Eliminating Minor Scratches

[ET Awful]

Okay, after much effort today, I succeeded in eliminating some minor scratches on one side of my hood, however, thanks to being in a garage with flourescent lights, I discovered more scratches that I want to get rid of, but didn`t have time today.



I`ve been using Poorboys SSR 2.5 thus far with okay results (just required numerous applications to get it done using a Swirlbuster pad).



My question is this would I be served better by using SSR 3 (which I`d have to order) with the Swirlbuster pad and a PC?



Like I say, the SSR 2.5 seems to work, but takes a LONG time to work (numerous applications). Should I just order up some 3? Or is there another PC compatible scratch remover that you`d suggest?



This is on a Nighthawk Black Pearl Honda Element.



Thanks!



ET Awful

[ET Awful]

Nobody? :(

[Accumulator]

I don`t use the SSR stuff so I dunno how helpful I can be...but it *often* takes multiple applications to effect correction via PC. Sometimes it`ll literally take hours to get a panel perfect (which is why so many people prefer the Cyclo and/or a rotary). So what you`re going through doesn`t sound weird or unreasonable.



If you`re ordering stuff, I`d get a small backing plate and some 4" pads. They make the PC much more aggressive for scratch correction.

[WSUcommuter]

If you`re ordering stuff, I`d get a small backing plate and some 4" pads. They make the PC much more aggressive for scratch correction.



How much more aggresive? In terms of time taken or actual cutting ability?

[Accumulator]

Both. I`ll put it this way- the *only* time I`ve ever damaged b/c paint with a PC/Cyclo/hand was using the PC with a 4" polishing pad and a fairly mild product (3M 05933, with which I`m very familiar). The old "you can`t hurt paint with a PC" thing does not apply with 4" pads, it`s *that* much more aggressive! Don`t want that to scare people off, and it doesn`t turn it into a rotary, but it`s worth considering. It really does take the PC to another level, primarily (IMO) because you can really put some pressure on the PC without it bogging down. So don`t do as I did and really lean on the thing too much ;)

[DSVWGLI]

Get some ssr 3 if you don`t need it now you will eventually. I`m not familiar with swirlbuster pads but SSR 2.5 and a cutting pad will take out most scratches just not the deeper ones. Thats what you need SSR 3 for. SSR 3 will leave some hazing that SSR 2.5 will take out. Finish everything up with a polishing pad and SSR 2.5 or finer polish.

[ET Awful]

Thanks!



The 4" plate and pads may be the way to go. . . :).



I tell ya though, the EX-P followed by Nattys Blue is NICE :)



Thanks Accumulator. I won`t be able to try again until next weekend, but I`ll order the 4" pads this week and hopefully have them by then. I`m thinking just the plate and a med and light cutting pad will be sufficient for now. Should be pretty low cost too.



I was happy to get the one nasty scratch out that was ticking me off so bad. Just wish I`d had more time to work on it yesterday.



edit: Actually, they had the "Spot Buff Kit" on sale at Pinnacle (who is giving free shipping right now on all orders). So got a full set of pads, the plate, and two mf towels for $35 shipped :)

[Accumulator]

Sounds good. Just take it a little easy during the get-acquainted period and remember to say "good enough" if you`re ever in doubt about whether you`re getting too aggressive.