New to detailing

[medelman]

Hi, I purhased a Ford Focus zx3 back in 2000. I've kept the interior clean, but as for the outside of the car, I've used the car wash, and I'm beginning to realize that I need to start taking better care of my car, but I don't know where to start. There are a couple of scratches, which might need to be professionally removed, but for now I'd just like to get the rest of the car up to snuff, so as not to cause any more problems. Where do I start? I am willing to invest some money into good car care products, if they are going to work and I'm going to be able to use them myself. Just like the rest of the car when it comes to maintanence, I have this feeling I am going to get ripped off, if I take it in somewhere to get detailed. Btw, I am in the Milwaukee area, and if someone could recommend a good honest professional, that along with any advice would be great.

Matt

[toucan]

Hello Matt,
I've been in the vehicle care business (detailing) 20+ years and I'm always anxious to avise someone on vehicle care. There are no trade secrets on vehicle care, a little knowhow coupled with commen sense and the right products. You are right about good vehicle care and you'll get the rewards of either resale or trade-in down the road if you properly care for your vehicle. You don't need tons of equipment either, a good vacuum, terry towels, scrubbies and brushes. We can't forget the products, go to www.dwginternational.com and you can order online, my distr I.D.# is 177543. As for the scratches, there is nothing you can do about them except to use a good product that will mask their exhistance, Don't let anybody B.S. you about removing scratches (impossible). I'm located in Illinois close to the WI state line and any help needed is just an e-mail away.

good luck,
J.R. Simpson

[galaxie500fb]

I`m a little surprised that someone who claims to have 20 plus years in the biz believes that scratches can`t be removed. I guess it`s time for me to retire the old makita buffer i`ve been using for years to do this very thing. Granted some scratches can`t be removed. Most of the vehicles i deal with today have scratches that with a little know how and the right products(wool cutting pad, proper glazes) they`re removed rather easily. There are some scratches that once removed will leave the clearcoat very thin. And yes i`ve briken through the clear many times in the past trying to get the deep ones out.

[toucan]

Originally Posted by galaxie500fb

I`m a little surprised that someone who claims to have 20 plus years in the biz believes that scratches can`t be removed. I guess it`s time for me to retire the old makita buffer i`ve been using for years to do this very thing. Granted some scratches can`t be removed. Most of the vehicles i deal with today have scratches that with a little know how and the right products(wool cutting pad, proper glazes) they`re removed rather easily. There are some scratches that once removed will leave the clearcoat very thin. And yes i`ve briken through the clear many times in the past trying to get the deep ones out.

Hello Galaxie,
Yes I think you should not only retire the old Makita buffer but you should consider retiring yourself and also consider adding some cheese to the bologny you've been handing out to the ones who don't know any better. Paint & clear coat are measured in microns and once your through the clear coat you better start priming your bank account. You know and I know that little swirl marks and scuff marks can be removed, but an honest to goodness scratch can only be filled and anybody that claims they can remove scratches should call the guys at DuPont and tell them your secret so they can market it. There is no longer room in todays vehicle care market for B.S.ers, Make way for the real deal vehicle care specialists. Also I utilize products that don't require buffers, all you buffer guys out there should find some bald headed guys to use them on and forget finishes.

[CpaintCars]

First of all, I don't trust people who are so one sided. Anything is possible, including completely removing scratches. Secondly, how are you going to trust someone who is one sided AND is a distributor for the product he is suggesting is the only way to fix scratches on your car. I feel like im watching an "As-seen-on-TV" infomercial for some magic buffless, sandless, paintless magic scratch remover for only 8 installments of just $9.95. I am open minded enough to flirt with the idea that there are other ways to "fix" or "hide" scratches on your car. But to say that removal of scratches is "impossible" is just too close minded. Especially when your wrong. Whos to say that your 20+ years of experience should not lead you too retire what ever system your trying to push, rather than a bodyman's buffer.

Here is the "impossible" way to remove a scratch from your car:

If you can't feel the scratch with your finger, it can be buffed or compounded out.

if you can feel the scratch then you need to sand it smooth with 600 grit or higher.

If when you sand it smooth you reach bare metal, you need to etch primer it to stop rust. Then feather edge the primer with the fine sand paper like 1000 grit. After that your ready for paint.

If you do not reach bare metal after sanding you do not need to prime.

Spray your basecoat then your clear.

I guarantee this will remove a scratch if it is done properly

By the way, I work for DuPont and what your saying is incorrect.