walker3

what is a good light to use to see any minor scratches
the other day when the sun was out I thought I saw some minor scratches in the paint - but it has been raining and inside I tried different lights and don't see any scratches

I saw a long time ago where they put a light close and can see the small scratches

any help is appreciated.

randy ransome

Park it inside, preferably at night, under fluorescent lights you'll see every scratch on it I promise.

Don't be mad when you see how many scratches show up.

ronkh57

AG carries one or two of em.

One is the Flex swirl finder

0Killrwheels@Autogeek

In a darker area (like a garage) often times most flashlights show marring and swirls. I prefer a handheld Xenon flashlight personally, but have seen many tools outside of a professional sun gun offer the response wanted to visit before/after results.

Maligator

your typical halogen portable lamps will do the trick while working each panel to see how you are doing.

cmonkey713

What I will often use is the little LED flashlights from Harbor Freight for about $2. each. When you are working a small area these little lights are really pretty good. The 500W halogens are really good but they do put out a lot of heat which make the work conditions worse in un-airconditioned garages or shops.Try the little LEDs, cheap and effective.

walker3

Thanks
tried with the flashlight - could not see - today we had sun shine for the first time in two weeks (Louisiana) backed in the sun and you could see little lines - no swirl marks, very hard to see need to look at the right angle

purchased the car with 5500 miles - so thinking that the previous owner ran it in a car wash as the lines are all running front to back about 1/4" long - again very hard to see in the crystal red -

I will still work to get them out my self if possible

0Killrwheels@Autogeek

The hint .... Turn the flashlight to beam light off axis. When having stationary lights pointing directly at finish, you then need to look at angles to better see any marring or swirls.

JoshVette

I used to use 500W halogens in a dark garage to show me everything. Now I'm more into the ultra bright LED flash lights. I picked one up at HD Lowes for like $30 and it's like 200+ lumens. It works perfect.

cmonkey713

And you don't get the extreme heat with the LED's. The halogens are still great for general work.