How to protect oxidized paint on roof?

I just bought a 2011 Tacoma TRDOR in Magnetic Grey Metallic. Overall, most of the paint is good and shines up well. However, the previous owner apparently ignored the paint on the roof of the cabin. So, it's pretty dull and even has a few "freckles" in the paint. I tried a bit of polishing compound and then waxed it. It's better, but still not great. Overall, I'm not worried about it looking good as much as not getting any worse. I'm mainly concerned about solar UV further degrading the paint and it eventually flaking off. What can I do other than a repaint?

NOTE: Here's the roof view. The lines you see are reflections.

 

I’m not a detailer by any means but take a look at turtle wax with UV protection. It has UV protection. That’s what they say anyway.

https://www.turtlewax.com/collections/hybrid-solutions-ceramics

 

Looks like it's still decent enough to vinyl wrap.

 

Wow! Two great choices. Thanks, guys!

 

if you look at washing and detailing in mods and tutorials they have a lot of good tips

 

It’s going to fade.

might as well wrap white vinyl now before it does.

 

I literally just went through this question and process myself. My MGM roof was just starting to freckle due to sun damage in one area about the size a half dollar. I also polished and waxed the area (and the whole roof) but it didn’t help. I ended up PPF’ing my roof and hood. It won’t get any better but it won’t get any worse. The PPF looks great, as in it locked in the detail job the shop did… and now I never have to wax my hood or roof again.

 

Wow! Sounds exactly like mine. How much was your PPF for the hood and roof?

 

Not cheap, about a grand.

 

That sounds reasonable if it works.

 

what the heck is ppf?

 

Paint Protection Film

 

is that a wrap?

 

It’s like a wrap but clear. You really can’t even tell it’s there but supposedly it blocks UV rays and has a 10 year warranty (at least the one I got does). They clean up the paint prior to putting the film on so the ‘detailed look’ is locked in. No need to wax or do anything special. I’ll take some pics next time I wash my truck.

 

Your pic makes the roof look damn good actually. Great that you're hopefully going to get ahead of it before it gets real bad.

Just be aware that if you're putting a wrap or PPF on compromised paint there is a chance it will peel paint off when it is removed. If left on too long wraps can be tough to remove and/or are more likely to pull paint with them. Wraps and PPF also have a lifespan - they aren't a "forever" fix. Depending on the brand and quality you can expect to need to replace them roughly every 5-7yrs. And, best practice is to still apply a wax, sealant or ceramic coating over your wrap/PPF.

Wraps and PPF have their place for sure and the technology has gotten much, much better. But personally I don't feel like I am wealthy enough or have valuable enough cars to justify the expense. Personally, I'd skip the PPF and just make sure I waxed it often or kept it ceramic coated.

 

Good advice...thank you!

 

Keep it in a garage.