Help a newbie please!

C

cmp1223

New member
First here is my main problem: I was washing my car a while ago and used an abrasive pad to scrub off pine tar on my trunk. It didn't seem to scratch while the car was still wet, but it did. I now have a series of light scratches that are visable from a few feet away. I think it only effected the clearcoat, as the paint looks fine from up close. I could not feel the scratches with my fingernail.

What product should i use to remove this? I'm looking into 3M Fine Cut or 3M scratch and swirl remover. From what i have read here, Fine cut is a more abrasive product and will thin my clear coat. Is this a problem? I want to get rid of the scratches, but I use this car daily so I don't want to wear out the clear coat.



Now on with general detailing: I bought a Porter cable 7336SP today at Lowes for $105 after %10 coupon. Is the Sonus DAS pad package a good package, Or the VPAD package from properautocare? Maybe just a few from topoftheline? Do i need a wool pad to remove those scratches, or will a Sonus Orange Pad work? I still reading about what products are best to use. For anything (polish, wax, shampoo) i want something somewhat cheap yet durable, since this car is not garaged, sadly. Any recommendations are welcome!



Thanks so much!

-Chris
 
My neighbor did exactly the same thing .. I am not familiar with the Orange pad but if it is equal to the Lake City Yellow pad use DACP #83 on 5 till it brakes down .. it may take a couple of passes .. and if your not catching your finger nail in it you won't be taking off much clear to remedy it.



Once happy you might need to use a finer polish/ white pad ( or equal) if the DACP hazed a bit .. then wax/ sealant over it.
 
cmp1223- Welcome to Autopia!



Taking out the scratches means thinning the clearcoat, no way around it. You have to take off clear until it's all at the same level as the bottom of the scratches. But without a rotary, I predict you'll say "good enough" before you take off *that* much clear.



The 3M FCRC (39002) isn't that aggressive, but you will need to follow up with a milder product, or use the DACP instead (but again, plan on a follow up with something milder).



Don't expect miracles, or for things to happen fast. Removing scratches by PC is a long, slow process (but it sure beats doing it by hand).



Most any "pad kit" will be fine, or just order a few cutting and polishing pads (more of the latter). I dunno if you'll *need* the wool, and I'd recommend that you work with the foam pads, at least until you're experienced.



For durability, it's hard to beat the Klasse twins. If you'd rather use a wax as opposed to a sealant, look at Meg's #16 or Collinite, both are very durable.
 
:welcome



If you haven't already done so, follow this link to download the Autopia Guide to Detailing. Very helpful information for newb's....I know I learned a lot from it.....and it's all free! Just download it to your desktop and click the icon, you can register and then all the chapters will unlock.



Classic Motoring Accessories has the new Lake Country pads and they look interesting, if you decide on those let us know what you think of them. I would suggest you go with a couple of orange (light cutting) and white (polishing) pads, at least. You may want to go with one yellow/cutting pad just in case you need it for those nasty "Brillo" scratches. Oh, and don't do that again, :nono use something like 1Z Anti-Insekt and Pre-Cleaner. It works like a charm.



Good luck and hope you enjoy the eBook :xyxthumbs
 
Macgirl said:
:welcome



If you haven't already done so, follow this link to download the Autopia Guide to Detailing. Very helpful information for newb's....I know I learned a lot from it.....and it's all free! Just download it to your desktop and click the icon, you can register and then all the chapters will unlock.



Classic Motoring Accessories has the new Lake Country pads and they look interesting, if you decide on those let us know what you think of them. I would suggest you go with a couple of orange (light cutting) and white (polishing) pads, at least. You may want to go with one yellow/cutting pad just in case you need it for those nasty "Brillo" scratches. Oh, and don't do that again, :nono use something like 1Z Anti-Insekt and Pre-Cleaner. It works like a charm.



Good luck and hope you enjoy the eBook :xyxthumbs
Click to expand...



What program do you use to open that file?
 
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