Swirls and Scratches

[cfilly]

So I let my 4 year old help me wash my Tahoe the other day, and she did something that I am hoping I can fix on my own. She used a Scotch Brite pad (Yellow sponge and green brillo type) and left alot of scratches in my clearcoat before I was able to stop her. Here are the steps I have taken so far:

Wash with Gold Class, used Ultimate Compound(varied pressure), and then used Ultimate Wax. Scratches still there. Then I tried the new White Wax. Scratches still there.

The scratches look like they got into the clearcoat pretty good, but nowhere close to getting to the paint.

Any suggestions on what to do?

[PabloFNG]

Hey cfilly, I'm a newbie here, uploading pics for people to see helps them understand better what condition it's in. What colour is the Tahoe? How are you applying the UC, by hand/DA/rotary?

[davey g-force]

Re: Swirls and Scratches

Sounds pretty nasty, but you should be able to correct it.

As above, how did you apply the UC? If by DA, please let us know the speed, how much pressure, your arm speed, which pad etc.

Similarly, if by hand, can you tell us how much pressure you used, what pad / cloth you used etc.

[cfilly]

Re: Swirls and Scratches

The color of the Tahoe is white. I will try and upload a pic sometime today. At first I used my hand with a yellow pad that came with my Gold Class wax. Then I tried using an orbital buffer, 6 inch, but I'm thinking I didn't apply enough pressure. The buffer is nothing special, just a $40 one from Lowe's that I won in a golf tournament. Gonna give it another try and apply more pressure and see what happens...Any other suggestions are more than welcome. Thanks guys

[goldenlight]

Re: Swirls and Scratches

thank goodness its white. Easier to hide the swirls.

[cfilly]

Re: Swirls and Scratches

Yeah it is, but I want to get all the scratches out of the clearcoat. Any other suggestions are more than welcome. TIA

[Nick Winn]

Re: Swirls and Scratches

One of the problems with the traditional "steering wheel" type fixed orbitals is that they just don't have a great overall design for getting good results especially when addressing defects. A lack of power, not the best pad or "bonnet" set up, and quick ability to bog down will easily get frustrating when trying to remove defects. It is definitely fair to say these scratches inflicted from the Scotch Brite pad are probably going to require some type of machine applied compound to safely remove. In this specific case it would be beneficial to see some pictures, so we can possibly tell how deep the scratches are and recommend the proper procedure from there.

[davey g-force]

Re: Swirls and Scratches

Agreed... you won't be able to correct those scratches using your orbital.

[cfilly]

Re: Swirls and Scratches

How can i post some pics from my iphone?

[PabloFNG]

Re: Swirls and Scratches

I uploaded my pics to photobucket, then cut/paste the links into the text box.

[ffboy]

Re: Swirls and Scratches

By hand, try using a microfiber applicator/towel, you will need to do at least 2 applications with it using microfiber applicator until the scratches are gone or at least evened out. Then do the same using a foam applicator, for even smoother results, then follow up with white wax, then ultimate wax.

If it doesn't work, you may need to have it machine buffed (DA or rotary) by a pro if you're not familiar with proper use of those tools, and depending on the depth/extent of the damage, a bit of color sanding MAY BE needed.