Cleaning scratches over entire car...

Varilux · #1 01-21-2006

Hello, this is my first post... I've done some searches to see if my problem has already been answered- I've collected some ideas, but would like to post my particular case to see if there are any specific recommendations.

I have an Onyx White Jaguar X-Type which I purchased with very low miles (14k). In that short time, someone managed to put fine scratches over the entire surface of the car (it looks like they took the car to those infernal self-wash places and had a gritty brush or something). There are lengthy light scratches spread all over the place.

They are not deep enough to catch a nail on- and they only really show up at night under lights (but they drive me crazy). The paint quality seems really great on this car, so I purchased a 6" random orbit polisher and have tried paint cleaner, polish paste, and even had a careful go with rubbing compound.

I've reduced the depth of the scratches, and the surface does seem cleaner- but there are still random cleaning scratches all over the place. Any recommendations on the specific product and process I should try would be greatly GREATLY appreciated!

daz · #2 01-21-2006

i just tried mothers scratch remover for that exact same problem on my bike and it worked great even on black paint which is the worse. But for a entire car it would take hours. I think that power polisher deal is the ticket for that. They'll chime in soon and probably recommend that.

admin · #3 01-21-2006

Ding!

It might be helpful to know what products you tried thus far -- especially brand and model of polisher, and the specific pad.

It might be that a more aggressive pad is all you need.

Varilux · #4 01-21-2006

To remove the scratches, I have tried TurtleWax Polishing Compound (and, as mentioned, gave the Rubbing Compound a cautious try as well). Also, I've tried Meguiar's 3 step system (step 1 is paint cleaner).

For regular waxes (about every 2 weeks), I use Mother's California Gold Carnauba Cleaner Wax (which seems to do a good job at getting any dirt out of the fine scratches that shows up on a white car if you look closely).

My polisher is a Black&Decker 0.5amp random orbit, and I use the white wool pads.

Based on other threads, I'm planning on switching my regular wax to the "Reflections" series. I have tried Meguair's NXT Tech Wax in the past, which provided a nice shine but wasn't effective on the aforementioned dirt that collects in the microscratches in my finish.

Legendman · #5 01-22-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Varilux

To remove the scratches, I have tried TurtleWax Polishing Compound (and, as mentioned, gave the Rubbing Compound a cautious try as well). Also, I've tried Meguiar's 3 step system (step 1 is paint cleaner).

I have tried Meguair's NXT Tech Wax in the past, which provided a nice shine but wasn't effective on the aforementioned dirt that collects in the microscratches in my finish.

I have had good luck with 3M Perfect-It II Rubbing Compound -- applied by hand.

I recently tried Meguiar's Paint Cleaner (Step 1) and must say I was rather disappointed. I have used their Polish (Step 2) with good results and thought I'd try their cleaner. I saw nothing commendable about it other than ease of use. Was wondering if Mother's paint cleaner is any more effective or aggressive as a hand applied paint cleaner?

I too have used NXT Tech Wax but for the life of me I cannot see the justification for the hype surrounding that product. Whatever cleaners are in it appear to be minimal and of little effect. Other than ease of application and removal, and a nice smell, IMO it offers little in terms of gloss, depth and reflection. Indeed, I think that their less expensive Gold Class Cleaner Wax does a much better job, especially on darker colored cars.

I have also found the same to be true for the NXT Instant Detailer. Mother's Showtime Instant Detailer is so much better that its not even close. The brilliant gloss and shine that it produces is spectacular and without compare.

Although I am relatively new to Mother's products, I am more and more impressed with them every week. I love the FX Spray Wax and am eager to try the Reflections car wax as well. (Sorry for veering off-topic).

Forrest T. · #6 01-22-2006

I doubt the Black & Decker random orbital will have the oomph to remove the marring in the paint.

I'd suggest a machine like the Porter Cable 7424/7336 with a cutting pad.

A cutting pad with a product like our PowerPolish, followed by PowerPolish on a polishing pad would be my suggestion. Then, follow it with your choice of paint protection product.

Alfisti · #7 01-23-2006

Varilux, something else to consider is whether your paint has a clearcoat. White is rarely clearcoated - even these days when just about every colour is.

