Fine scratches...
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 635
Likes: 0
From: Cambria CA
Fine scratches...
Well my Ivory '90 coupe has its original paint from over 15 years and it looks spectacular still in the shade... but in direct sunlight i see fine scratches that appear to be from time.
Was wondering if this happens often, and is it just with white? Can anyone recomend a good wax that might patch this up? i really dont want to sand down the paint/buff/wax because i dont have a buffer or the experience that is required for that.
any advice will be greatly apreciated
Was wondering if this happens often, and is it just with white? Can anyone recomend a good wax that might patch this up? i really dont want to sand down the paint/buff/wax because i dont have a buffer or the experience that is required for that.
any advice will be greatly apreciated
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
Zymol is very good about filling in small scratches.
Obviously, the best method is just to buff them out. You don't have to sand. It really isn't hard. I have a very high $$$ buffer and a cheap one with a wool pad I bought off of Ebay. I use the cheap one most of the time. In the future you may want to get one. I think you will be very happy with it in the future.
Obviously, the best method is just to buff them out. You don't have to sand. It really isn't hard. I have a very high $$$ buffer and a cheap one with a wool pad I bought off of Ebay. I use the cheap one most of the time. In the future you may want to get one. I think you will be very happy with it in the future.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
You can post in the car care section.
Most will tell you to use a bufer and swirl removing product to eliminate the fine scratches.
If you want to cover them , I believe you need a product called a glaze
check your local autoparts store... Meguiars, Mothers, 3M and others make them.
It is a separate step from waxing that has fillers and gloss enhancers to mask or cover fine scratches and spiderwebs.
Most will tell you to use a bufer and swirl removing product to eliminate the fine scratches.
If you want to cover them , I believe you need a product called a glaze
check your local autoparts store... Meguiars, Mothers, 3M and others make them.
It is a separate step from waxing that has fillers and gloss enhancers to mask or cover fine scratches and spiderwebs.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 783
Likes: 2
From: Wake Forest, NC
St. Jude Donor '05
3M swirl remover was recommended to me by a friend that is an auto body guy... it did wonders on my old F-body. Where teh marks were deeper, rubbing compound followed by the swirl remover did the trick.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 44,773
Likes: 1
From: 63.8% of all statistics are made up on the spot.
St. Jude Donor '08-'10
Mothers has a 3 step system that I use.
wash it first
step 1 - cleaner
step 2 - glaze/swirl remover
step 3 - wax
I love the finish that I get with it. You only have to do all 3 steps once or twice per year. The rest of the time just apply wax.
wash it first
step 1 - cleaner
step 2 - glaze/swirl remover
step 3 - wax
I love the finish that I get with it. You only have to do all 3 steps once or twice per year. The rest of the time just apply wax.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
You don't need to be an expert or any special knowledge to use a Porter-Cable Dual Action Random Orbital polisher.
I'd recommend removing the swirl marks (scratches) rather than filling them temporarily.
Consider using Zaino Z-PC as it will remove them without the use of fillers, unlike what 3M SMR (Swirl Mark Remover) or Zaino Z5.
Any of those filler products on the market are easily removed by simply spraying the finish with a mixture of water/alchohol. Matter of fact that is part of the process to see if they've been buffed out or not. Used by detailers.
For about $120. you can get the PC-DA and about another $20. for a set of pads. Sonüs pads come in a kit or singles. I'd recommend their orange pad and blue pad. The orange is a little stiffer and therefore a little more aggressive. Usually good for the first time then after to maintain the perfect finish, use the blue pad.
Z-PC is a far superior product right now. It is much easier to work then 3M SMR and unlike 3M it doesn't use filler's so your results will last not wash off in a couple washes.
Here's a very good link:
autopia
Also you can buy them online at BetterCarCare.com.
I'd recommend removing the swirl marks (scratches) rather than filling them temporarily.
Consider using Zaino Z-PC as it will remove them without the use of fillers, unlike what 3M SMR (Swirl Mark Remover) or Zaino Z5.
Any of those filler products on the market are easily removed by simply spraying the finish with a mixture of water/alchohol. Matter of fact that is part of the process to see if they've been buffed out or not. Used by detailers.
For about $120. you can get the PC-DA and about another $20. for a set of pads. Sonüs pads come in a kit or singles. I'd recommend their orange pad and blue pad. The orange is a little stiffer and therefore a little more aggressive. Usually good for the first time then after to maintain the perfect finish, use the blue pad.
Z-PC is a far superior product right now. It is much easier to work then 3M SMR and unlike 3M it doesn't use filler's so your results will last not wash off in a couple washes.
Here's a very good link:
autopia
Also you can buy them online at BetterCarCare.com.
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Racer
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
From: Hauppauge New York
The swirls on my black 91 are handled nicely by Z5. However, my daily driver, an 01 Maxima has a ton of scratches and oxidation. Just got some Z-PC Fusion in the mail yesterday ... going to try it out this weekend. Will post some before and after pics.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
Yeah it did and still does a good job on my polo green, the problem is with Z5 is it is only temporary. Try the Z-PC on the 91, you'll be impressed especially if you use a PC-DA.
I stack the products now, one coat of Z5 to between two coats of Z2 Pro. The Z2 Pro has much better durability, and the Z5 is a nice added touch to catch any of the few very fine swirls still left over.
It makes a perfect mirror finish. Of course you want to seal it afterwards with Z8 Sealer.
Also, to avoid invoking more swirls afterwards, always remove the polish, buff and dry the surface with full length strokes instead of back and forth or circular motions.
I stack the products now, one coat of Z5 to between two coats of Z2 Pro. The Z2 Pro has much better durability, and the Z5 is a nice added touch to catch any of the few very fine swirls still left over.
It makes a perfect mirror finish. Of course you want to seal it afterwards with Z8 Sealer.
Also, to avoid invoking more swirls afterwards, always remove the polish, buff and dry the surface with full length strokes instead of back and forth or circular motions.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 635
Likes: 0
From: Cambria CA
Wow, thanks for all the info guys 
Once again the CF shows its true colors
I will definatly check out the buffer with the non-filler wax. And I do have miguires cleaner & wax, but perhaps I'm just missing the swirl remover, should be a quick fix until I can sommon some cash up for the buffer.
Thanks again everyone
Once again the CF shows its true colors
I will definatly check out the buffer with the non-filler wax. And I do have miguires cleaner & wax, but perhaps I'm just missing the swirl remover, should be a quick fix until I can sommon some cash up for the buffer.
Thanks again everyone