Paint left on Applicator pad after using ScratchX???

[specto]

The roof of my car has water spots and places where the clear coat has "bubbled up" due to sap and/or acid rain (poor care from the previous owner). It is a '05 model so the paint isn't old and worn, just neglected. I have applied ScratchX 2.0 twice to the roof before waxing with Meguiar's Cleaner Wax with minimal results. I wonder if I need to move to something more aggressive such as Ultimate Compound? However, I am afraid to do so because after each application of ScratchX my white applicator pad turns grey (my paint finish is black). Is my clear coat almost gone or is this grey residue normal? If it is normal should I move to Ultimate Compound?

[Alex C.]

Re: Paint left on Applicator pad after using ScratchX???

Did you clay before using ScratchX? I'm thinking the grayness on the pad is surface contamination that's normally removed via claying.

Any pics of the bubbling clear?

[specto]

Re: Paint left on Applicator pad after using ScratchX???

Did you clay before using ScratchX? I'm thinking the grayness on the pad is surface contamination that's normally removed via claying.

Any pics of the bubbling clear?

I have washed and clayed both times prior to applying the ScratchX.
As for a picture, I am at work, but will make sure to post a picture tonight so please check back so I can get your opinion.

[Alex C.]

Re: Paint left on Applicator pad after using ScratchX???

I'm just throwing ideas out there. Hopefully someone with more experience on the subject will chime in with their thoughts by the time you post back. Your pics should say more.

[roushstage2]

Re: Paint left on Applicator pad after using ScratchX???

If there is no clear coat anymore, you are removing the base, colored paint (black I'm guessing from your avatar) instead of the clear paint.

[specto]

Re: Paint left on Applicator pad after using ScratchX???

If there is no clear coat anymore, you are removing the base, colored paint (black I'm guessing from your avatar) instead of the clear paint.

That's what I'm afraid is happening, however the residue is a very light grey, not black.

[Alex C.]

Re: Paint left on Applicator pad after using ScratchX???

I wasn't going to say it yet, but CC failure was in the back of my mind. Is it just on the roof?

[specto]

Re: Paint left on Applicator pad after using ScratchX???

I wasn't going to say it yet, but CC failure was in the back of my mind. Is it just on the roof?

Yea, the damage is on the roof only. When I use ScratchX on the rest of the car I do not get the grey residue.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Paint left on Applicator pad after using ScratchX???

If the clear coat has "bubbled up" and left bare spots it might be grabbing paint for the exposed areas only- maybe.

Also, are you 100% sure this vehicle didn't have a re-paint while in possession of the previous owner?

[specto]

Re: Paint left on Applicator pad after using ScratchX???

If the clear coat has "bubbled up" and left bare spots it might be grabbing paint for the exposed areas only- maybe.

Also, are you 100% sure this vehicle didn't have a re-paint while in possession of the previous owner?

Yea thats a good point because besides the few damaged spots the rest of the roof is in pretty good condition. I'm pretty sure there was no re-paint done.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Paint left on Applicator pad after using ScratchX???

Have a look at some of the vehicles in The Clearcoat Failure Photo Archive. If the roof of your car looks like any of these then you do indeed have clear coat failure. As Mark indicated, if the clear is missing in some spots you can start pulling some color from the base coat. Give that link a quick look and let us know if this is what you're dealing with.

[specto]

Re: Paint left on Applicator pad after using ScratchX???

Have a look at some of the vehicles in The Clearcoat Failure Photo Archive. If the roof of your car looks like any of these then you do indeed have clear coat failure. As Mark indicated, if the clear is missing in some spots you can start pulling some color from the base coat. Give that link a quick look and let us know if this is what you're dealing with.

I looked and the damage is not to the extent of any of the pictures shown. Sorry for the lack of a photo. I will have one up by tonight so please come back, take a look and let me know what you think.

Thanks to everyone for your feedback!!

[specto]

Re: Paint left on Applicator pad after using ScratchX???

Here's the pictures:

[Calais]

Re: Paint left on Applicator pad after using ScratchX???

Sorry to tell you, bud, but that looks like clear coat failure to me. I hope I'm wrong.

[specto]

Re: Paint left on Applicator pad after using ScratchX???

well shoot...anybody have any quick tips to prolonging the inevitable of just getting it repainted? Can I wax over it to provide some barrier of protection until i break down and just get it repainted? It is too small of an area just to go blow a couple hundred bucks on a new paint job in my opinion.