Help with fine scratches

Asmodaus · 06-14-05, 06:48

I'm new here and I have learned a lot just from reading all the posts. Like so many people here I bought the PC to work on very fine swirl marks. I have an 04 Dodge Durango.

I used the WHITE Lake Country pad with Meguires #9 swirl remover. It didn't work. Swirls were still there. It shines like a diamond, but the swirls remain in direct sunlight. I practiced on the other car an older Lincoln, it took out the swirls. Not on my Dodge.

To top it off, I must not have used enough polish on the rear door panel because it looks like it has some scratches now. Fine hairline scratches.

I need advice. I'm new to this. I'm scared to get more abrasive, but if I have to I have to. Suggestions for the swirls? Polish? What are your opinions on the Meguires #9? What can I do about the new scratches? They're bugging the hell out of me.

Thanks.

Tasty · 06-14-05, 07:39

I don't know the aggressiveness level of a white LC pad, but that may be part of the problem. Also, you should experiment with different things until you find a combo that suits you. If you want to stick with Meguiars, many people on here have great luck with #83. It is more aggressive than #9. Don't worry about doing intense damage to your paint with a PC, it's not easy. I would say bump up the level of aggressiveness of the product first, then the pad, and repeat until you find one that works.

true blue blood · 06-14-05, 07:56

Quote:

Originally posted by Tasty
I don't know the aggressiveness level of a white LC pad, but that may be part of the problem. Also, you should experiment with different things until you find a combo that suits you. If you want to stick with Meguiars, many people on here have great luck with #83. It is more aggressive than #9. Don't worry about doing intense damage to your paint with a PC, it's not easy. I would say bump up the level of aggressiveness of the product first, then the pad, and repeat until you find one that works.

I believe the white is equal to an Excel green which has light to medium cut. What type of pads do you have and what products? Tasty pretty much summed it up more aggressive pad then more aggressive polish. Your right sometimes not enough polish will cause more scratching. Remember move the PC at different angles to eliminate swirls/scratches and it takes a few times to get it done.

Asmodaus · 06-15-05, 03:12

Thanks. I'll try the 83. And go from there. I just don't want to hurt the clear coat.

Accumulator · 06-15-05, 08:40

Asmodaus - Welcome to Autopia!

The white LC pad/#9 combo is very, very mild. I'm not surprised it wouldn't remove the marring (I am sorta surprised it removed it on the other car).

Try a more aggressive product, you have to remove some clear to remove the marring but the work you're doing with the PC is very gentle.

Asmodaus · 06-15-05, 11:33

Thanks Accumulator! I feel welcomed.

Now, I can't find 83 Meg around here. Any opinoin on #2 or any other number. What color Lake County pads for a dodge clear coat would help too. Thanks.

Accumulator · 06-15-05, 12:31

Asmodaus- I haven't worked on a Dodge since, well, since they started using basecoat/clear paint! So I don't really know what pads to recommend. The generic answer would probably be to use an orange (light cutting) pad first and then follow up with a white pad.

The #80 is a bit more aggressive than the #9 and might even be all you need.

The Meg's #2 was recently reformulated and can now be used by hand/PC as well as by rotary. I'd probably get some of that and follow up with Meg's #80. But make sure you get the *NEW* version of #2, which might not yet be commonly available.

FWIW, I do about 90% of my paint correction with 3M's PI-III RC (pn 05933) followed by PI-III MG (pn 05937).