Scratches Reappear

[FocusSmudge]

Re: Scratches Reappear

Thanks for the response Steve, I'll take a look at that.

There is a DA Power System going cheap in my area new, with the burgundy cutting pad and Ultimate Compound, does anyone think it would be as effective?

[steve b]

Re: Scratches Reappear

[steve b]

Re: Scratches Reappear

Why is loads of text disappearing?

[steve b]

Re: Scratches Reappear

Hi fella,

Thanks for the response.

It is indeed a Ford Focus and there is white within some of the scratches. Any info on a cheap DA would be appreciated, thanks.

Hey Smudge,

Cheap DA as far as UK prices go.

Go to Ebay and type in King Barney 710 polisher, the seller is New-shop-2006, click on one of his sets for sale then click on "see other items" as he lists them for bidding on as well as buy it now...typically the winning bids are

[steve b]

Re: Scratches Reappear

Hi fella,

Thanks for the response.

It is indeed a Ford Focus and there is white within some of the scratches. Any info on a cheap DA would be appreciated, thanks.

[FocusSmudge]

Re: Scratches Reappear

Hey Smudge,

Those scratches look white? i think that is the primer showing through (ford focus?)...on a similar journey myself.

Having recently bought a DA, i can confirm that it's a different level compared to what i achieved by hand.

If you have not yet bought a DA i can direct you to a good purchase (bargain) if need be.

Hi fella,

Thanks for the response.

It is indeed a Ford Focus and there is white within some of the scratches. Any info on a cheap DA would be appreciated, thanks.

[steve b]

Re: Scratches Reappear

Hi,

I've posted 4 pictures of the scratches in question. The first image I've just taken is of the cross hatched scratch I previously mentioned, viewed in direct sunlight after 3 hand applications of UC, 1 application of UP and an application of ULW, if I run my nail along the paintwork, the scratch has some depth, just enough for me to be able to feel it but it's far from deep. When repaired, the color of the scratches changes to a shade of blue just a tad darker than the vehicle, meaning it is still visible.

The other 3 were caused by driving down narrow country lanes with long grass hedges, these are all over the left hand side of the car, particularly at the bottom of the vehicle and most can only be seen in specific lighting conditions, usually when sat on the floor looking up to the sky, they too have a very minor depth to them.

All scratches have have multiple applications of Ultimate Compound using the correct technique. I would be able to live with them if they stayed like this constantly, but I can't keep repairing them.

The condition of the paint is perfect when the sun is behind a cloud, but when it pops back out the left side of the car has a good spread of these minor scratches which seem erepairable.

Hey Smudge,

Those scratches look white? i think that is the primer showing through (ford focus?)...on a similar journey myself.

Having recently bought a DA, i can confirm that it's a different level compared to what i achieved by hand.

If you have not yet bought a DA i can direct you to a good purchase (bargain) if need be.

[BillE]

Re: Scratches Reappear

I totally agree with "C8N", step away from any sanding. The damage that can be done just isn't worth the chance.

You mentioned getting the DA attachment...good choice. But from the looks of the depth of that scratch, it is doubtful that it will be removed.

My only idea is to get the surrounding area leveled as best you can (don't keep just working on the scratch itself). Get all of any leftover compound(s) out of the scratch and use a non-whitening wax, like Ultimate LIQUID Wax to keep it protected.

Just my 2

[C8N]

Re: Scratches Reappear

To be honest, I have never removed 3000grit wet sanding marks by hand.
MF cutting pad and M105 on a DA is what I have used to remove them. But in theory, you should be able to but I would imagine it will take some elbow grease..... lots of it.

Again, if you have never wet sanded, I would strongly recommend against it as it will be easy to go thru your clear coat.

[FocusSmudge]

Re: Scratches Reappear

Thanks again for the response. To polish the area afterwards, could that still be done to a sufficient level by hand?

[C8N]

Re: Scratches Reappear

If you need to do this by hand, wet sanding is an option but unless you have experience with it, it is not recommended.
The reason being, as one can imagine, wet sanding even with 3000 grit, it will be relatively easy to compromise what is already thin factory clear coat.

[FocusSmudge]

Re: Scratches Reappear

Thanks for the prompt response.

I had contemplated buying the DA Power System, do you think it would be more effective on these imperfections?

Is there an alternative product to UC that could be applied by hand which would have more of an effect?

[C8N]

Re: Scratches Reappear

Those scratches look deep.
Not sure if they can be leveled by hand.... at least personally, I wouldn't bother trying by hand.
My guess... minimum... its MF cutting pad territory.

[FocusSmudge]

Re: Scratches Reappear

Hi,

I've posted 4 pictures of the scratches in question. The first image I've just taken is of the cross hatched scratch I previously mentioned, viewed in direct sunlight after 3 hand applications of UC, 1 application of UP and an application of ULW, if I run my nail along the paintwork, the scratch has some depth, just enough for me to be able to feel it but it's far from deep. When repaired, the color of the scratches changes to a shade of blue just a tad darker than the vehicle, meaning it is still visible.

The other 3 were caused by driving down narrow country lanes with long grass hedges, these are all over the left hand side of the car, particularly at the bottom of the vehicle and most can only be seen in specific lighting conditions, usually when sat on the floor looking up to the sky, they too have a very minor depth to them.

All scratches have have multiple applications of Ultimate Compound using the correct technique. I would be able to live with them if they stayed like this constantly, but I can't keep repairing them.

The condition of the paint is perfect when the sun is behind a cloud, but when it pops back out the left side of the car has a good spread of these minor scratches which seem erepairable.

[C8N]

Re: Scratches Reappear

Question, how did you verify that the scratch has been removed?
Scratches are tricky because there are one where it has to catch a certain angle of light to be visible.
UC is an abrasive and works by removing the surround clearing coat and in effect leveling them. Hence, it is absolutely impossible for a scratch to re-appear if done correctly. Once you remove paint, you can't bring it back without a respray.
In addition, anything with oil potentially has filling capabilities. If what Selectchoice stated isn't the case, my other guess is that you did not level the paint enough... but enough that it would seem to have been removed. Nonetheless, when you catch it at the correct angle of light, it manifest itself.