Need to get shine back

[wallyuwl]

Somehow a big scratch (covered the whole back passenger door and some of the front door) got on our vehicle. I took 3M rubbing compound and got it pretty much out. But in certain lights you can clearly see that the shine on those areas is totally gone. I don't think it took any of the clear coat off, though it might have.

What wax/polish/other would be best to use to help get it looking back like normal? Not just something that does a good job on a regular surface, but that will help repair the surface that took a bit of a beating from the rubbing compound. Thanks.

 

[JHZR2]

Honestly, Id go to a pro. You probably compounded too much and worked off too much clearcoat. Youll likely need to get it feathered out with sequential compounds, then glazed, then waxed.

All depends on what damage was caused. Id get a pro to have a look...

 

[bretfraz]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Honestly, Id go to a pro. You probably compounded too much and worked off too much clearcoat. Youll likely need to get it feathered out with sequential compounds, then glazed, then waxed.

All depends on what damage was caused. Id get a pro to have a look...


I agree. Unless you plan to take up car detailing for fun and profit, I would not waste the money on new products. A good detailer can polish out the dull area and restore the shine in about 20 minutes. Some light to moderate polishing with a machine and polish should take care of the issue easily.

 

[ZZman]

You probably need to use some light polishing compound or liquid on it to lessen the scratches from the rougher compound.

Turtle Wax has a liquid polishing product.

I really like the Meguiar's NXT Tech Wax 2.0 Used on my cars. They look like glass.

 

[wallyuwl]

When my vehicle got painted a few weeks ago under warranty (different part of the car than the rubbing compound was used on) they told me of a guy who they work with/recommend that will do a wash, wax, and inside for $60 AND go to your house to do it. They said he does other stuff (fixes chips, etc.) but that costs more.

I'm thinkin I'll get his info, give him a call, and see if he thinks he can get it looking new again. It will be more $$$ I'm sure, but probably worth it vs. trying to do it myself and it not working because I don't know what to use. There are also some scratches from the rubbing compound.

 

[Vikas]

You just need polish to take care of the scratch marks left by old style rubbing compound. If you had used Meguiar Ultimate Compound and foam pad, it would have come out lot better. You could even try that now or skip and go directly for a polish such as Meguiar SwirlX.

- Vikas

 

[wallyuwl]

Originally Posted By: Vikas
You just need polish to take care of the scratch marks left by old style rubbing compound. If you had used Meguiar Ultimate Compound and foam pad, it would have come out lot better. You could even try that now or skip and go directly for a polish such as Meguiar SwirlX.

- Vikas


I've got more than just scratch marks, the surface is noticeably damaged (at least heavily dulled). I've got an orbital buffer with all the applicator pads for it. Would Meguiar's SwirlX work on this application? I was also thinking of trying the new Turele Wax Ice polish.

I'd like to just take care of it myself vs. hiring someone, but I don't want to use the wrong thing(s) and have it not work and have to hire someone anyway.

 

[JHZR2]

orbitals without significant experience is a recipe for destruction of the car's finish...

 

[Vikas]

Select 1' by 1' and tape around it. Use Ultimate Compound and try it. The reason your paint it is dulled is because the clear coat is scratched (like sandpaper marks) but hopefully you have not done any permanent damage to it.

Follow the directions printed on the bottle of UC (generally, you will need to apply some passion to the foam applicator pad as you put UC; rub it until the UC starts becoming clear; then wipe it off with a microfiber cloth). The method to apply polish is different from wax application. Polishes are not supposed to dry on the surface.

Before embarking on orbital buffer, try UC by hand on a small area first. Which kind of orbital buffer and which applicator pads you have?

- Vikas

 

[wannafbody]

Ultimate Coumpound on a sponge or shop towel by hand should work. You don't want to remove too much clear but somooth the scratch over so it's less noticable.

 

[wallyuwl]

Originally Posted By: Vikas

Before embarking on orbital buffer, try UC by hand on a small area first. Which kind of orbital buffer and which applicator pads you have?

- Vikas


I got a Craftsman (10" I think, don't remember for sure) buffer and polishing/buffing pads. But I just called the detail guy recommended by my dealer and am going to have him do it next week. He didn't seem too concerned when I told him what I needed done. For $60 he washes inside and out, waxes, and if my specific problem needs anything extra that will be a bit more. So I'll use him this time and then probably try some TurtleWax Ice synthetic liquid polish for next time.

 

[Vikas]

Forget that 10" buffer for doing any serious work. It is barely enough to spread the wax.

$60 wash+inside+wax is a good price. Go for it!

- Vikas

 

[RTexasF]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
orbitals without significant experience is a recipe for destruction of the car's finish...


A totally ridiculous statement. That type of machine is idiot proof. Even I can operate one proficiently....and I'm an idiot.

A ROTARY machine is one that requires experience. You are totally dead wrong and have no idea what you are talking about.

 

[RTexasF]

Originally Posted By: bretfraz
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Honestly, Id go to a pro. You probably compounded too much and worked off too much clearcoat. Youll likely need to get it feathered out with sequential compounds, then glazed, then waxed.

All depends on what damage was caused. Id get a pro to have a look...


I agree. Unless you plan to take up car detailing for fun and profit, I would not waste the money on new products. A good detailer can polish out the dull area and restore the shine in about 20 minutes. Some light to moderate polishing with a machine and polish should take care of the issue easily.


Listen to the man. He speaks from experience.......do it.

 

[Vikas]

Originally Posted By: RTexasF
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
orbitals without significant experience is a recipe for destruction of the car's finish...


A totally ridiculous statement. That type of machine is idiot proof. Even I can operate one proficiently....and I'm an idiot.


Don't believe him, he is lying; he is a gifted detailer and does phenomenal jobs

- Vikas

 

[wallyuwl]

I got some Ultimate Compound and tried it on a small part of the damaged paint. It seems to do the trick. I was a little leery if it would work because I've got the Ultimate Detailer and it isn't very good. But the UC seems to repair the damage caused by the rubbing compound. There are still big scratches in the paint from the original damage, but at least it is in the paint and not noticable unless you are up close.

So later today maybe I'll wash it, finish the job with the Ultimate Compound, then put some Turtle Wax ICE polish on it.