Which Is The More Aggressive Product?

[Forrest Gump]

I am about to undertake a clear coat rejuvenation project on my Fire Engine Red Ford F-150.

The 1997 truck really needs a going over but does not appear to have any clear coat failures; only some vertical streaks from continuous dew and water running down the doors and sides and light clouding on large horizontal surfaces.

I live in southeast Georgia and it has a lot of direct heat and sunlight and the truck is outside on a 24/7 basis. I'm about 20 miles (by air) from the Atlantic coast.

I have acquired 1.) the NEW Meguiar's product: Clear Coat Rubbing Compound Cleaner & Scratch Remover and 2.) the Meguiar's Smooth Surface Clay Kit with White clay bars.

Which of the two should I start with as I intend to use the LEAST aggressive product first and follow that with the more aggressive one if the results from the first one require it?

I am not familiar with the clear coat / paint combination. Does the clear coat protect the underlying red paint from oxidation? From UVA and UVB rays?

Since I cannot get to the paint's surface I can only assume that cleaning and clearing up the "clear coat" is the only thing I can do without getting a new paint job.

I will appreciate any responses as well giudence towards any of Meguiar's Tutorials that might educate me on these issues.

Thanks to all.
Forrest

[Murr1525]

Re: Which Is The More Aggressive Product?

I have acquired 1.) the NEW Meguiar's product: Clear Coat Rubbing Compound Cleaner & Scratch Remover and 2.) the Meguiar's Smooth Surface Clay Kit with White clay bars.

Which of the two should I start with as I intend to use the LEAST aggressive product first and follow that with the more aggressive one if the results from the first one require it?

I am sure they will combine the threads, but I'll just say briefly again here:

They are not products/steps that can really be compared. Yes clay is milder, and comes first, but they do different things in different ways. So yes, you will clay, and yes you will use the cleaner after.

That Rubbing Compound is on the stronger side, so you may want a milder cleaner as well. Any chance of pics to see what the truck looks like?

I am not familiar with the clear coat / paint combination. Does the clear coat protect the underlying red paint from oxidation? From UVA and UVB rays?

Basically the idea, yes, as well as acid rain, etc. But since both are just coats of paint, you end up with CC failure.

Since I cannot get to the paint's surface I can only assume that cleaning and clearing up the "clear coat" is the only thing I can do without getting a new paint job.

Yes. But the clear coat is paint, so you will be working on paint. Bad scratches may be too deep to remove of course, but things should improve.

[Forrest Gump]

Re: Which Is The More Aggressive Product?

I will attempt to post some pictures of my truck's clear coat condition.

I'm very new at all of this so it will happen if it happens.

You're conversing with a guy that doesn't even know what a Thread is..... but I am learning.

I missed a lot of this technology somewhere along the way to my 65 yrs. + age.

My first car was a 1952 Ford Victoria and it's paint was just that.... paint. Earl Scheib in So. Calif. repainted it for me for $19.95 (Royal blue enamel and very thick).

A friend of mine and I did the prep with fiberglass - bondo, wet & dry sandpapered by hand, and spray cans of gray primer.

I'll get some pics and add them but will need to know how to post them to this Thread?

Thanks.
Forrest

[Murr1525]

Re: Which Is The More Aggressive Product?

Yes, clear coats are much thinner, but cant do too much wrong by hand.

But we can talk you through posting the pics easily enough.