Scratch removal

Any scratch removal tips? Saw a few items but no idea if they work .

 

If you can feel it with a fingernail, aim for improvement and NOT total removal. Or you'll risk going through the clear coat.

A buffer is your best bet for improving the appearance. Least aggressive method (fine polish) first.

 

Also. After, make sure you wax .

 

That type of correction will require a machine.

I highly recommend a DA (dual action) polisher not a rotary buffer. Rotary buffers require a skilled hand or you will buff through your paint job very quickly.

If you can catch the scratch with your fingernail you will not be able to completely remove them.
A DA polisher and some light polish will help clean them up to make them less noticable.

 

Can’t feel them it at all, I live on a dirt road so next to impossible to keep clean, the dust has already blended them lol but I will look into a polisher

 

I have a Porter Cable

$139 7424xp , Gray

7424xp I really like. Great entry level machine

 

Water sand it with 3400 grit, then polish it with a high speed buffer or by hand. If your don't level it down your doing nothing but polishing the scratch.

 

No reason to start with wet sanding. Start with least aggressive method then work your way up.

 

Wrong. You can try it but your only going to polish the scratch. Got to level it first. I have wet sanded and polished my share. Do it your way if you wish.

 

It’s not my way. It’s general rule of detailing. Start with least aggressive method before you jump to wet sanding. Wet sanding should be the last resort as far as scratch removal.

I have gotten plenty of scratches out without wet sounding. A good compound and DA does wonders.

Obviously you are seasoned at doing the work but it’s probably not a good idea to recommend wet sanding to someone who does not have a polished.

 

Where is this general rule written down?. I would agree to a degree but it more work and your working against yourself. My way is fast, less effort and a positive result. It also boils down to level of experience and confidence, knowing that if I burn through the paint that I can fix it. Done several hundred scratch removals over the last 35 plus years of working with cars both detailing, paint, car shows. Knowing what the end results are I'm confident in my procedures.

 

Any pro detailer will tell you to start with least aggressive method. From Mike Phillips at Autogeek to Larry at Ammo, all will recommend least aggressive that way you minimize the amount of clear you remove.

 

My experience tells me by looking at the scratch posted in the pic earlier is to wet sand it down. You can use a mill gauge and then you will know how much paint there to work with. I still disargee. But I think experience in dealing with it on a daily basis a true professional would do it and still have the same results.

 

Went to get my truck "professionally" cleaned. Left with a giant scratch. Ended up re-painting the hood

 

If the OP had that level of experience and knowledge, I don't think they would have posted this thread. Seems like a beginner would be better served by starting with the least destructive method, and working their way up. That may take more time, but they'll be less likely to end up in a body shop paying to get their screw up fixed.

 

Thank you! That’s what I was trying to say just didn’t do a very good job of it.