New car, scratches from washing

[n0ps]

I recently got a new car and noticed in certain light that there are light scratches all over it (presumably from the dealer washing it improperly). Here are a few pictures:

http://s1262.photobucket.com/albums/ii611/n0ps/?action=view&current=bc370ecf.jpg

http://s1262.photobucket.com/albums/ii611/n0ps/?action=view&current=8c8c799c.jpg

I tried using a few applications of ScratchX by hand (the original, not 2.0) on a small spot to no avail (although I'm not sure if I was applying enough pressure). I also have Ultimate Polish sitting around, but I haven't tried that yet.

Anyway, since they are all over the car, I am planning on getting a dual action polisher to take care of them, so my question is what products (and pads) should I use with the polisher whenever I get it? Since I don't have a polisher (or any pads, etc.), I was thinking of maybe buying the microfiber correction system kit that comes with everything. Does this sound like a good option, or would I be better off with something else? The paint on the car is pretty clean, and seems to be in good shape other than the scratches.

I apologize in advance if this has been covered many times before, but there are so many options that it's a bit confusing (SwirlX, ScratchX 2.0, Ultimate Compound...), so I figured I'd ask about my specific situation.

[Murr1525]

Re: New car, scratches from washing

I think the MF kit may be stronger than you need, at least it is for most cases.

What kind of car is it?

And yeah, I wouldnt plan on too much correction from the original ScratchX.

Generally, you would be looking at foam polishing pads, Ult. Compound and Ult. Polish, and then a finishing pad and wax.

[n0ps]

Re: New car, scratches from washing

Thanks for the info! It's a Mitsubishi Ralliart. I wasn't really sure about how strong the MF kit was, but I figured it might be more than I need. I actually saw the ultimate compound at the store today, but wasn't sure if it would be too strong since it's on the aggressive/abrasive side of the various comparison charts that I've seen. Maybe I'll give that a try though.


Also, do you know of anywhere in the Pittsburgh area to pick up a good DA polisher? I was just going to order a Meguiars or Porter Cable online, but if there was somewhere local to get a good one I could save some time.

[Murr1525]

Re: New car, scratches from washing

You probably would want to look at some of the threads from the Saturday classes, and see the pics of the cars the UC is used on, and how they do it.

I havent seen much around Pittsburgh. Was at a store in McKees Rocks that didnt have a whole lot. Autoality in Monroeville has a variety of things, havent looked at what machines.

Usually the best kit prices are autogeek or ADS.

[n0ps]

Re: New car, scratches from washing

Thanks! I'll check out the Saturday classes threads for more info.

[goldenlight]

Re: New car, scratches from washing

I reccomend the Meguiars Dual Action Polisher. Love the delayed start feature. I would purchase 2 Polishing pads (yellow) and 1 finishing pad(black). You shouldn't need anything stronger the ultimate polish. Work in small 2x2 sections at a time. Took me 6hrs to clay, polish , and Wax.

Oh and make sure to tape the rubber and plastic areas.

Your new car will look better then when it left the lot.

[goldenlight]

Re: New car, scratches from washing

I reccomend the Meguiars Dual Action Polisher. Love the delayed start feature. I would purchase 2 Polishing pads (yellow) and 1 finishing pad(black). You shouldn't need anything stronger the ultimate polish. Work in small 2x2 sections at a time. Took me 6hrs to clay, polish , and Wax.

Oh and make sure to tape the rubber and plastic areas.

Your new car will look better then when it left the lot.

I usually shop at Autogeek.net , Amazon, ADS, and Walmart.

For the microfiber Kit, the word Professional scares me especially when correction is taking place. The only professional products I use is Wheel brightner , and Last touch( Quick detailer)

[n0ps]

Re: New car, scratches from washing

Thanks! My plan is to get the dual action polisher and try the ultimate compound and ultimate polish with it, but maybe I'll just try the polish first to see if it's enough by itself. I think the microfiber kit is more than I need.

The car is already washed and clay barred (and will just sit in my garage until I finish it up), so I'm already halfway there. This just gives me an excuse to drive my WRX (which is more of a project car) for a little while

[jarred767]

Re: New car, scratches from washing

Thanks! My plan is to get the dual action polisher and try the ultimate compound and ultimate polish with it, but maybe I'll just try the polish first to see if it's enough by itself.

I would agree there, do a test spot with UP first and if it comes out great, you may save yourself extra time and won't have to go to aggressive. Least aggressive first always works. Good luck with it and post some after pics for us to see once you've finished!!

[n0ps]

Re: New car, scratches from washing

A couple of questions:

1. If I'm going to try just UP, should I plan to use it with the yellow pads first, and then follow up with UP/black pads?
2. If UP alone does not do the job, should I try something less aggressive like SwirlX or ScratchX 2.0 before trying UC?

[goldenlight]

Re: New car, scratches from washing

You would use Ultimate polish on the yellow pad. Allways use paint cleaning compounds on the yellow pad.The only thing you want to put on the black pad is the wax

I have only used Ultimate compound on restoring my father 2003 ford ranger and a scratch here and there on my vechicle. Swirlx is very close to Ultimate polish. Its just that ultimate polish has oils that really bring out the shine.

[Murr1525]

Re: New car, scratches from washing

You can use the black pad with a cleaner/polish... may not really do a lot though.