Paint Stone Chips / Cutting

O

OSP

New member
Hello from the UK



First message and new to this kinda stuff (car detailing)



Heres my story:



I have a 00 Civic Hatch in Milano Red and well the red paint is fading (roof, rear spoiler, bonnet)



Id like to cut the paint to remove the "lack of luster" to the paint, being dull and turning pink.



Im just worried that if i start to cut the paint to remove oxidization etc that when i go over the stone chips that i will do more damage than good?



Would it not damage the steel or primer etc if the DA went over with cutting compound?



I hope i can get some friendly advice?



Thanks folks
 
In my experience (which is, admittedly pretty limited compared to most on the board), as long as the stone chips have no loose paint clinging their edges which can flake up, you should be okay. We all (probably) have rock chips on our hoods, and we can't always catch them before doing paint correction.



I currently use Optimum Polish as my main corrective polish. It has done nothing to the minimal chipping on my hood, and to my knowledge, wouldn't do any damage at all to exposed primer or metal. If you plan on repairing the chips with touch up paint, the only thing you will not want to do is apply any sort of sealant or wax prior to the touch up, as those things will hinder the adherence of touch-up paint to the primer/metal. (you should clean a touch up area with wax remover anyway!)



Others here use the Menzerna line with apparently good results, and I have personally used the Meguires Mirror Glaze line before with good results (though not as good for me as Optimum), as well. There are countless others, which I'm sure will be recommended in due time. Don't, however, make the mistake (as I did!) of using the old "Turtle Wax Rubbing Compound" in the plastic jug at the auto parts store. If I'm not mistaken, it was designed back in the day for single stage paints, and is not properly formulated to break down like modern clear coat polishes. I really clouded up a section of my paint trying to remove a bird bomb mark with that stuff that took a lot of polishing with better stuff to rectify.



Make sure you're using a good machine (or a good microfiber applicator, if by hand) with a good clean foam pad. (Lake Country, Meguires, Sonus, etc) and follow up with a good microfiber cloth to remove residue, as well!
 
Thank you for your "full" reply.



The items im going to purchase once i can source them all (from the uk and detailing dosent seem as big here as the us)





Im also worried that if i put the "halfords touch up pen kit" that because my colour is faded that the "new" halfords paint touch ups will stand out a mile.





Items to purchase:



Meguiar's DA Polisher G220

Meguiar's High Tech Applicator Pads (twin pack)

Meguiar's Quick Clay Kit

Meguiar's Scratch X

Meguiar's Ultra Plush Supper Terry Towel

Meguiar's Dual Action Cleaner Polish No.83

Meguiar's Soft Buff Foam Cutting Pad

Meguiar's Soft Buff Foam Finishing Pad

Meguiar's Soft Buff Foam Polishing Pad



From looking at the items above anyone would think i have a thing for Meguiar's but thats because i cant find anywhere else that sells equally priced items and also my lack of knowledge of other manufacturers that are easily accessible in the UK (or which are best)



Any advice would be much appreciated, once i get enough confidence and items together i will post images up and hope for the best lol
 
There are quite a few members from the UK. Maybe one of them will chime in with specialty resources for you...?



Sounds like a good start, though. A place you might consider looking is a local auto paint store. Here in the US, these places not only carry painting supplies, but professional detailing supplies, as well. Folks have been raving about the new 3M Ultrafina on the board lately. 3M products are usually only found at these professional stores.



Just so you might have more variety in your choices!



Good luck!
 
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