paint? If so, do I buff it out with 3m swirl remover or is there another method? It's also starting to show on my spoiler (again, a clear cut line going across it where it is happening). Thanks

 

Sounds like you really need to clay before using any abrasives. The clay should remove the rough feel and make it smooth as silk and even bring up some shine. After claying, if it still looks dull you need to use an abrasive to remove the oxidation or dead paint. 3M makes some great abrasive products as does Meguiar's for restoring a surface. Browse the selection of polishes and compounds over at www.goodspeedmotoring.com and see what fits your needs. I'll just guess that you'll need to start with something mild to moderately abrasive, like 3M SMR, 3M Fine Cut, Meguiar's Fine Cut, or Meguiar's #9.....something along these lines. Many of these products can be found locally, I just reference this site as it shows most of the common favorites in one location for reading/researching.

As for clays, pick up Clay Magic or Mother's....

After claying and possibly using the abrasive, you'll have to wax again for protection.

 

Sounds like a days job tomorrow. Thanks