Micro Scratches

[TNcargirl]

I'm so glad I read this today before I went downstairs with my 'little bucket o' stuff". I have a ’01 lapis blue, the paint looks beautiful however there is a little dirt/pollution along the front bumper. I had been using autopia.com as my reference center and ended up ordering some products (3M perfect-it II rubbing compound, 3M hand glaze, Pinnacle carnauba wax, foam applicator pads as well as some of their microfiber pads) Is the 3M product going to be too much for what I’m trying to do? Should I try the Klasse product instead? I’ve used the 3M on my other cars and have never had a problem however their paint wasn’t German. I’d appreciate your opinions. Just for kicks I’m pasting a link to a car I have on ebay… I’ve used the 3M perfect-it on this one for a couple of different trouble spots and it’s always worked fine. Bruce… if you notice the ebay page, look at the number of hits… do you have any links or ads you’d like me to post for the next couple of days? Lol… this car has been getting a lot of traffic.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1,1&item=4539808253

[wetstuff]

P-L: No, Seal Gray. Color is soooo hard to reproduce perfectly. Funky lighting..in the garage..no flash...my Mac see's color differently than PCs..etc.

...BUT: 17 layers! You musta had an ankle bracelet to keep you home that long.. And I can tell you; there's sure no Mazdas around here that look that good. Good for you.

_______________________________________


TNcg: I don't think there's marked differences between clearcoats. I'd test your 3Ms on the under-radius of the front bumper before you bring it up to a reflective surface. I doubt - unless you are using powertools - you can harm the surface.

I've never been a fan of 'rubbing compound' because in the old days it was always pretty severe. Mothers has a 'clearcoat conditioner', it's a little smelly like too much bubblegum, but I use it with air tools and have never hurt anything in the process.

Shine on!

jim

....one point of posting the pics: DO use it on gloss plastics. BUT, mask off any matte finishes, cloth, rubber, etc. It's easier to mask than to have a steady hand.

[Brucelee]

3M makes fine products and should be fine on your Box. Klasse is IMHO simply a better set of products.

Pure old fashion rubbing compound should only be used by folks who are very skilled in its application on clear coats. Mistakes are costly indeed!

[Stryke]

Guys, someone on my watch forum asked about this so I went back to my detail shop and made a quick how to for him. My watch forum is private but I greatly encourage anyone interested in scratch removal to register for two minutes and check this detailed thread with photos.

http://www.newturfers.com/bin/mwf/topic_show.pl?tid=27107

[Brucelee]

The best way to develop technique is to work these harsher products on surfaces that you can little about. That way, if you go to hard and gouge the surface you are not so concerned.

If you have a relative's car and they are less than concerned about their old clunker, volunteer to "detail it" for them!

[Adam]

Does no one just use good ole fashioned Zaino anymore? That used to be all the rage...and now everyone saying Klasse'....

[Brucelee]

Never tried Zaino but have heard good things about it.