Question regarding paint

[ohohoh123456]

Hi all,

I have a question hopefully the kind fellow Zs can help.

My Z had three very light scratches which I fixed with the 3M scratch removal kit. Now two of them are gone. But there is one that left which I buffed and polished and although it is barely noticeable, I could see it's been fixed if I pay enough attention (It BOTHERS me). I'm wondering what I should do to make it look perfect again? Since I just waxed the car, if I just want to re-polish the paint, is there anything additional I need to do? Or I can just go ahead and polish it?

Thanks guys. Pic below.

[Chuck33079]

Maybe try a more aggressive pad and polish?

[ohohoh123456]

Originally Posted by Chuck33079

Maybe try a more aggressive pad and polish?

Think I should re-sand it before I polish?

[Chuck33079]

A medium cut pad and some moderately aggressive polish should take care of it. I wouldn't sand anything.

[ohohoh123456]

Originally Posted by Chuck33079

A medium cut pad and some moderately aggressive polish should take care of it. I wouldn't sand anything.

This may sound stupid. but i'm wondering by aggressive polish you mean the rubbing compound?

[Chuck33079]

Yeah. I use Optima Cut, but there's plenty of options. That scratch is probably just a bit more than fine polish can get out. Use a more aggressive polish, then another pass of fine polish and it should be gone. Then wax it as usual. Stupid question, but you're not doing this by hand, are you?

[ohohoh123456]

Originally Posted by Chuck33079

Yeah. I use Optima Cut, but there's plenty of options. That scratch is probably just a bit more than fine polish can get out. Use a more aggressive polish, then another pass of fine polish and it should be gone. Then wax it as usual. Stupid question, but you're not doing this by hand, are you?

The best I have is a drill and with switchable pads attached to it.

[Chuck33079]

Your best bet is to watch all of Junkman's youtube videos on correcting paint, and order yourself a Porter Cable or similar DA polisher.

[Nick@Adams]

As always, start with the least aggressive polish and work your way up as necessary.

Always be sure to work your way down through a fine polish as the more aggressive ones will leave behind some damage that a finer polish will take care of.

[Cmike2780]

Originally Posted by ohohoh123456

Think I should re-sand it before I polish?

Absolutely Not!

Originally Posted by Cmike2780

Don't worry, the haze from coarse polishes is normal. You removed the scratch, you just need a finer polish/compound to bring the shine back. The quickest way is with a dual action machine polish. You can do it by hand, but it's going to take a bit longer. I would start by making sure the area is clean. Use a clay bar (with detail spray) until all the contaminants are gone. I use Meguire's M105 & M205, but there are others out there that can do the job. Please avoid using the 3M kit if you're new to polishing. It's too aggressive in most cases and can do more harm than good. You only have so much clear coat to work with. It should be a last resort, not your first option. It can get expensive, but a dual action polisher is a wise investment.

[ohohoh123456]

Originally Posted by Cmike2780

Absolutely Not!

Thanks man! This really helps!

[ohohoh123456]

Originally Posted by Cmike2780

Absolutely Not!

Just wanna let everyone know that I went for the M205 directly. Cleaned the part with detailer and it worked! Now it is not noticeable anymore! Thanks so much! Feeling relieved.

[Chuck33079]

Good job. I'd still ditch the drill attachment for a real polisher. You'll be happy you did.

[Cmike2780]

Great to hear. Don't forget to follow up with a coat of wax to protect the area you worked on.

[Waiz]

Originally Posted by Chuck33079

Good job. I'd still ditch the drill attachment for a real polisher. You'll be happy you did.

Once you go orbital polisher you never go back to using anything else