sambarnett

I have about two 6-8 in scratches on my decklid. They are just clear coat scratches and you can't even feel them with your fingernail. (Yes I have a blanket to put there now!) Does anyone have any insight on whether wetsanding will work or any other ideas?

Thanks,
Sam

NSTG8R

not sure but maybe a Porter Cable.

MyBlueC5

Try getting some 2500 grit sand wet sandpaper. Keeping it wet, wetsand the scratch until it's gone. If you have access to a high speed buffer, I suggest you either get one or have someone that knows how to use one do it.

You can rub it out by hand but depending on the color, many times you'll buff it only to see it later when it's washed and waxed. I personally did a few scratches on mine and it was days later, I realized I hadn't buffed out the sandpaper marks all the way.

HTH's,

Mark

ALLEGRO

I would try some polishing compounds first and see what that brings. Since you say that you cannot feel them I think this is the safest way to start. Once you go to wet-sanding then you have skipped over the less invasive methods..IMHO

vdiblasi

Try "Mothers" aluminum polish.

MikeJamesC5

Right now my car is getting wheeled out for that same reason. A body shop in Ohio is doing it for me because they just painted my new MCM Hood.

jrose7004

What about Clay Bar and a coat of NXT?

MyBlueC5

Good advice allegro, ya know, you'd think of all people, I would be the one to suggest something less evasive off the start, I guess I'm so used to people coming into my shop with scratches that they obviously can't remove it, I automatically go into wetsand mode.... guess I'm too cynical.

Thanks for pointing that out...



Mark

Benpup

NAPA makes a product to remove swirls and scratches. Loks like Peptol Bismol. I'll find the stock number and get it posted for you. It works great.

Regards

Jim

Rou-Rou 03

Try a random orbital buffer and 3M swirl and mark remover. Worked for me.

HeyVern

Most of the posts on the several detail forums say if you can't feel the scratch with your fingernail it is probably just in your wax. See Autopia.org. Try removing the wax first and see how bad it is.

HeyVern

Most of the posts on the several detail forums say if you can't feel the scratch with your fingernail it is probably just in your wax. See Autopia.org. Try removing the wax first and see how bad it is.

DavesC5

100%

DaBoz

If you can't feel them with you nail.... try Scratch-X first! It will most likely do the job and is the least abrasive of all the methods mentioned.

DirteeDave

Claybar isn't going to do a thing for a clearcoat scratch. Claybar is for removing contaminents lodged in the clearcoat.

HRDTOPC54FUN

Meguiars Scratch X or 3M Swirl Remover. Claybar won't take scratches out.

The Scratch X is less agressive but will take a little patience. You have to keep applying fresh product to your applicator pad because as you rub it breaks down to a polish. I did my entire C5 (black FRC) in an afternoon using a power buffer on the larger panels.

Follow up with 3-4 coats of Zano Z5 (make sure you follow their instructions if you haven't used Zano before) or Meguiars NXT.

Good luck.

iceburgh

WTF....
If you live close to Pa I can help you out. If not then you will need a multi-speed orbital buffer.
Then stsrt light and get more aggresive if needed with compund. If and only if that does not work then wet sand. If you have never done it before it takes some practice.
I use Meguairs obviously an dwhat you will need lighteste to heaviest.
1 ScratchX
2. #7
3. #80
4. Fine Cut cleaner
5.Med. cut cleaner
6. Diamond cut
then sand .
How ever many steps you have to go you will then need to reverse.
Basically you will be making smaller scrtaches to remove the bigger ones and you step down until you get back to Scratch X and then wax.

Rays Vet

Silver_'04

3M part #39009 Swirl Mark Remover and a medium cut foam polishing pad on a random orbit buffer, preferably a Porter Cable.

VERYSOON

As one of those who favors "try the least aggressive method you can get results with" (works for chicks, too) I would get some 3m Perfect-It machine glaze Part no. 05937 and do it by hand. It will take a half a dozen times but you will slowly see results and you can't screw it up.
My c5 had a few scratches in the clear on the front bumper and around the gas cap. It took about an hour with good light and a magnifying glass. If you don't see results try Perfect-It III rubbing compound No. 05933, then go with the machine glaze.
(I went and dug this stuff out to get the part numbers so you owe me one. But I feel good about it!)

Slow and easy does it.

verysoon