Paint Care Questions

[lafear01]

Paint Care Questions
Does anyone know where i could find some good instructions on how to rub out clearcoat scratches & swirl marks? My cobra is where i want it from a drivetrain standpoint, but my paint needs some work and i dont have another penny to spend on it. So i need to rub out the paint myself.

Thanks in Advance...

 

[BLKVERT]

In regards to the swirl marks...I would definalty check out Zaino Bros.com. They have great stuff.

 

[Islander03GT]

Zanio does wonders.. made my 8 year old S10 look almost brand new.

 

[02StallionGT]

My 02' got keyed this morning... any quick fixes before I bend over for the body shop? I was looking at Meguiars Scratch X... But it looks like a 500 deduct, for a new paint job...

 

[John98-4v]

I always had good luck with 3m products.....

 

[Islander03GT]

My 02' got keyed this morning... any quick fixes before I bend over for the body shop? I was looking at Meguiars Scratch X... But it looks like a 500 deduct, for a new paint job...

I go straight for the old school Turtle Wax rubbing compound on scratches.

 

[Dark Knight GT]

Meguiars number 9(swirl mark remover)
Turtle wax rubbing compound(cheapest but still works)
3M swirl mark remover
3M Rubbing compound

Try some of those. You can pretty much find these at your local auto parts stores.

 

[rob1]

What is a good buffing product? I have an orbital buffer but not sure what is a good compound to use. Also, what type of wash do you guys prefer before waxing and what is the easiest, like a spray on and no wipe off wash? What is the best wax to use? I never really got that in depth with my old car and am babying my Mustang now.
Thanks

 

[Dark Knight GT]

The best thing to do before doing any serious buffing, polishing, or waxing is to remove as much dirt and contamination from the cars surface. Dish liquid is one of the best clear coat safe cleaners I recommend for this. It will remove any old wax, dirt, and soften hard stains for removal. After this, I recommend using a clay bar system to remove the hard stains that didnt come of with the dish liquid. Next, if you have an orbital buffer, I recommend using a foam pad w/ one of the swirl removers I recommended above. Remember, swirl remover is usually abrasives and polishes. Not wax. You will need to work it more than a wax and buff it off using some pressure and elbow grease. After this, your cars surface should be pretty clean and swirl free. Ide then recommend hitting it with a pure wax such as Meguiars 26 or fast spray wax as this is your "protective layer". I also recommend using micro-fiber towels for buffing as it tends to be the softest.

 

[mac9898]

I am with dark stallion step for step.

Dawn dish soap is the best stripper, and
easy on your finish.

Gotta get that old wax off!!!

 

[twogts4us]

Just remember the fact that dishwashing liquid will strip the wax off...as was stated. But I wouldn't use this on a regular basis.
Call it a corny gimmick or whatever, I have had great luck with the Mr. Clean car washing system. It truly dries spot free. I still use a small towel to catch a couple places where the water likes to hide and then run...like around the trunk, side mirrors, hood scoop. But, let me tell you, the rinsing agent works as advertised. Check the pics I've posted a couple weeks ago in the 99+ gallery - just after washing the blue GT, and the black GT, just waxed...but neither was dried by hand. And the water here in FL is very hard (which is why you get water spots).
Rubbing compound is abrasive - it will scratch the clearcoat, and if you rub hard enough, you'll get right into the paint.
Meguiars products are some of the best - I have 6 or 7 bottles of their various products in my garage. The latest is their new NXT Gen Tech Wax - this stuff is really easy to use, goes on easy, comes off easier than any wax I've ever used. One of it's features is the fact that it helps eliminate swirl marks. And again, ck my pic in the 99+ gallery and see for yourself. We use terry towels to remove the wax but do a final wipedown with finishing cloths - lint free.

 

[Dark Knight GT]

Ive used rubbing compound on my car without any problems other than it wasnt strong enough. I guess I should note to PLEASE USE A CLEAR COAT SAFE RUBBING COMPOUND.