scratch removal in clear coat

[My_Teal_V6]

There are a few small scratches on the car that I want to take out. I have this scratch remover and polish and it says to keep the rag or applicator wet, polish a small area and dry etc. etc. etc.
I want to remove the scratches prior to claying it.

[Pathogen]

I use Meguiar's Scratch-X and it's always worked well for me.

Wash, Meguiar's Deep Crystal step 1 (Paint cleaner), Meguiar's Scratch-X, Meguiar's Deep Crystal step 2, Polish, Meguiar's NXT wax

Or wash, claybar ... etc, etc ...

[HokieBird]

like pathogen said you should wash it, clay it, wash it, then start with your scratch remover/polish whatever, and finish with wax

[Pathogen]

You'll find that claying your finish will take a lot of those little scratches out ... and for those who haven't seen it yet - I do recommend the site below. [img]smile.gif[/img]

http://www.meguiars.com/rx/rx_main.asp

[My_Teal_V6]

Sweet That was a cool site. Thanks.

[Pathogen]

I just noticed that all three of us are kind of in the same area ... well, Mount Joy's a little out there but ... maybe we could do a detail clinic somewhere in the middle...

Does this sound like something folks would be interested in?

(BTW, I'm in Great Falls, VA/Baltimore, MD) ;)

[My_Teal_V6]

That sounds like a great idea...There are some things I could learn from other long time Camaro owners.

[HokieBird]

I'd be down for getting together for some detailing. My bird is sitting in PA right now waiting for an AC compressor to come in so it maybe a little while before I can go grab her.

[Pathogen]

Soo ... two cars currently in PA ...hmm... we could do a PA thing -- just need a place! [img]smile.gif[/img]

[My_Teal_V6]

I don't think my boss would mind if we used the ambulance bays. We have 4 bays that hold 6 ambulances. Thats if its not to far for some to drive.
We're located at 1820 Municipal Dr. in Lancaster PA.

[HokieBird]

I wouldn't mind driving up there. That would be great if we could use the bays. My car is just over the PA/MD border off 83 so if Pathogen is alright with that drive we could meet up and head over to Lancaster together. I'm pretty busy the next two weekends, but after that I've got nothing.

[Pathogen]

I can work with that.... maybe a Saturday/Sunday? Whoot! Detail party!

Me like a detail party. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[SpeedingFirebird]

Originally posted by My_Teal_V6:
There are a few small scratches on the car that I want to take out.

You want to strike a balance between the appropriate method and removing the scratches. For example, a heavy cut cleaner will take off more clearcoat than a polish. If they are deep scratches, a polish won't work, so you will likely need to buff them out. Do not buff yourself unless you know how to do it. I would start with a paint cleaner. If that doesn't work, go do a slightly heavier cut, etc. This method should help prevent swirls in the paint too.

[Camarorulz]

Claying won't remove scratches in the clear coat, only remove contaminants on the surface. I would recommend Scratch X, as mentioned, because it's a very light polish. If that doesn't do it you might try Meguiar's #83 Dual Action Cleaner/Polish, you can find it here: www.autopia-carcare.com

#83 is a medium abrasive cleaner/polish, it can take care of most minor problems.

Meguiar's has MANY good products that aren't sold on their site. A search for detailing products can turn up most of them.