The reason I ask is because un-clearcoated paint is the hardest paint. Great for scratch resistance, but frightening when trying to polish it. Its like polishing granite. The reason being that the pigment used is titanium oxide - 'nuff said!

When polishing white I have to leave the PC and switch to my heavy-duty polisher.

I'm not trying to discourage you...just letting you know to be prepaired for a hard slog to remove the marring if its not clearcoated.

Varilux · #8 01-23-2006

Thanks for the info! I will post on the Jaguar forum to see if anyone knows if Onyx White is clearcoated or not. All I know is I've polished like crazy (using both my- apparently underpowered- polisher and elbow grease) and have been unable to put much of a dent in even the tiny scratches.

Also, does anyone know where I can likely find the full line of Mother's products? I went out to the local AutoZone and WalMart yesterday and was only able to find a few products (the scratch remover and "Reflections" products were not among them).

Thanks!

Forrest T. · #9 01-23-2006

MapQuest says there are 3 Hickory Creek TX:

Near Denton (my brother lives in Argyle)
Near Houston
Near Hunt (NE of Dallas)

Which one are you? Pep Boys, BTW, stocks about 20 different Mothers items.

Varilux · #10 01-23-2006

I would be in the Hickory Creek just south of Denton, TX. Just moved here from Florida in June- I thought Tampa was hot until I moved to Texas.

Anyway, I will try Pep Boys. I'm going to get a more robust orbital, the scratch out, and a "cutting pad" (is that a foam applicator). I've also inquired on the Jag site regarding the clear coat.

I have noticed that the paint on the X-Type seems to be better than any car I've had previously. Other than these annoying light scratches, the finish is beautiful and seems to hold up well to the tremendous number of stones that get thrown up on the highways here (I've already replaced a windshield).

Varilux · #11 01-24-2006

Turns out Alfisti was correct! According to the Jag forum, neither Onyx White nor British Racing Green have clearcoats on the X-Type (good information to know).

I found a Pep Boys, which did have the "Reflections" series, but did not have scratch remover. I did find the 3M rubbing compound. Regarding the polisher, they had a 0.85amp 10" random orbit, and an 11amp variable speed sander/polisher (the looks of which gave me pause). In fact, the box intimated one should have experience with bodywork to use the thing.

Any suggestions given the lack of clearcoat and the various options for a polisher?

Thanks,
Pete

AlexRuiz · #12 01-24-2006

I say get a PC7224/7336, get some 4" spot buffing pads and some powerpolish. The 4" pads are way more effective than the 6" at removing defects. Get an orange or yellow pad, and the backing plate. Be patient, it wil take time even with an orange 4" pad and powerpolish

Alex

Varilux · #13 01-24-2006

Thanks very much for the helpful information! I am dedicated to eliminating these scratches (even if it means taking a couple days vacation to do it)!

To clarify, the PC7224 is a "Porter Cable" polisher. Where am I likely to find this brand? Now that I've gone back to the Mother's website, I remember seeing the PowerPolish at PepBoys (I was looking for scratch remover, so I overlooked it), so I will be able to procure the polish.

PepBoys carries the yellow foam and wool bonnets- sounds like the yellow foam is the trick for polishing.

Given that the paint is supposedly so hard (and Jaguar claims there are four layers), if the polish doesn't work, would wet-sanding be an option (or is that just asking for a heap of trouble)? My biggest concern with either polishing or sanding would be the contours of the hood...

Thanks again...

Forrest T. · #14 01-24-2006

You can purchase a Porter Cable 7424/7336 at Lowes, or any of a thousand different on-line e-tailers. You'll also need a velcro backing plate at the proper pads. THe yellow foam bonnet you saw at Pep Boys is made for a random orbital, and is not the same as the foam pad you'll need.

http://www.lakecountrymfg.com makes the pads you need. Again, a variety of e-tailers sell them, some in a kit with the proper backing plate.

If you think wetsanding is the way to go, I'd suggest you have a pro do it. It's easy to sand too far and damage the paint. Personally, it'd be about the last thing on my list of cures. Before I wetsanded, or had someone else do it, I'd pay a pro to attack the marring with a rotary polisher, which has far more power than a DA machine like the PC7424.