Hi Everyone, 1st Post, seeking advice

[cp1]

I consider myself quite knowledgeble in detailing, but I don't know everything about it and thats why I joined here to seek all of your opinions.

I have been using 3M Imp. Hand Glaze followed by P21S. This combo proved very nice on my past 2003 speed yellow 911. 2 weeks ago I bought a more everyday car, a white BMW 550i.

I decided to go back to Zaino which I used quite a few years ago. I figured that because it is white and will never pop like darker colors that a polymer based sealant would be fine.

I have clayed the BMW and prepped beyond belief to get a good base to work from. Unfortunately there are some nasty straight line scratches in the hood and trunk lid from probably being washed at the dealer prior to me.

I tried the new Zaino PC Fusion and honestly not impressed with it. What can I use to remove OR hide the scratches that will be compatible as an undercoat or base for Zaino Z2 Pro?

I appreciate all the help and advice.

Thanks

[cj99si]

do you have a rotary, and pics?

[cp1]

Hi cj,
I don't have a rotary, but I do have a PC. Unfortunately my pc is in New York and I am in NC. So I have been going at it by hand.
No pics yet and not sure if they would show up in a picture. Certainly in the sunlight they show badly, but in the garage under flourescent light I can't see them unless I use a work light...then they really show up.
I can't see any scratches on the side panels, only hood and trunk lid.

Here is a pic otherwise.

well.......I was going to upload a pic but my 640x480 are too large??? Damn I don't think my Sony can take a smaller picture to upload.

[Accumulator]

cp1- Welcome to Autopia!

I'd see if a local autobody/paint supply place still has the discontinued 3M PI-III RC (05933) and MG (05937). These work great by hand (and PC/rotary too) and don't leave a bunch of stuff behind to interfere with your Zaino. Don't let the names ("rubbing compound", "machine glaze") put you off, I'd use them on most any paint without hesitation (even fragile old single stage, let alone what you're dealing with). Even if the shop doesn't have these any more (and a lot of places still do) they should be able to get something that doesn't leave a lot of oils/fillers behind. So I'd check the yellow pages for the supply place or order from an online vendor.

Heh heh, these products woud be great if you got some marring on that Porsche too They're what I use for correction on about 90% of my details.

[cj99si]

Originally Posted by cp1

Hi cj,
I don't have a rotary, but I do have a PC. Unfortunately my pc is in New York and I am in NC. So I have been going at it by hand.
No pics yet and not sure if they would show up in a picture. Certainly in the sunlight they show badly, but in the garage under flourescent light I can't see them unless I use a work light...then they really show up.
I can't see any scratches on the side panels, only hood and trunk lid.

Here is a pic otherwise.

well.......I was going to upload a pic but my 640x480 are too large??? Damn I don't think my Sony can take a smaller picture to upload.

OK so the hood scratches arnt that bad.... get a free photobucket account or something, it automatically re-sizes your images. The only thing that I have used by hand and that works is maguires scratch X. try what Accumulator says he he knows his stuff.

[cp1]

I just figured out where the scratches came from: MG #2 Fine Cut Cleaner. I used this on my hood and trunk to try and remove some single straight line scratches that were in the paint from the dealer. Well the #2 Fine cut just introduced a million more straight scratches (as opposed to swirls).

I am trying Zaino PC Fusion and 3M Perfect-It #39109 Swirl Mark Remover for Light Colored Cars to remove these scratches, it is helping somewhat but not completely. I have also tried 3M Rubbing Compound #03900. It claims it: "removes 1500 grit or finer scratches and coarse swirl marks". This stuff removed a bunch junk from my 911 paint over the years but it is not doing great on the Bimmer paint with these Meguiars #2 scratches.

Should I use a foam pad by hand? Right now I am using extremely soft 100% cotton terry cut into 2"x2" pieces.

Another concern is: Are these 3M products ok to put Zaino on top of? Something tell me no.

Thanks very much guys!