About a week ago, a friend buffed my '79. He did an outstanding job, one of my friends actually had to do a double take because he didn't think it was me! Anyway...I am scared to death to dry the car after washing, and I am scared to wax it. I did try to clean a small spot on the hood with a microfiber and showroom shine, and I did leave a little scratch in it.

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks guys.

 

Hi C,
I use Meguire's 'Swirl Remover' and 'Final Detail' on my acrylic lacquer repaint…. no wax.
It depends on how you use and store your car as to what, if anything, you should use after the Final Detail.
Remember there is a big difference between wax and polish.
Regards,
Alan

 

3M Finesse It will remove the swirl marks, Just DO NOT use it in the sun, pull it in the garage to apply.

 

Thanks for the tips on getting swirl marks out. I have a lot to learn about this subject. How do I avoid this situation altogether? No matter how hard I try to get the car clean, there always seems to be a piece of dust somewhere waiting for me to rub it on the paint.

 

There's a very big quality difference between lower end microfiber towels and the better ones that cost more. The cheaper ones are not soft or deep enough to keep grit off of your paint. For my paint, I won't use anything but the good ones from Griots. If you poke around in the Car Care section here you can find some really expensive ones that are probably better than what I use. Good towels and a quality detail spray really help do those little clean ups safely.

 

Don't drive it....but it in a dust free environment and just look at it. WELL..that is what I tell my customers who pick up their cars. There is NO way to avoid environmental contaminants getting on your paint if you drive it.

It was great to read that you know this. If your car is going to be driven. The the process of you washing it will require several wash towels and starting from the top and working down....and knowing when to switch out the towels The amount of pressure you use when washing is also important.

I just got finished with buffing and polishing on a black 63 SWC I painted. I was in my paint booth for three days sanding/buffing and polishing it. Using spot light and verifying that there was not one swirl in the paint. Talk about a royal pain in the backside. And I know...the first time it gets washed by someone else...it will get light scratches in it.

There is a technique I use that I got from a friend who took care of cars in a museum. Using vegetable oil in the soap mix to lift the dust up and off the finish. BUT...those cars NEVER saw the outside....which is different.

All I can 'say' is just do the best you can and not get too consumed by this...or it may be possible that you will freak out over every little spot....unless that is what you wan to do.

DUB

 

Don't wash your car. At least that has been my solution for the last 5 years for my 77 vette with Lacquer paint.

I live on a gravel road and dust is a certainty. I drive slowly down the drive to minimize the dust.

I use compressed air to blow the loose dust off.
I use a California duster to pick up what it can.
I then use quality microfiber cloths with Mothers California gold showtime instant detailer to shine it up a little.

For bug removal I use a spray bottle and water then a microfiber coth and wash off the bug guts. No Soap!

Since you just got yours polished I would be concerned with getting a protective coat of some sort between your paint and the elements.

I use Meguires professional HI-Tech yellow wax #26. It has worked well to have something between the dust and the paint to minimize scratches.

I also use the mother showtime with clay bar to clean accumulated road grime from the car before I wax if it has been a year or two.

Washing seems to be the single best way to introduce scratches to the paint. I have a black vette and you can see all the scratches.

To remove them, if somewhat significant, I use 3M Protect-it II. It is an abrasive product so you are removing material.

Then follow up with Meguires #9 swirl remover 2.0. Not nearly as abrasive. Mostly silicone fillers probably. Then wax the car.