Polishing question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 132
Likes: 25
From: Georgetown, TX
Polishing question
I have some rather small marks in the paint,could be bird droppings, tree sap, not really sure.
For those that have polished these type of defects, can you spot polish the area or do you polish a larger area to blend in the small area?
Thanks
For those that have polished these type of defects, can you spot polish the area or do you polish a larger area to blend in the small area?
Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,732
Likes: 44
From: Richmond TX
Depending on the condition of the paint, you might be able to just polish that area. Tree sap can usually be removed with the clay bar. Bird droppings are another story. If they are not removed quickly it will etch in the clear coat. The process gets more involed the longer it's on there. Once the spot is correctted you will be able to tell what else needs to be polished. May get more help in the detailing section.
Last edited by spdkilz911; Jan 27, 2013 at 08:28 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,470
Likes: 1,056
From: Chester County Pennsylvania
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
You will have to concentrate on the affected area to remove the marks, but then finish the entire panel. You will probably have to use a machine to get the right results.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,595
Likes: 959
From: Palm Harbor not far from Sebring Florida
St. Jude Donor '11
Oldtimer
When was the last time a full detail was done on your car. That is wash, clay, swirl & haze remover (not always needed) polish and wax? If it has been over 4-6 month and you need to get aggressive to correct these areas, you may want to just think about doing the whole car. If not, these areas may look different the the remaining area.
As mentioned you may need a machine buffer to get it done, and if you don't use a buffer on a regular basis, I would suggest that you get a random orbital style buffer and not a rotary style.
As mentioned you may need a machine buffer to get it done, and if you don't use a buffer on a regular basis, I would suggest that you get a random orbital style buffer and not a rotary style.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 14,104
Likes: 244
From: South Florida
When polishing you should consider the time and investment in your finish and do the entire car. Yes you can spot polish, for example a spot from birdie doo-doo, but in general your best to do the entire vehicle the first time.
http://www.autogeek.net/detailingtips.html
http://www.autogeek.net/detailingtips.html
