scratch remover

[jakes29]

Let me get someones opinion on the best scratch remover for dark colored vehicles(my accord is dark green). I have quite a few light to medium light scratches on hood and other areas. I will be using a dewalt rotary buffer. Any advice?

I have been snooping around autopia.org. They recommend SSR by Poorboys.

[RTexasF]

Inspector 1 - Your phone is ringing, this is right up your alley & I'd like to know too.

[RTexasF]

This one is highly recommended but they specify hand application/removal.

[Pairallel]

I've used the Meguiar's Scratch-X, and I was not impressed. I honestly did not see one scratch disappear with it...

[RTexasF]

Bummer!

[jakes29]

I don't think a lot of the products you can buy at walmart will be very good. I know someone on here has some answers for us...

[Inspector1]

Yes Scratch X is for hand use only.

With a rotary you will need #83 DACP Megs or Finesse-it line 3M if buying locally(At autoparts stores= NAPA/Carquest).
What type of pad are you using on the rotary?
I really like the Poorboys World SSR2.5 I have and am also happy with Menzerna products also.

The key is to start with the least abrasive product and work slowly.
Clean the surface with 50/50 Alcohol/Water and check to see if defects are removed. You want to remove the least amount of clear as possible!!
You may have to use different products and/or pads to get the finish you want.

I1

[jakes29]

I1, I knew you would come through with an answer.

I have done some research and I think this will be my plan of attack:

wash
clay
SSR1 or 2.5
Ex
Nattys

I will probably start with a polishing pad with ssr1 then maybe a cutting pad and then if that doesnt work a polishing pad with 2.5.

How does that sound? I have never heard of the alcohol cleaning you mentioned? Would I still need to do this if I clay first?

Thanks as always

[tallgood]

There are no scratch removers

[Inspector1]

Originally Posted by tallgood

There are no scratch removers

You are correct when it comes to base coat, but clear coat swirls and fine scratches can be leveled out(basically removed)with the correct procedure.

I1

[jakes29]

Originally Posted by tallgood

There are no scratch removers

meaning???

[BenjiBoy650]

Originally Posted by jakes29

meaning???

Deeper scratches are basically paint that was removed. Thus to remove a real deep scratch, you'd need to go and put the paint back on, which you'll have a hard time doing with any buffer or "scratch remover" product off the shelf.

Are they really scratches? There is a lot of stuff on the car that can be removed by Goof Off.

[tallgood]

Scratches can not be removed with something in a bottle other than paint. Scratch removers may moisturize the paint for a while just long enough to hide them but they come back and that is on a silver or white, or in my case Heather Mist or Sand Stone. Dark colored cars are tough to take care of. White or something the same color as dirt are fine for me.

[Inspector1]

Originally Posted by tallgood

Scratches can not be removed with something in a bottle other than paint. Scratch removers may moisturize the paint for a while just long enough to hide them but they come back and that is on a silver or white, or in my case Heather Mist or Sand Stone. Dark colored cars are tough to take care of. White or something the same color as dirt are fine for me.

Like I said scratches in base coat(base coat/clear coat) have to be filled back in with paint. Swirls and fine scratches can be removed with compounds designed to remove(The Moisturizer thing you are speaking of are polish's with " Fillers" that in essence fill the voids with oils that make the scratches and swirls seem to disappear) Abrasive compounds take off layers of the clear and level the clear making the surface smooth again (just like sanding a piece of wood)!! But you have to remember you are only dealing with the max thickness of 2-3mil of clear!!
Color of the vehicle has nothing to do with the scratches other than making them harder to see on lighter colors. Scale White to Black

I can spot marks on any color vehicle under proper lighting!!


I1

[tallgood]

[QUOTE=Inspector1]Like I said scratches in base coat(base coat/clear coat) have to be filled back in with paint. Swirls and fine scratches can be removed with compounds designed to remove(The Moisturizer thing you are speaking of are polish's with " Fillers" that in essence fill the voids with oils that make the scratches and swirls seem to disappear) Abrasive compounds take off layers of the clear and level the clear making the surface smooth again (just like sanding a piece of wood)!! But you have to remember you are only dealing with the max thickness of 2-3mil of clear!!
Color of the vehicle has nothing to do with the scratches other than making them harder to see on lighter colors. Scale White to Black

I can spot marks on any color vehicle under proper lighting!!


I1 [/QUOTE
Thats my whole point, lighter colored cars hide the blemishes better. You
are talking more tech terms but I think we are on the same page. And yes if you go over a car with a spot light you will find everthing.