Trebor

Has anyone had good luck removing clear coat scratches with a hand applied compound? I have a triple black 2006 convertible. I found a 2 foot long scratch on the top part of the rear bumper near the brake indicator (not the fiberglass trunk, the hard rubberized back portion running along the top just behind the trunk). I can see it in sunlight or with a florescent light. I cannot feel it with my fingernail. I have tried Meguiar's Ultimate compound = Fail. I have tried Meguiar's 20x scratch remover = Fail. I have tried Turtle Wax's scratch compound = Fail. I wrote to Meguiar and complained that their claim was false advertising. I did everything I could to make it work:

1. Washed the area with Dawn dish washing detergent to remove the wax.
2. Used a hairdryer to warm up and soften the clear coat.
3. Applied it with a clean foam wax applicator using medium to hard pressure.
4. Repeated steps 2 and 3 three times.

I KNOW that a polisher like a Porter Cable will work. But I don't have one. So anyone have any good results with some other product?

Thanks,

Bob

FYRARMS

Nope. That Corvette clear is hard as diamonds to correct. I successfully removed verrrry mild surface swirls using Meg's Ultimate Compound, but had to use my PC and MF cutting pads. I switched to 3D HD Cut+ and it was easier. I would doubt you will be able to tackle that long scratch by hand. Heck, over the winter I simply brushed my fender with a cardboard box I was carrying, and it left some minor surface marring. I couldn't even get that out by hand. LOL

Also, I have never found Dawn to be any good at removing any of my wax or sealant applications. Too mild, and my waxes and sealants are too strong. When I want to remove anything, I use a dedicated stripping type product or an all-purpose cleaner.

Aerovette

This seems like conflicting information. Soft enough for cardboard to scratch, but too hard to rub out. ????

FYRARMS

Yep. That is the nature of these clear coats...

https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...sensitive.html

0Adam's Polish

I agree the clear on your Corvette is pretty hard, you will need a machine.

vader86

I've only ever had success getting very minor ones out by hand across many vehicles I've owned.

Trebor

OK thank you for the responses. It looks like I'll need a polisher. It still irks me that companies like Meguiars place labels on their products stating it can remove scratches.

WIC7Diver

Well maybe if you’re Superman or the Flash!

FYRARMS

Well, they can work by hand, but it just depends on how deep the defect is, what type of defect it is, and how soft the clear coat is. My daily driver is an Infiniti, and the clear is much softer than that of my Vette. I bought the Infiniti used with 50K miles on it, and the original owner apparently never took care of the car. There were swirls everywhere, and a few scratches.With the same Meg's Ultimate Compound that I used on the Vette, I was able to remove almost all the defects---but didn't have to use MF cutting pads. I just used medium foam pads. I was able to make fewer passes with the PC as well. I think I could have polished out many of the minor swirls by hand on that paint.

ssg10587

Yeah on a C6, screw that. I've had to make 5-6 passes at least for light scratches on mine with a DA and a heavy cutting pad and compound.

Id personally just recommend the HF DA if you're just getting into it and want something affordable that works. It's like $60 then get a new backing plate and some decent pads.

Wait for a sale which is often: https://www.harborfreight.com/6-in-5...her-69924.html

LS WON

I have used Flitz by hand with great success on mine on some moderate scratches.

vader86

They can, but either you need hands that move like Usain Bolt's feet or muscle like young Schwarzenegger for our clear coats.

Trebor

Here is the response I received from Meguiar's:


"I suggest taking your vehicle to a professional detailer or body shop.
It is likely the transfer scuff must be sanded clean then the surface compounded and polished."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So DO NOT believe labels

Trebor

Is this the polish you used?

https://www.flitz.com/flitz-polish-liquid/

Stackenali

This product might be worth looking into: Optimum Clear Coat Restorer
https://www.theragcompany.com/optimu...orer-ccr-9-oz/

LS WON

Yes very similiar. I would call up that company and ask them if that's the same one that I used which is primarily used on knives but when I read the instructions on the product you showed me it does the very same thing as the Flitz I use which is in a grey bottle.

bahamallama

Hi

i’ve had good success with Quixx on several cars including the vette.

Quixx 00070-US Paint Scratch Remover Kit
https://amzn.to/2vEhAzO

Former USMC

Bob,

Greetings - I use Griot's Garage products...they have a complete line of polishers, waxes, pads, etc. A orbital polisher is a must have in everyone's garage...the small 3" polisher from Griot's is perfect for tight and small spaces. Good luck.

Semper Fi