Tree Branch Scratches

Hey guys,

I have some real light tree branch scratches on my clear coat of my truck from riding some trails that were narrow in parts. The scratches don't catch on my fingernail so they aren't actually through the clearcoat.

So I was wondering what might be the best way to remove them/lessen them. My one friend said buff them out, and my other friend said to hand wax my truck. Some of the scratches are so light that I can rub them off with my finger. I just don't want to have my truck buffed for over $100 when I may not need it. Also, I would prefer to not burn through my clearcoat as its a 12 year old truck.

Thanks,
Tom

 

Those are marks of an explorer, why hide them

 

I've used Turtle wax polishing compound on a few placed with good results. Lots of them on the top of my bedside from the dogs' nails from riding in the back,

 

That is good to hear, I don't know anything about this stuff haha

 

I barely do, but put some on a pad or microfiber cloth and put some elbow into them and they should come off.

 

Oh man were the views worth it though . We went to Centralia, PA, the town in Pennsylvania displaced by a still active underground mine fire

 

Still active? Natural gas?

 

Well the underground coal seam is currently on fire, so theres hot spots and areas where smoke and heat pour out. Its pretty wild. We went on some old mining roads and up mine tailings too

 

Second the turtle wax. It comes with a sponge in the lid, just follow the instructions on the jar. Do the whole truck, it makes it easier to wash and harder to scratch, because it's slick. It's not a cure all for the deeper scratches, but it sure does hide them.

 

Sweet, I will have to give it a try. I really don't want to spend the money to get some detailer to buff my truck on a college budget. Plus a truck is meant to do truck stuff.

 

Give 3M Finesse It a shot. I use it on all my blemishes on my truck and my wife's 4Runner. Great at taking minor surface imperfections out with something that doesn't cut as much as a rubbing compound. You probably can knock them out with a small application sponge and microfiber cloth.

 

Here are a few recommendations:

The 3M Finesse mentioned above works well.

As does Adams Paint Correcting Polish

https://www.detailersdomain.com/col...polish/products/adams-paint-correcting-polish


For tougher scratches a really good one step polish is Menzerna Fast Gloss 400:

https://www.detailersdomain.com/col...ucts/menzerna-fg-400-fast-gloss-compound-pint



And if you want to really bring out the shine then use Menzerna Super Finish 4500

https://www.detailersdomain.com/col...ts/menzerna-sf-4500-final-finish-po85rd-32-oz



Griot's Garage just came out with a new polisher that is pricey! $365-$385 depending on size. They are a new "long throw" buffer that moves the pad farther than normal buffers, allowing for a better quicker polish. I have their old buffer and it works very well. On the detailersdomain.com web site they are selling the old buffer for $150. I paid over a $100 more for mine a couple years ago. You might consider investing in the buffer. It will save you tons of time, produce better, more uniform results and you can use if for headlight buffing, etc, etc.

https://www.detailersdomain.com/col...garage-6-inch-random-orbital-polisher-3rd-gen



These polishers are almost impossible to produce swirls with or burn through paint. Check out a few online how to videos and you will have it mastered in no time.

I linked detailersdomain.com as I have spent way too much money there, but you might look elsewhere for better pricing.

 

I looked up the product, wasn't sure which one you were talking about. Do you have a link?

 

I actually just had to buff some tree branch scratches out recently...my go to for fine surface scratches in paint is meguiars ultimate compound. Works great!

 

This is a link to the product that I have been using. I have an older bottle of it (I have had it for six years and barely used any of it). It is so good on minor paint imperfections. I had a black Audi S4 that had paint chips all over it. I filled the chips, wet sanded them down and used the Finesse It and even the used car manager at the dealership could tell where I had repaired the paint!


http://www.detailing.com/store/3m-0...k=gdfV28273_a_7c2854_a_7c11955_a_7c3M_d_05928

 

Ahhh....pin striping.
That is a custom job. No two alike.

 

Just put "3M Finesse It" in a search at Amazon and you will have lots of choices on where to buy it, and in different sizes. There are sizes that only run about $18.

 

Nice, thank you. I would try and use a machine buffer but I don't think it's that serious. That's why I kind of wanted to try it by hand first and see what happens

 

I don't use a buffer. I just use either a microfiber applicator pad or a microfiber towel. Apply with elbow grease and wipe off with clean part of towel....repeat of necessary.