Scratch Removal
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Scratch Removal
I have some scratches in my clear coat and I`d like to know how I can get them out myself without it costing me a fortune. A friend who owns a detailing shop told me aboiut wet sanding. Is there another alternative?
Thanks.
July349
Thanks.
July349
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 457
Likes: 1
From: He who laughs last didn't get it... Georgia
Wet sanding or buffing compounds are the way to go. 1500 grit would be as aggressive as I would go unless you know what you're doing. http://www.detailking.com/content/view/209/287/
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 3
From: Independence Kentucky
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,783
Likes: 15
From: Northern California
Even on newer cars, the factory clearcoat is not very thick.
Wet sanding deep scratches removes the clearcoat down to the bottom of the scratch and if you succeed in removing the scratch, the clear will be so thin that it'll eventually wear through.
If you don't have any experience using a buffer, just buff the surface by hand using a micro fiber pad and a Cleaner Wax by Mother's or Meguiers (which contain a mild abrasive) followed by another clean micro fiber pad and a Polishing liquid.
Wet sanding deep scratches removes the clearcoat down to the bottom of the scratch and if you succeed in removing the scratch, the clear will be so thin that it'll eventually wear through.
If you don't have any experience using a buffer, just buff the surface by hand using a micro fiber pad and a Cleaner Wax by Mother's or Meguiers (which contain a mild abrasive) followed by another clean micro fiber pad and a Polishing liquid.
Last edited by GKK; Jul 20, 2008 at 11:37 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,651
Likes: 10
From: Apple Valley MN
If you don't already have one, I'd recommend getting a Porter-Cable 7424 random-orbital buffer. I bought mine along with a pad kit from autogeek.net last year, and have been very happy with it. The pad conditioner and cleaner included with the pad kit is a must, also - great stuff. Get a mild abrasive, like Menzerna Super-Intensive Polish, and you can get rid of light scratches and diminish the appearance of deep ones as well.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 383
Likes: 0
From: Pembroke Pines Florida
buffer
I purchased a Meguair's G110 (newest model) from autogeek.net and they supplied 6 free pads and some free products for $149.00 including free shipping.
I have 2 black cars and let me tell you that the buffer (same as porter-cable buffer) makes it so easy to remove most blemishes with ScratchX or just cleaner wax.
It is a snap to use and reduces the time by at least 1/2.
I'll never hand wax again ............
I have 2 black cars and let me tell you that the buffer (same as porter-cable buffer) makes it so easy to remove most blemishes with ScratchX or just cleaner wax.
It is a snap to use and reduces the time by at least 1/2.
I'll never hand wax again ............
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Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,616
Likes: 5
From: Sandhills of North Carolina
If you don't already have one, I'd recommend getting a Porter-Cable 7424 random-orbital buffer. I bought mine along with a pad kit from autogeek.net last year, and have been very happy with it. The pad conditioner and cleaner included with the pad kit is a must, also - great stuff. Get a mild abrasive, like Menzerna Super-Intensive Polish, and you can get rid of light scratches and diminish the appearance of deep ones as well.
Last edited by Weav's Vet; Jul 21, 2008 at 12:35 PM.
Uber Waxer
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 8,651
Likes: 5
From: Hanover MD
Cruise-In 8-9-10-11 Veteran
CI 9, 10 & 11 Car Show Winner
St. Jude Donor '08-'10
heres a C4 I did a while back that had some fine scratches. A rotary with a wool pad and Menzerna SIP were used. if they get much deeper, you would have to correct the paint a little more via other means.
http://picasaweb.google.com/briandrice/TJSC4
http://picasaweb.google.com/briandrice/TJSC4
Last edited by EVIL_C5; Jul 21, 2008 at 12:47 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: Sugar Land, TX (suburban Houston area) U.S.A.
St. Jude Donor '09, '13
Bought mine @ Griot's Garage. They have good tutorials for beginners on scratch removal, polishing, waxing, etc. Plus their stuff is top-notch!
Check it out!
Check it out!