Removing Buffer Marks
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 805
Likes: 54
From: Murrieta CA
Removing Buffer Marks
When I took delivery of my 2004 Black coupe a couple of months ago, I noticed a couple of what I will call paint scuffs. I took the car back to the dealer to have them fix them up. They got the scuffs out but I was left with large swirl marks from the orbital buffer they used. They are only noticeable when the sun hits them just right but of course I can see them all the time. What would be the best thing to use for removing these marks? My guess is clay bar and/or Scratch X but thought I get the experts' advice first. If I use clay bar, is Meguiar's Quik Detailer Mist an adequate lubricant?
Thanks
Thanks
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 4,559
Likes: 28
From: Amarillo TX
First, I imagine that the buffer marks were created by a rotary buffer and not an orbital buffer. It is nearly impossible to create swirls using an orbital buffer.
For removing them, I recommend an orbital buffer
It needs to be a Porter Cable or something as powerful as that. This will be the most effective and most efficient way to get the job done.
Claybars will never remove surface imperfections such as swirls. They only remove contaminants from the paint.
Meguiar's ScratchX is a nice product for use by hand, but you may never get your paint perfect by hand.
With your car being black, I can see the PC as an extremely worthwhile investment that you will need to use multiple times during your car's life.
Here is a good article to read on using a PC: http://www.bettercarcare.com/articles.php?articleId=47
Remember also that things like quality mitts, towels, and applicators are very important to maintaining a swirl and marr-free finish. I recommend these vendors for great products: www.pakshak.com and www.exceldetail.com
Feel free to ask any questions you may have regarding anything I've said
For removing them, I recommend an orbital buffer
It needs to be a Porter Cable or something as powerful as that. This will be the most effective and most efficient way to get the job done.Claybars will never remove surface imperfections such as swirls. They only remove contaminants from the paint.
Meguiar's ScratchX is a nice product for use by hand, but you may never get your paint perfect by hand.
With your car being black, I can see the PC as an extremely worthwhile investment that you will need to use multiple times during your car's life.
Here is a good article to read on using a PC: http://www.bettercarcare.com/articles.php?articleId=47
Remember also that things like quality mitts, towels, and applicators are very important to maintaining a swirl and marr-free finish. I recommend these vendors for great products: www.pakshak.com and www.exceldetail.com
Feel free to ask any questions you may have regarding anything I've said
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 4,559
Likes: 28
From: Amarillo TX
I use a variety of products. My two favorites are Menzerna and Poorboy's. They are both very effective. Poorboy's may be a little more user friendly ( I haven't had problems with either). For buffer swirls, you will probably need a medium polish like Menzerna Intensive polish or Poorboy's SSR 2.5. For best results I would follow that with a lighter polish like Menzerna Final Polish or Poorboy's SSR 1.
I buy my supplies from:
www.autogeek.net
www.autopia-carcare.com
www.topoftheline.com
I buy my supplies from:
www.autogeek.net
www.autopia-carcare.com
www.topoftheline.com
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,174
Likes: 15
From: Florida
ZaneO is very correct in assessment and repair. Now you can also "fill" those marks with a glaze but they will reappear if not removed through polishing. One other set of super nice polishes that are extremely friendly are Einszett Polishes. Their metallic polish is super fine for perfect finishes, and their paint polish is great for minor repairs. The yellow can (cannot remember name) is good for heavy oxidation. I bought mine as a sample pack and feel they are just as good as Menzerna my previous favorites. (Although Pinnacle just got in the game also, and have yet to try those)
www.detailersparadise.com carries Einszett.
www.detailersparadise.com carries Einszett.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,909
Likes: 4
From: Ponte Vedra Beach / London State: Dazed and confused
~One man’s opinion / observations~
They are a great range of polishes-
Ultra Paint Polish (>1200 grit) Yellow
Is a medium cut compound used for paint renovation and the removal of heavy surface imperfections, swirl marks and surface etching and abrasions.
Paint Polish (1500 grit) Green
Is a general purpose polish and paint surface cleaner for the removal of dirt and grime from the paint pores, and medium to light surface abrasions.
Metallic Polish (2000 grit) Red
Is ideal as a swirl mark remover for the removal of minor surface abrasions, light spider webbing, swirl marks, and etc.
Iz Einzett polishes can be applied by hand, or machine polisher. Application of the Ultra Paint Polish you will obtain the best results with a high speed rotary, as heat is required to soften the paint …
~Hope this helps~
Knowledge unshared is experience wasted
justadumbarchitect / so I question everything/ Jon
They are a great range of polishes-
Ultra Paint Polish (>1200 grit) Yellow
Is a medium cut compound used for paint renovation and the removal of heavy surface imperfections, swirl marks and surface etching and abrasions.
Paint Polish (1500 grit) Green
Is a general purpose polish and paint surface cleaner for the removal of dirt and grime from the paint pores, and medium to light surface abrasions.
Metallic Polish (2000 grit) Red
Is ideal as a swirl mark remover for the removal of minor surface abrasions, light spider webbing, swirl marks, and etc.
Iz Einzett polishes can be applied by hand, or machine polisher. Application of the Ultra Paint Polish you will obtain the best results with a high speed rotary, as heat is required to soften the paint …
~Hope this helps~
Knowledge unshared is experience wasted
justadumbarchitect / so I question everything/ Jon
