Scratches in the clear coat- how do u guys get em out?

**brc888** · 07-31-2003, 03:39 PM

hi all- i just bought 2001 Lexus is300, it`s black and b/c of that i notice all the little scratches in the clear coat- is there anything i can do to get rid of em? i don`t have a buffer- so that`s not an option for me.

someone had suggested i give Meguiars Scratch X a try...does that work? any other suggestions?

Thanks!!

**M-M** · 07-31-2003, 04:53 PM

First of all you only need to post in one section, everyone tends too look all around in here.

Second any pictures of the "scratches"

Are they swirls? Can you feel them with your fingernail?

Depending on how bad they are you could use many different products.

Always start with the least agressive product first.

I`d start with 3m SMR, if that didn`t do fix it, I`d switch to DACP.

Third, try the search function you`d be amazed how much info you can find and it would be much faster.

**safetyman2010** · 07-31-2003, 06:06 PM

This thread is better suited to either the main detailing or university forum IMHO.

**Deanski** · 07-31-2003, 07:48 PM

For swirls, you will need a polsiher to get these removed. As for scratches, a rotary would remove them, but it takes experience as a rotary will burn paint if not used correctly.

You could attempt it with Scratch-X via hand, but all it does is hide the marks with a filler, which may be OK for you.

Removal of defects takes time and a good polisher such as a PC. You could also try to use DACP via hand, but this would be very slow and not as effective.

If you want to keep this car, and don`t want to invest in a polisher, which is small change, take it to a detail or bodyshop and explain you want those defects REMOVED not covered. They can give you a good base to maintain it without the polisher.

See my SC430 in my sig below and in member gallery. This was done with a PC, 3M PIII-MG and Menzerna-FP.

It`s your choice.

Regards,

Deanski

**shaf** · 07-31-2003, 09:09 PM

I`ve merged these two threads now. :up

ERIK`s post was from the other thread, but otherwise they were identical.

brc please check your PMs. Thanks!

**imported_memnuts** · 08-01-2003, 05:22 AM

Invest in a PC. (~$150 complete)

Read 4DSC`s ( see above thread), David B`s and Al Boston`s post on PC usage.

Check to see if your IS300 is clearcoated.

If you must do by hand "search" Scottwax`s threads for some excellent how-to`s.