How do you remove light paint scatches?

[dc_uk]

Hey Guys

Does anybody know of a good way to get rid of light surface scratches on the body paint work. I just noticed a bunch of scratches on my roof the other day and wondered if there is a magic formula for getting rid of them.

Cheers all

DC

[97civichx]

try using an electric buffer on them, i've heard that works pretty well.

[BullShifter]

High-speed buffer in the correct hands will remove light scratches. In the wrong hands you will do more damage than good.

Working by hand will render minimal results.

Always start with the least aggressive chemical & work you way up:
light polish before heavy polish
polish before compound
Glaze fills in minor scratches but only last a short time even with the best wax or paint sealant applied to the surface.

The magic formula that removes light scratches is the heat build-up & proper chemical choose. High-speed buffing basically melts the top layer of paint(color or clear) smooth.

[jameskersten]

power buffer in the right hands like someone said before. but if you arent very skilled try MOTHERÈS CLAY BAR, seen it used at my work many times and it is really good.

[dc_uk]

Thanks for the ideas guys.

James can you tell me more about this MOTHERÈS CLAY BAR and where I might be able get some.

Cheers

DC

[BullShifter]

Clay bars can be found @ most auto parts stores. Clay removes particles in the paint surface, not SCRATCHES. Clay is for cleaning.

wash/dry
mist clay lube on body panel & wipe with clay. be sure to cover area a few times in a bach & forth motion, not circular.
buff dry with clean towel (microfiber pref.)

clay comes before polishing, glazing, or waxing but after washing.

mothers clay information :: http://www.mothers.com/products/

[jameskersten]

your are most likely right but clay is a great step in making paint nice.

[BullShifter]

Not most likely, I am right!

I use it on every car we detail unless heavy compounding is needed. Clay is quick & easy to clean the paint surface prior to polishing/ waxing. Leaves a nice smooth finish.

Dont drop the clay bar on the groung then use it again. Once its on the ground, its garbage. Divide clay bars into 3 sections & work with 1 piece at a time.

[dc_uk]

This all sounds great - and I've found a place that sells Mothers here in the UK.

Thanks for all your help.

DC

[eckoman_pdx]

Jackasssi is absolutly correct. I used to be a car detailer (used to cuz slow business= some of us let go). A buffer in the wrong hands will SCREW up your paint, Since you are asking for advice, I am guessing you have never used one, so do yourself a favor and stay away from it. Clay Bars are for removing surface contaminets, not scratchs. Run your hand over a brand new car piant job...smooth as glass...now over a washed car that is not new....you feel little bumps, surface contaments bonded. A clay bar is used to remove the surface continents and return the paint to that "smooth as glass" feel. I have found that the Blue Automagic clay works VERY well. That's what we use at the shop. But I have no clue where the consumer can get that brand. I am guessing your car could use a clay, so go for it, but it would remove the scraths. There are a few hand products which will hide the scatchs by kind of filling them in/hiding them. Meguire's Scratch X works pretty well in that regard. YOu will see some improvment, but it will require lots of elbow grease, lol. If you deicde to use a buffer...You are more likely to do Damage with a Rotory Buffer than an Orbital one in unskiled hands. A D/A Polisher would most likely be your safest bet as far as machine buffers go. It is possible to remove minor surface scratchs and polish and buff a car by hand with good results, but it takes a LONG LONG time and requires LOTS of elbow grease. My ex-boss tells me he has never seen anyone get the results by hand I do. I know how to use a buffer, I use a rotory one, and it is much quicker. But if you have never used one, do it by hand, it will require LOTS and LOTS of rubbing and buffing, but you can improve the look and hide the scratch some if not remove it. I'd have to see the car to actually be able to tell. Besides scrath ex, Meguires mirror glaze line I beilive has one or two light compounds which can be used by hand. Or you can pay for a complete extiror detail, they scratchs will come out as part of the detail, and you don't have to worry about screwing your paint up not using the buffer correct.