Clear coat help
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Rio Rancho New Mexico
Clear coat help
Does anyone have a trick or two in getting light scratches out of a clear coat? I've tried wax and even polishing compound, but to no prevail. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Save The Wave
Last edited by liloldfunkydude; Dec 30, 2013 at 05:42 PM. Reason: wrong wording
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 58,061
Likes: 7,146
Army
If you used polishing compound with enough effort applied and the scratches didn't come out then they aren't "light". I remove such scratches all the time with some Turtle Rubbing Compound (its very mild stuff actually) in the green bottle and some judicious rubbing...
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,138
Likes: 39
From: Florida
Use a buffer, on low speed, water and polishing compound.. go slow with light pressure.. once that's done, do the whole car.. haha
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 4,525
Likes: 372
From: Philadelphia PA
If you can feel the scratches with your fingernail, you may need to seek out professional help, as they will have the equipment and product to try and get the scratches out.
Basically with light scratches, you're leveling the surface of the clear coat. Start with the least aggressive and work up from there.
Did you check out the Car Care sub-forum? You may also want to post over there too. There are some professional detailers in there that might provide you with some insight.
Basically with light scratches, you're leveling the surface of the clear coat. Start with the least aggressive and work up from there.
Did you check out the Car Care sub-forum? You may also want to post over there too. There are some professional detailers in there that might provide you with some insight.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 477
Likes: 15
From: Long Beach Ca
You'd be surprised what a DA polisher and a 6" blue or orange foam pad can do for light to moderate scratches. The polisher and pads are available at Harbor freights. I use Wizards products. I start with Finish Cut and for deeper scratches the Turbo Cut. For deep scratches you may have to use 1500 or 2000 wet sandpaper to start then hit it with the DA and Turbo Cut then Finish Cut. Practicing on you daily driver will build confidence.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Rio Rancho New Mexico
Works
I would like to thank all of you for your valuable advice. I tried Meguiars Mirror Glaze #9 professional swirl remover 2.0 and it worked. No more scratches and swirl marks. I will keep the info you all gave me for future references. Have a Safe and Happy New Year.
Al
Al
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 58,061
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Army
When you get comfortable with the scratch removal then get yourself a Porter Cable 7424XP buffer....its not that much money and perfect for the home hobbyist. There are some nice kits around with the buffer, multiple pads, and, McQuiers polishing and glazing compounds. You can't hurt your car with this product suite...