Which is gentler, polish or a scratch remover?

[HAL1]

Which would be better, more gentle for the very light scrathes that a dark color can get just by rubbing dirty fingers (or almost anything else) up against it. I'm not talking real scratches, just the surface kind not really deeper than swirl marks. Polish, or a scratch remover?

Thanks all

[MartinD]

Always work from least aggressive to most aggressive. In this case, imperfections in the clear must be removed via machine (Flex, Porter Cable, UDM, Rotary). A light polish and a non-aggressive foam pad will work great. I suggest finding a professional detailer in your area that knows what he/she is doing.

Unless you want to invest hundreds of dollars in detailing products that would actually be beneficial to you.

[HAL1]

I was thinking of just using the meguiars polish in their 3 step system to do small sections of some panels

[EdHilario]

Go with a polish or a rubbing compound.

[Kean]

.....hi Hal. The terms "polish" & "scratch remover" can be synonymous and confusing depending on the product. For light surface marring like you describe, you'll likely want a non-aggressive, light polish if you're looking to actually remove them from the surface. Check out the following article to get a better idea of the differences between the types of products:

http://autopia.org/forum/guide-detai...erfection.html

Are you talking about imperfections throughout the surface of the finish or just areas you were looking to spot-treat? Btw, you don't need to spend hundreds of dollars or buy the best, most expensive equipment to do the job (although there are tools that make the work much easier/faster and the results more impressive).

I believe Martin makes an excellent point and it bears repeating...... Always remember that when in doubt, start with the least aggressive method first. .......rubbing compounds are typically made for removing wet-sanding marks, heavy oxidation, etc. and should be one of the last steps to consider. I would say if the Meguiars polish is what you have on hand, then give it a go on one of the worst spots and see how it looks. Although there are better, more effective products on the market, Meguiars is a decent OTS brand. Either way, from the description of the problem, it sounds like your finish is already in good shape and you're just trying to deal with light marring and the outer surface (ie. people dragging their fingers, brushing up against the paint, etc.). ......not major paint correction.

[MartinD]

Originally Posted by Kean

.....hi Hal. The terms "polish" & "scratch remover" can be synonymous and confusing depending on the product. For light surface marring like you describe, you'll likely want a non-aggressive, light polish if you're looking to actually remove them from the surface. Check out the following article to get a better idea of the differences between the types of products:

http://autopia.org/forum/guide-detai...erfection.html

Are you talking about imperfections throughout the surface of the finish or just areas you were looking to spot-treat? Btw, you don't need to spend hundreds of dollars or buy the best, most expensive equipment to do the job (although there are tools that make the work much easier/faster and the results more impressive).

I believe Martin makes an excellent point and it bears repeating...... Always remember that when in doubt, start with the least aggressive method first. .......rubbing compounds are typically made for removing wet-sanding marks, heavy oxidation, etc. and should be one of the last steps to consider. I would say if the Meguiars polish is what you have on hand, then give it a go on one of the worst spots and see how it looks. Although there are better, more effective products on the market, Meguiars is a decent OTS brand. Either way, from the description of the problem, it sounds like your finish is already in good shape and you're just trying to deal with light marring and the outer surface (ie. people dragging their fingers, brushing up against the paint, etc.). ......not major paint correction.

Even to "correct" light marring, scratches, etc. you will need a machine.

You are better off buying products that will work, Meguiars "3-step" is a complete waste of time. Unless you correct the paint first, you are essentially "hiding or covering" what is visible.

I suggest buying a few items that will restore the paint, remove the light marring, and stay protected for 6+ months. This is not a waste of time...

[Kean]

While I respect your opinion Martin I disagree with the notion that paint correction is impossible without the use of a machine (especially light marring, webs, etc.). If you were arguing a point regarding effort, efficiency, etc. it would be a different story. .....hand polishing is not unheard of. Heck, I used to do most of my vehicles by hand 25 years ago (before a lot of these nifty detailing tools/supplies were readily available). It's really going to depend on the results that Hal is after and the effort/money he is willing to invest.

[HAL1]

Originally Posted by Kean

It's really going to depend on the results that Hal is after and the effort/money he is willing to invest.

I'm look for quick and cheap ( I know, you don;t get much for that). My car was just painted, dark green, and I noticed that even a VERY light swipe of my finger leaves scuff marks.

[holland_patrick]

Originally Posted by EdHilario

Go with a polish or a rubbing compound.

Please this guy just had his car repainted and you want him to ruin the finish???


A rubbing compound is going to me like stakign sandpaper to his paint..

If you were close i'd help you out.. but really if it's light marring I'd look on autopia and fin some of in your area....

once it's perfect then you can work on keeping it clean..

Unless you want to spend 200-300 on stuff...

[EdHilario]

Originally Posted by holland_patrick

Please this guy just had his car repainted and you want him to ruin the finish???


A rubbing compound is going to me like stakign sandpaper to his paint..

If you were close i'd help you out.. but really if it's light marring I'd look on autopia and fin some of in your area....

once it's perfect then you can work on keeping it clean..

Unless you want to spend 200-300 on stuff...

I guess that would only be if they don't know what they're doing they can mess it up but it will work if you do have the right stuff.

[Kean]

Originally Posted by EdHilario

I guess that would only be if they don't know what they're doing they can mess it up but it will work if you do have the right stuff.

.....it is unlikely that the "right stuff" in this scenario is rubbing compound (which is Patrick's point).

Hal,
Since the paint is new I'm going to assume it's had enough time to cure as recommended by the shop? If you're looking for quick and cheap, there are products that will hide the imperfections but as Martin was trying to point out, there are drawbacks. I'm not familiar with the polish in the 3 step process but I'll wager it has fillers (i.e. to disguise blemishes). In order to actually remove the light marring you will need to use a pure polish. ....again to Martin's point, investing in a good machine, pads, etc. will make it far easier (taking less time and effort) and the result will likely last longer (with the right products). Although fillers may work in the short run (they'll make the finish look good), the problem areas will reappear as the product wears off. .....and as new blemishes emerge, the product becomes less effective at masking them. In the end, you will need to spend more time and effort correcting. You can do the polishing by hand but "quick" is not a word I would use for this method.

Check out all of the articles and the forum on the Autopia website. If it all seems a bit overwhelming to you, you can always check the regional forums for advice on enlisting the services of a professional. ......hope this helps.