Removing Scratches & Cleaning?

[suwidji]

Hey guys,

I have a few scratches and scuff on my car, i was just wondering what would be the proper method in getting these out and cleaning/detailing the car at the same time?

I was thinking i'd have to:

1. wash

2. claybar

3. wash

4. cutting compound /polish scratches and scuffs to remove them

5. wax

Is this right, or could someone please insruct me the proper method of cleaning up my car? Thanks!!

[Jonno34]

that sounds basically good to me

to build on it

1. wash

2. wipe down with degreaser (FI GPC or Xenit) to remove old wax

3. rinse off

4. clay bar

5. wash

6. cutting compound

7. wash

8. wipe down with cleanser

9. seal or wax

just a few minor steps here and there to add on your process that will help it a bit more

[suwidji]

hey thanks for the extra tips!

Also, just a question about claybar, is using a liquid claybar just as effective as using a normal one? Or should i stick with a normal claybar for better results??

[Jonno34]

i dont see how a liquid claybar would work mate, a claybar is meant to pick up surface contaminants and remove them by making them stick to the clay bar.

i believe the liquid one is a turtlewax product? they generally make quick and easy to use products that just wont give as good results.

stick to the well proven normal stuff mate and good luck!

[Jonno34]

oh btw if you dont want to buy stuff from places like waxit or final inspection, my favourite of the shelf brand is autoglym, and meguiars and mothers make decent stuff too.

dont go turtlewax or armourall!

[Hadouken]

+1 for meguiars.

Also you dont need a degreaser to remove the old wax. The clay bar picks up wax as well.

[Jonno34]

A clay bar does remove some but not as much as you think! I like to make sure its all of. By using gpc or something similar the old wax will definitely be removed and its only a 5 minute job anyway.

[greensa14]

Clay bar is one of the best and most important things you can do for your cars appearance. It only needs doing maybe twice a year depending on your cars activity and where she sleeps etc.

Having a good looking car is all in the prep work.

Below is a few pics of my car jsut after a full detail it did.

After this i could drop a cloth on the bonnet or roof, and it would just slide off. Smooth as silk!!

Wash>Clay>Wash>Polish>Seal>Wax

[greensa14]

Clay bar is one of the best and most important things you can do for your cars appearance. It only needs doing maybe twice a year depending on your cars activity and where she sleeps etc. Having a good looking car is all in the prep work. Below is a few pics of my car jsut after a full detail it did. After this i could drop a cloth on the bonnet or roof, and it would just slide off. Smooth as silk!!>Wash>Clay>Wash>Polish>Seal>Wax

[Hadouken]

That is one clean as s14.

[immacreflections]

Thats a tuff looking S14! what sealant and wax did you use?

[greensa14]

I use Menzerna fine cut Polish, Poorboys sealant, and Pinnacle Sovereign Wax. This was the first time i used the Pinnacle Wax, as in the past i have alsways used the P21s.

Pretty happy with the results.

[Carbon 34]

use M105 from MEGS or 3M, to get rid of deep swirls , acid rain, and bad scratches.

DO NOT USE , TURTLEWAX not even on a daily.

scratch X will remove fine swirls . megs product as well.

3M now owns Megs so you might see mixed brands/package but same stuff.

fireglaze works just dont let it dry before buffing, or get it on rubber without removing it asap. impossible to get off once dry. looks foul , not expensive but looks amazing once the car is polished up it seals it off nice.

liquid glass , but has to be imported from usa. for show shine like glass, works great on gloss black cars, actaully can protect agaist a burning cig laying on it after a few coats

do not use a sponge to wash a car, ever !!! it holds scratching bits no matter how clean you think it is. use a microfiber towel , wash after each use in washer. no fab softener.

wax and grease remover is for removing wax, funny enough. use care on black plastic parts , pretty safe to use but test on black ABS plastic or rubber is a no no, . , do not use on bad faded paint, it will make a mess.

it will strip off the wax and look dull /streaky until waxed again. not for the faint hearted if your not sure what your doing dont use it.

[GTR-N1]

I use Menzerna fine cut Polish, Poorboys sealant, and Pinnacle Sovereign Wax. This was the first time i used the Pinnacle Wax, as in the past i have alsways used the P21s.

Pretty happy with the results.

As above = correct! (Wash> Clay Bar > Wash > Pick your grade of Polish eg Menzerna...)

High quality products too as per above.

Eugene used exactly the same process with my previous black GT-R >> ultimately using Zaino sealant > and lastly the wax

The only difference with this blue one, was to use a combination sealant and canauba wax by Optima. This saved one step; but some people may differ of course.

Before...

Application done indoors under fluoro lights...

After...

And then MaTBoY got hold of it for the SAU 2012 Calendar.

[R31Heaven]

While where on polishes I gave Megs Ultimate polish a go the other day and I am impresed, Hey and thats comming from a Menzerna user. Only good on light to medium swirling though and used a RO polisher, but for an off the shelf product, thumbs up to Megs. Also hearing good things about Optima polishes

[Jonno34]

I use the final inspection CAP range of polishes with a bosch gex 150T and Final Inspection HD Pads - just another option for everyone to consider

[suwidji]

Where is the best place to buy these products such as Menzerna and Poorboys? "Best" meaning cheapest and fast delivery to NSW.

I've tried off-the-shelf stuff, and it works alright, but I want to give these other products a go and really make my car shine!!

[Jonno34]

hey buddy, i source all my stuff from final inspection and waxit.com.au

their both great. FI generally only sells FI products these days it seems their slowly phasing out alot of stuff they used to use other brands for, unfortunately they have yet to replace alot of these with their own products

waxit has great stuff though

[R31Heaven]

I use three companies, as over the years I have found favourite products from all. Waxit.com.au, www.carcareproducts.com.au and www.chemguys.com.au They all have some great products. Step above off the shelf products. To get a good feel of whats happening and what Pro Detailers are doing and using, visit this site. www.detailparadise.com.au

Edited December 13, 2011 by R31Heaven

[greensa14]

Yea +1 for Waxit.com & carcareproducts.

If in VIC go into the Waxit if you are not sure what to get. The guys will help you out.

But as mentioned above....you can buy the best polish on the market....but if you dont do proper prep work you will be wasting your time and money.