I have a 2005 Celica. I've never done anything with automotive paints before but there's a first time for everything. Anyways, I am not sure what level of repair this roof area needs. The entire roof panel appears faded compared to the rest of the body but there's one part on the roof where there's a clear peeling of the clearcoat? I can't really tell if it's the paint underneath as well.

What exactly is the extend of the damage, and is there anything I can do to help remediate this area? I would assume that I need to sand down the clear coat and apply new clear coat? I've seen various videos on Youtube but they all seem to use various different techniques and products. I'd appreciate any advice.

Normal glossy paint:
http://uleeinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/20180921_121639.jpg

Damage at various zoom levels:
http://uleeinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/20180921_121645.jpg
http://uleeinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/20180921_121607.jpg
http://uleeinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/20180921_121615.jpg
http://uleeinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/20180921_121620.jpg

That's clear that's going bad from old age and weather. the best way to repair is to sand or use paint remover to get it to bare metal. then start from there with new color and clear. my guess is that the trunk lid and hood may follow soon.
Jay D.

13 year old paint? Thoroughly cooked. Failure of the whole paint package in those areas, don't even try to just clear over the color again.....metal is where you are heading. Are you in a southern state by any chance?

DarrelK wrote::goodpost: 13 year old paint? Thoroughly cooked. Failure of the whole paint package in those areas, don't even try to just clear over the color again.....metal is where you are heading. Are you in a southern state by any chance?

It was in one of the upper states but not in a garage and near the ocean. Now it's in a southern state but it's been under a tarp since I noticed the damage.

The trunk lid and hood are doing well but the spoiler and rear bumper (plastic?) are not glossy.

I've never painted a car before. Although I understand the procedure of sanding it down and repainting, I lack the technique, experience, and tools. Is this something I should attempt myself or just have someone else do it? When I talked to a local paint shop, the wanted several thousand dollars to do the whole car.

Your looking at several thousand for tools and materials plus you need a good place to do it. neighbors might not like the smell of hazardous chemicals and call the authorities. when they get their you had better have a good explanation. I would look for Mako shop near you. it won't be perfect but in the end it will cost you a lot less.
Jay D.

Yeah, unless you plan on this being a "new hobby" for yourself I'd shop around. You probably wouldn't even break even on this paint job with everything you'd need.