Scratch/swirl removal prior to AOI

D

DSOM

New member
I reserached and purchased the AOI + SG to use on my

new SUV.

However, I would like to apply AOI to my 6 year Maxima as well.

It will obviously need some swircl/scratch repair -- it has not

been done for close to 2 years.



My question is -- what should I use prior to AOI to for

scracth/swirl removal. My understaning is that AOI is a strong

cleaner, as well as a sealant. I also understand that scratch/

swirl removal implies filling the marks with some material.



What can I use then so that my scratch removal efforts

wouldn't then be discarded by the AOI application?
 
I'll give you a quick hint, PC (or by hand) and either SMR or FI II if swirls are bad. A quick search will reveal a mountain of advice, this is probably the #1 question asked here.



Good hunting...



Darcy
 
kruzo said:
My question is -- what should I use prior to AOI to for

scracth/swirl removal. My understaning is that AOI is a strong

cleaner, as well as a sealant. I
Click to expand...



AIO is actually a very mild cleaner. I have never experienced it removing any swirls on my truck before, even some extremely fine ones I had. I think it is probably more of a chemical cleaner.



For surface prep I would use something like Meguiar's #9. I'm guessing you'll probably be doing it by hand though. I've always used Meguiar's #9 with a machine so someone else will have to make recommendations on what product is good for swirl removal by hand.
 
I use a rotary buffer, but if you have the time you can use SMR by hand. Some people have experienced problems usiong FI II by hand, because you cant break down the polish enough.



Try SMR, or as inter said #9 by hand.



but if you have a rotary or Pc, will mkae things easier.
 
What you are asking is what polish to use. A polish levels the surface which in effect removes or reduces the effect of the scratch. Polishes come in different stages of cut (abravisness). A popular polish here is DACP which is Meguiars Dual action cleaner polish. It has cleaners in it that cleans as well as polish.



To use a polish you rub/work the polish in until the polish is broken down. The abrasive in the polish is actually becoming finer and finer until almost dry and only a small amount of residue is left. Too strong a polish and you can make scratches and too mild of a polish and you did not remove your scratch. You can tell that to polish is alot more work than to wax. It is not a wipe on and let dry. That is why many purchase different machines to help do the job.



An alternative to using a polish to remove scratches is to use a glaze to fill the scratch. Actually a glaze can fill swirls and can only kind of hide a scratch. Glazes have oils that can really improve a shine. Your problem is trying to use a glaze with AIO. BTW AIO stands for All-In- One, which means cleans and seals. The AIO will remove most of the galze, and therefore will clean out the filler you just put in to fill the scratch. Popular glazes are Imperial hand galze by 3M. Meguiars #7 and Mother's sealer glaze. Note Mothers has confirmed that their sealer glaze will not work with Klasse.



There are some question you need to answer that could aid in recommendation.



1. Are you doing this by hand and are you going to try an polish the entire car by hand as oppose to just doing the worst panels?

2. What products are available to you?

3. What do you hope to accomplish?

4. Are you trying to remove deep scratches are just the swirls?

5. Perhaps a better description of you paints condition would help with suggestion.



Now my suggestion would be to try Mother Sealer glaze and S100 or have someone remove the swirls and you take it from there.Taxlady recently did her volvo by hand using DACP and perhaps she can add some suggestions.
 
Keep in mind that the 2 popular swirl removers, 3M SMR and Meguiar's #9, both also have some amount of fillers in them that hide swirls as well. While these fillers aren't compatible with sealants, AIO should remove them fine.



Glazes are incompatible both under and over sealants.



It depends how bad your swirls are, but you could try removing them by hand application (lotsa work though). Then they would be gone more permanently. Skipping the swirl removal step and going with glaze and wax only is quite temporary and probably more work in the long run.



If you want to use SG on it as well, a few coats hides very light swirling long-term. :)
 
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