Two questions about compounds

[Dieseljoe]

I have two questions about "clear coat safe" compounds.(1)What is the meaning/description of "clear coat safe" products like ScratchX or 3M Perfect-It fine cut polishing compound?(2)How much paint/clearcoat is removed by using these products?The word abrade is used alot and that in it's self scares me about removing paint and changing the color to somthing different.Joe

[the other pc]

Re: Two questions about compounds

...(1)What is the meaning/description of "clear coat safe" products like ScratchX or 3M Perfect-It fine cut polishing compound

I think it depends on the company.

I believe reputable companies like Meguiar’s and 3M mean that the product can finish clearcoats to a high gloss (when used correctly) or at least be part of a progression that can.

It seems that some companies use it to mean that their product won’t cause your clear coat to instantly burst into flames or disintegrate into a pile of dust. Your finish may look awful afterwards but it’s still on the car.

...(2)How much paint/clearcoat is removed by using these products?...

When used correctly, very little.

...The word abrade is used alot and that in it's self scares me about removing paint and changing the color to somthing ...

Removing paint is necessary to fix surface defects. There’s no way around that. If the defects are shallow you can remove them without removing so much paint that the finish is compromised. When defects are very deep it’s best to just live with them.
What it means to remove a scratch out of anything...

If the finish is clearcoated you won’t change the color by removing clear paint. If you remove oxidized or scratched paint you’ll see the base color it more clearly.

An oxidized single stage paint has already changed color. Removing the oxidized layer will bring back the color.


PC.