Light Clear Coat Scratches?

[99 slow poke]

I have a bunch of light scratches in my clear coat on one of my expo's. let me know what the best products are to get rid of these and methods. I don't want to just blow money up & down on piss pour products.

thanks for any suggestions , DON

 

[nssj2]

Most things by Mothers are good. Might try a clay bar if they are bad. if they are minor, Mothers make a clear coat scratch remover that works wonders with their powerball. Good with polishing pads too if you want to save $. You can get them at autozone and such.

 

[Glacier991]

Might be a little more than you want to do, but depending on the depth and all... 2000 or 2400 grit paper on a block to even them out (by hand would be preferred) maybe some 3200 on a DA to follow that up...not absolutely necessary....then buff that up using a buffer and some light polishing compound.

 

[Flounder]

It takes practice, but one of the most effective ways to remove light clearcoat scratches is using a dual action polisher, as Glacier mentioned. Porter Cable's 7424 is the norm, though Makita has a decent offering. Coupling the polisher with some decent polishes (Sonus, Menzerna, etc.), light scratches will buff out and the finish will be quite optically clear.

I encourage you to check out www.autopia.org's forum. I'm happy to help you with any and all questions you may have, but in the mean time, that forum is the definitive detailing place.

 

[BBQ_HotDogs]

It takes practice, but one of the most effective ways to remove light clearcoat scratches is using a dual action polisher, as Glacier mentioned. Porter Cable's 7424 is the norm, though Makita has a decent offering. Coupling the polisher with some decent polishes (Sonus, Menzerna, etc.), light scratches will buff out and the finish will be quite optically clear.

I encourage you to check out www.autopia.org's forum. I'm happy to help you with any and all questions you may have, but in the mean time, that forum is the definitive detailing place.

I agree with Adam. For light scratches nothing beats the Porter Cable 7424. I swear by mine when used correctly.

Why not just do a full detail on the body and get that gloss look back? Start with a clay bar and go from there. 3M makes a good product that I use on dark colored vehicles, but you didn't mention what color yours was. Different products for different jobs...

 

[99 slow poke]

i have dark blue expo, how are the clay bars used?

 

[UtahX]

i have dark blue expo, how are the clay bars used?

After you wash and rinse, you clay. You need a lubricant, so get some Quick Detailer or put some car wash soap (about 1oz.) mixed with about 20 oz. of water in a spray bottle. Spray a panel down, then rub the claybar over the panel (not to hard). I usually at least split the bar in two pieces. After doing a few panels, knead the clay so you have a clean piece. The paint should be squeaky clean at this point. I usually rinse then dry after this.

 

[briwayjones]

After you wash and rinse, you clay. You need a lubricant, so get some Quick Detailer or put some car wash soap (about 1oz.) mixed with about 20 oz. of water in a spray bottle. Spray a panel down, then rub the claybar over the panel (not to hard). I usually at least split the bar in two pieces. After doing a few panels, knead the clay so you have a clean piece. The paint should be squeaky clean at this point. I usually rinse then dry after this.

Then put on some polish after you rinse and dry for a nice shine.

 

[UtahX]

Then put on some polish after you rinse and dry for a nice shine.

Then some carnauba or sealant or both for some protection.