Appearance & Detailing Interior & Exterior Appearance Modifications

light scratches...how to remove?

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Old Mar 3, 2009 | 07:57 PM
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Default light scratches...how to remove?

I have a bunch of light scratches all over my car. I dont know where they came from, but it really bothers me. Alot of them arent all the way through the paint, they just look like they are in the clear coat over the paint. Is their any way to remove these? Since I have owned the car (for about 8 months now) I have never had if buffed or anything. I have clay bared my car once and did the whole 9 but it didnt make a difference. Whats the best way to remove these scratches?? Thanks for the help..
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Old Mar 3, 2009 | 08:28 PM
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porter cable with a swirl remover
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Old Mar 3, 2009 | 08:54 PM
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Originally Posted by EchoMirage
porter cable with a swirl remover
whats that??
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Old Mar 4, 2009 | 08:17 AM
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go to tropic-care, look on the right, theyre a sponsor. check out their beginner/basic detailing kits. a porter cable is like a grinder with a foam pad on it, adjustable speeds. a swirl remover is a gentle type of compound that removes swirls (hence the name) and light clearcoat scratches. read all you can on that site, and do some youtube searches for swirl remover vid.
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Old Mar 4, 2009 | 09:17 AM
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Originally Posted by kidcamaro98
I have a bunch of light scratches all over my car. I dont know where they came from, but it really bothers me. Alot of them arent all the way through the paint, they just look like they are in the clear coat over the paint. Is their any way to remove these? Since I have owned the car (for about 8 months now) I have never had if buffed or anything. I have clay bared my car once and did the whole 9 but it didnt make a difference. Whats the best way to remove these scratches?? Thanks for the help..
Now that you have recognized that they are there, we can help you learn to safely remove these while understanding how to minimize adding new ones.

First off, the purpose of the clay is to prepare the surface for buffing, polishing and sealing. It removes any bonded contaminants such as tree sap, bugs, paint over spray and rail dust not removed by regular washing. Once the surface is clean and glass smooth, these processes will be easier to do and your wax or sealant will bond directly to the paint and last longer. Typically this is done 1-2x/year for maximum effectiveness.

Once this is done, it is best to use the least aggressive means to remove the fine lines and scratches that are usually associated with the washing and drying process. Hand attempts using a fine micro-abrasive may remove the lightest while the other scratches and blemishes may need the use of a machine buffer such as the Porter Cable or FLEX polisher. The PC is safe and user friendly for both beginners or novices. The FLEX features a stronger capacity and smoother rotating action compared to the PC.

Feel free to contact me with any questions.
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Old Mar 4, 2009 | 11:53 AM
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see......
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Old Mar 4, 2009 | 04:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Steve@Tropi-Care
Now that you have recognized that they are there, we can help you learn to safely remove these while understanding how to minimize adding new ones.

First off, the purpose of the clay is to prepare the surface for buffing, polishing and sealing. It removes any bonded contaminants such as tree sap, bugs, paint over spray and rail dust not removed by regular washing. Once the surface is clean and glass smooth, these processes will be easier to do and your wax or sealant will bond directly to the paint and last longer. Typically this is done 1-2x/year for maximum effectiveness.

Once this is done, it is best to use the least aggressive means to remove the fine lines and scratches that are usually associated with the washing and drying process. Hand attempts using a fine micro-abrasive may remove the lightest while the other scratches and blemishes may need the use of a machine buffer such as the Porter Cable or FLEX polisher. The PC is safe and user friendly for both beginners or novices. The FLEX features a stronger capacity and smoother rotating action compared to the PC.

Feel free to contact me with any questions.

how much does the porter cable run from you?
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Old Mar 4, 2009 | 04:36 PM
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Using the "10offTC" promo code, it will be $152.99 + shipping.

http://www.tropi-care.com/Porter_Cab..._p/tcpc-10.htm
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Old Mar 4, 2009 | 04:42 PM
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Hey Steve, what is the differance between a pc and a variable speed polisher? I dont have any experience with a pc, although I am very comfortable using a variable speed polisher.
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Old Mar 4, 2009 | 07:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Mr. Trick
Hey Steve, what is the differance between a pc and a variable speed polisher? I dont have any experience with a pc, although I am very comfortable using a variable speed polisher.
If I understand correctly, you are referring to a machine such as a Makita or Dewalt high speed rotary polisher which spins in a circular pattern. They are very fast in correction but can be dangerous in inexperienced hands.

Whereas the PC or FLEX spins in a random orbital pattern much like a hand waxing pattern. Both of these are safe and user friendly.
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