Swirl and scratch removal

[Nik Patel]

Hi, I own a black car with lots of scratches in the clearcoat. I just purchased the PC 7424 from Coastal Tool and I have the following products: 3M IHG and SMR.

My questions are:



Do I need a more aggressive compound to use before the SMR?



What pads do I need to apply these products? (I have the 6"velcro backed plate)



Thanks

 

[vroddad]

If the swirls are visible beyond say 10 feet, I'd say you need something more agressive than SMR... perhaps 3M FI2 or 3M FCRC. SMR is really for hiding any marks left by a wool pad or rather minor swirls.



As for pads, you want a "cutting pad" and not a "polishing pad" or "finishing pad". The burgandy Meguiars pad or the CMA yellow pad are both cutting pads.



Of course if even those don't do it (they are still on the weak side when dealing with scratches) you may want a wool pad to be used with a compound. A wool "leveling pad" and a compound such as 3M FCRC will leave minor swirls as it takes care of the major stuff. Then SMR over that should make it perfect.



And lastly, if all liquid products fail you can try wet sanding; then the FCRC by wool pad, then SMR.