Paint scuffs scratches what to do? Recomendations please

[ebolavirs]

Well I am admittedly a complete newb when it comes to this detailing stuff. I mean I have washed and waxed my own cars for years using common waxes and cheapo sears oribtal type waxers. I have never delved into detailing the way some of those do on these forums, impressive. So I am looking for some help/advice from some experts, or maybe just a name of someone to take the vehicle to?

I have a white gmc sierra that has some light brush scratches down the sides of it. When I say light I mean I cannot feel a ditch or ridge when I run my fingernail over them, so I assume they are more like scuffs? Today I used my cheap sears orbital buffer and some Zymol, I waxed the entire truck which has worked in the past on other vehicles I have owned but this time it did not have the desired effect. Basically the waxing took any color there was from the brush imbedded in the scratches out, but the scratches or scuffs are still there. I can see them in the right lighting/right angles.

I have noticed you guys use some different pads and polishes, any recommendations on what to try next? I am not opposed to buying some new items if need be, I don't mind working on my cars. Or if anyone knows a good reputable detailer in the Redding, CA area I would be willing to just pay someone to do it, even drive a ways to get the vehicle to them. I mean someone who is a whiz at this stuff and knows what they are doing. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Tom C]

Hi ! my name is Tom,I am on the east coast so I can't do it for you,but I'll do my best to give you my advice.First it is difficult because I can't see the vehicle.Zymol is only a wax,a good one,but still just a wax.when you say scuff I'll have to assume it was from another vehicle becauese you said it had color in the scatches.I normally take a rag with solvent or thinner wipe the area until the other color is off.Don't worry you won't take your paint off.next take a polish and rub using a fiber towel,light preasure with back and forward strokes,if that doesn'tdo it try a rubbing compound.You can get these things at any auto store like pep boys.If you do end up using the harsher method follow up with the polish and then the zymol,and if that did'nt work bring it to a detailing shop.

 

[Tom C]

:thanks:thanksIf you do end up taking it to a detailing shop and they have to wet sand ask if they use a paint guage, if not make sure they have insurance.I have been color sanding for a while and have the experence,but would use a guage.I have detailed vehicles for Barrett Jakson and color sanded the entire vehicle,not something for the weekend worrior.who ever does it let them know if that part of the vehicle was ever painted.repaints are normally a few mils thicker.Good luck! and hope I helped.

 

[jaybs02]

Depending on how bad it is you can try Meg's ScratchX. It was designed to be done by hand and is available locally.

"J"

 

[ebolavirs]

Hi ! my name is Tom,I am on the east coast so I can't do it for you,but I'll do my best to give you my advice.First it is difficult because I can't see the vehicle.Zymol is only a wax,a good one,but still just a wax.when you say scuff I'll have to assume it was from another vehicle becauese you said it had color in the scatches.I normally take a rag with solvent or thinner wipe the area until the other color is off.Don't worry you won't take your paint off.next take a polish and rub using a fiber towel,light preasure with back and forward strokes,if that doesn'tdo it try a rubbing compound.You can get these things at any auto store like pep boys.If you do end up using the harsher method follow up with the polish and then the zymol,and if that did'nt work bring it to a detailing shop.

Thanks for the reply, the scratches or scuffs are from brush when I was out in the desert this summer for vacation. I run my fingernail across them and everything is smooth, no ridges or depressions that I can feel so I am assuming they are not through the clear? Like I said, I am no expert though. What you mentioned is what I am looking at doing as far as the rubbing compound. I want to get a good reputable compound, from reading this site I was looking at poorboys but I see they have three different levels it looks like. Any suggestions on which one to use? If not poorboys anything else? Do it by hand or with a machine? If machine which pad to use, the yellow "cutting" pad is what I was looking at. I appreciate the help.

 

[JaredPointer]

Depending on how bad it is you can try Meg's ScratchX. It was designed to be done by hand and is available locally.

"J"

I second that. It's a pretty good OTC cure, but be forewarned, it will take time. My suggestion would be to break it down over the course of several days if you're doing it by hand with ScratchX.