Help with Minor Scratches

[devin98]

Hey Everyone,

I have just read everything that I could possible read on these issues and I would hope someone can point me in the right direction.

I have a 2004 Mazda3 and due to washing and normal ware and tear I have a ton of very fine scratches that I can not get out by hand.

I have tired using Meguiars Clay, Meguairs Paint Cleaner, Polish, and Wax but you can still see the scratches.

I think its time to step it up a level and get a polisher, but what exactly is recommended I see a lot of threads and to tell you the truth a lot of it goes over my head.

I am hoping someone can point me in the right direction as to what polisher to get, what pads are required and what compounds and waxes to use and in what order? and how to safely do each of these steps.

I also live in Canada if that makes a difference as I am sure I will need to order this stuff off the net.

Thanks for the help guys!
-Devin Montreuil

[Top Down]

The polisher I'd recommend is the G100/PC.
Will I notice a difference if I use the G100?

There's a whole forum dedicated to just that polisher. For stuff to use with it, there's so much paint cleaners/polishers out there that it really depends on your car's finish. Most people use Speed Glaze #80 to get out a majority or swirls. If your paint is hard or your the swirls deep, then #83 will be the most agressive product you should use with the G100. For lighter cleaning, there's swirl free remover #9 and swirl free polish #82. Since you say the scratches are very fine, most of these should work. IMHO, I'd definitely recommend #80 of all those if you were to get just one.
You can use the G100/PC to also apply wax and remove wax. There are a lot of posts out there showing results from a G100/PC from first time users.
First time using PC
If you do decide to get the polisher, here's a thread how to use it.

How to use the G100 to remove swirls
In the thread, he tells you what pads to use. He also tells you what steps to take for paint cleaning and waxing. Hope this helps!

[devin98]

Wow thanks for the reply, this did help a ton! I still have so much reading to do looking for a G100 or a Porter Cable 7424 now, they are both really the same thing right?

-Devin

[Top Down]

Yup, G100, PC 7424, and PC 7336 are all in essence the same machine. The 7424 and 7336 have different counterweights (5 vs 6), but in most people's opinions it makes no difference. The G100A comes with a lifetime guarantee, backing plate, and a 8006 pad while the PC doesn't (it does come with a white pad connected to the backing, but I've never used it).

[LiquidBlack]

By hand, though, it seems that you didnt use anything that would remove the scratches/swirls.

See, to remove a swirl, you have to remove a small amount of clearcoat, bringing the clearcoat down to the level of the scratch/swirl. Meguiar's has products that can be worked in by hand, such as Scratch-X, that are great for this. With a little bit of proper technique and alot of passion, these swirls can be eliminated. There is alot of advice around here on proper scratchx technique.

As for the G100, I can say that the device has been a godsend. It is so easy to use, and I can use it for multiple purposes. Over spring break I spent a day with it, removing all swirls from my black car. I was amazed. Every time I walk pass my car, I have to follow it with my eyes, because it look so good. It also just makes maintaining the finish so much easier.