MK5 Golf GTI

General => Detailing => Topic started by: Dan on July 18, 2010, 10:11:31 am

Title: Fine Scratches
Post by: Dan on July 18, 2010, 10:11:31 am

Hi

I have some minor scratches on my Black ED30 and wondered what the best product is to use.

Is there a product I can use to give me good results by hand?

Thanks

Dan

Title: Re: Fine Scratches
Post by: stealthwolf on July 18, 2010, 10:13:08 am

It depends on the "scratches". Is it down to primer? Is it fingernail test positive? Are they just swirls?

Title: Re: Fine Scratches
Post by: Dan on July 18, 2010, 10:29:41 am

They aren't down to the primer, they are just minor scratches from the previous owner washing it.

Title: Re: Fine Scratches
Post by: stealthwolf on July 18, 2010, 10:48:23 am

Sounds like swirls.

Have a search here for polish/polishing in this section. You'll find some tips/recommended products. Before you start polishing, remember to wash and clay the car first.

One of the products I'd recommend is autoglym Super Resin Polish from halfrauds. Very good as a hand polish but, as with all handpolishes, it's the elbow grease you put in that has the most effect.

Title: Re: Fine Scratches
Post by: Dan on July 18, 2010, 01:35:31 pm

I have used the super resin polish before.

Is there anything that is abrasive to get rid of fine scratches like bu door handles?

Thanks

Dan

Title: Re: Fine Scratches
Post by: stealthwolf on July 18, 2010, 02:13:04 pm

TBH to get swirls out properly, you need a machine polish.

Title: Re: Fine Scratches
Post by: keith on July 18, 2010, 05:08:52 pm

My current favourite is Dodo Juice Lime Prime excellent results, got the flake in my steel grey to pop out.
and also another-
http://washshop.co.uk/shop/article_47/Sonus-SFX-2-Enhance-Swirl-Remover-237ml.html?shop_param=cid%3D12%26aid%3D47%26
both can be used by hand or d/a or rotary.

Title: Re: Fine Scratches
Post by: Dan on July 18, 2010, 07:34:02 pm

If I wash the vehicle, clay bar and then use sonus sfx-2 polish on it will I need/advise to use anything after on the paintwork?

Thanks

Dan

Title: Re: Fine Scratches
Post by: stealthwolf on July 18, 2010, 08:52:33 pm

Some kind of wax?

Title: Re: Fine Scratches
Post by: autoperfection.com on July 19, 2010, 11:46:40 am

Hi Dan,

If the swirl marks are fairly minor and you're prepared to put in a lot of effort and have plenty of patience, you should be able to get them out by hand - it will just take a lot longer than it would do if you had a machine.

By hand, our recommendation would be to use the Poorboys Super Swirl Removers - you could try using SSR1 first to see if this is enough to remove the swirls, if it isn't, you can then step up to SSR2, but you will need to then refine this again afterwards with SSR2. 
http://www.autoperfection.com/shop/Poorboys-Super-Swirl-Remover-1-16oz.html
http://www.autoperfection.com/shop/Poorboys-Super-Swirl-Remover-2-16oz.html

As Stealth has already mentioned - clay it before hand to make sure you remove any contaminants on the paint that washing alone won't remove. 

Once you've hand polished, if there are still some minor imperfections in the paint you could look at possibly applying a glaze before you wax... this will not only enhance the overall finish by adding depth to the gloss levels, but it will also help to mask any imperfections left, as it acts as a filler as well as a glaze.  The obvious choice for you would be Poorboys Black Hole, as it is designed specifically for darker coloured cars and is an excellent product.
http://www.autoperfection.com/shop/Poorboys-Black-Hole-Show-Glaze-16oz.html

Finally you need to apply some protection, either by way of wax or sealant, whichever suits you best.

Hope this helps

Taryn and Jim   :happy2: