Paint Clean-up
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 63
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From: Cobden Ontario
Paint Clean-up
I have a Torch Red 99 FRC with pretty decent looking paint but it needs a bit of clean up to get rid of the small surface marks and I'd like a better overall shine.
I've washed it with a good quality car wash soap. What's the next step to get the paint looking it's best, without getting into wet sanding and compounds. What brand name do you suggest--there seems to be a ton of them on the market.
I've washed it with a good quality car wash soap. What's the next step to get the paint looking it's best, without getting into wet sanding and compounds. What brand name do you suggest--there seems to be a ton of them on the market.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,365
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From: Vancouver BC
Meguiar's ultimate compound and polish depending on the condition. They are both really good as long as you use a good microfibre applicator and do one area at a time. Don't let the liquid dry and wipe it off as soon as you finish the area.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,500
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From: Scottsdale AZ
Have you ever tried using a clay bar to get out the surface grit? Amazing difference-- I'm sure the procedure is outlined in the car care section - -I do it a few times a year with each of our cars, then Meguiars show car wax, buffer and spray detailer.... amazing difference, but you've got to get the paint clean first so it feels like glass.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 33
From: GRAYSLAKE IL
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St. Jude Donor '13
Ditto on using a clay bar! I clay bar in the spring b-4 using Meguiars Best Of Show liquid wax...You should get good results after using a clay bar with whatever wax you use...
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Somewhere in Mo
St. Jude Donor '09-'10, '14
To get a really good shine and protection you should clay bar, then compound, then polish then wax.
It's not an easy job but the results are worth it. You will also need a good quality buffer and plenty of micro fiber towels.
As far as specific products it comes down to preference. There are many quality products out there. I use meguiars and have for years but a friend has talked me into trying Adams products. If you go to their website I believe they have videos for you to watch.
It's not an easy job but the results are worth it. You will also need a good quality buffer and plenty of micro fiber towels.
As far as specific products it comes down to preference. There are many quality products out there. I use meguiars and have for years but a friend has talked me into trying Adams products. If you go to their website I believe they have videos for you to watch.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 73,568
Likes: 33
From: Somewhere in Mo
St. Jude Donor '09-'10, '14
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Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Reinholds PA
Get yourself a random orbital 6in buffer like the Griot which wont burn the paint and are safe to use by newbies saves a lot of work and no swirl marks. Take the cellehone from a cigarette pack put your fingers inside and rub over your paint you will feel all the dirt there. Clay bar the car and repeat the test and you will feel the difference. Get a clearcoat safe compound and buff car. Then buff a good coat of wax. After use a detailer to keep it shiney. I use gliptone products tat are available on ebay. Most good products will produce good reults
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Clay bar is a good first step. When I used one on my '00, the difference in the feel of the paint was amazing. After that, buffing and polishing the car will provide excellent results.