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-   -   Question regarding paint (http://www.the370z.com/detailing-washing-waxing-cosmetic-maintenance-repair/74006-question-regarding-paint.html)

ohohoh123456 07-14-2013 08:02 PM
Question regarding paint
 
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.

http://s13.postimg.org/wjuonc3dj/photo_3.jpg

Chuck33079 07-14-2013 08:04 PM
Maybe try a more aggressive pad and polish?

ohohoh123456 07-14-2013 08:07 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chuck33079 (Post 2404347)
Maybe try a more aggressive pad and polish?
Think I should re-sand it before I polish?

Chuck33079 07-14-2013 08:36 PM
A medium cut pad and some moderately aggressive polish should take care of it. I wouldn't sand anything.

ohohoh123456 07-14-2013 08:37 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chuck33079 (Post 2404363)
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 07-14-2013 08:42 PM
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 07-14-2013 09:08 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chuck33079 (Post 2404370)
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 07-14-2013 09:12 PM
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 07-15-2013 09:49 AM
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 07-15-2013 10:28 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by ohohoh123456 (Post 2404349)
Think I should re-sand it before I polish?
Absolutely Not!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cmike2780 (Post 2404871)
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 07-15-2013 12:45 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cmike2780 (Post 2404871)
Absolutely Not!
Thanks man! This really helps!

ohohoh123456 07-16-2013 10:00 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cmike2780 (Post 2404871)
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 07-16-2013 10:02 AM
Good job. I'd still ditch the drill attachment for a real polisher. You'll be happy you did.

Cmike2780 07-16-2013 12:59 PM
Great to hear. Don't forget to follow up with a coat of wax to protect the area you worked on.

Waiz 07-16-2013 03:23 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chuck33079 (Post 2406274)
Good job. I'd still ditch the drill attachment for a real polisher. You'll be happy you did.
:werd:

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

ohohoh123456 07-16-2013 03:55 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Waizzz (Post 2406628)
:werd:

Once you go orbital polisher you never go back to using anything else
I watched several videos telling people polishers sometimes can easily overdone the work if one is not careful enough.:ughdance:

Chuck33079 07-16-2013 04:12 PM
You would have to try to damage your paint with a Porter Cable.

Chuck33079 07-16-2013 04:13 PM
The drill attachment seems like it would damage your paint much more easily.

ohohoh123456 07-16-2013 04:21 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chuck33079 (Post 2406698)
The drill attachment seems like it would damage your paint much more easily.
Maybe the drill can work at lower rpm? after all, the pads are the same for either way. Although I feel slightly more comfortable just by hand:tup:If I happen to polish the whole car, that will be a pain in the a$$ tho.

DEpointfive0 07-16-2013 04:30 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chuck33079 (Post 2406694)
You would have to try to damage your paint with a Porter Cable.
I don't use a PC, but a dual action polisher... I HAVE tried to damage my paint... It doesn't work, lol

OP, you can buy a PC knock off at Harbor Freight for $50-60, and it works just as well

Chuck33079 07-16-2013 04:37 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by ohohoh123456 (Post 2406723)
Maybe the drill can work at lower rpm? after all, the pads are the same for either way. Although I feel slightly more comfortable just by hand:tup:If I happen to polish the whole car, that will be a pain in the a$$ tho.
You most likely wont be able to accomplish much of anything by hand. You've got to work a polish pretty good for it to do anything. Go to YouTube. Search for Junkman's videos. Your drill isn't a DA polisher, it's just an orbital. I wouldn't use one.

Waiz 07-16-2013 04:50 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by DEpointfive0 (Post 2406739)
I don't use a PC, but a dual action polisher... I HAVE tried to damage my paint... It doesn't work, lol

OP, you can buy a PC knock off at Harbor Freight for $50-60, and it works just as well
Haha I would have messed up my paint for sure by now but I have yet to do anything but make it look even better

DEpointfive0 07-16-2013 04:54 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chuck33079 (Post 2406749)
You most likely wont be able to accomplish much of anything by hand. You've got to work a polish pretty good for it to do anything. Go to YouTube. Search for Junkman's videos. Your drill isn't a DA polisher, it's just an orbital. I wouldn't use one.
I THINK, or pray that he has the Meguiar's dual action attachment

Chuck33079 07-16-2013 04:57 PM
Hopefully. I've also seen some that are just an orbital attachment that look like they'd make your clear coat tear itself off the car and run screaming down the street.


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