Scratch remover dulled my paint!

gordo282 · Aug 12, 2008

So, I had a few small scratches on the side of my 2005 Ody. I pulled out some scratch remover and lightly rubbed it in. When I finished, I moved to the next spot. Completed, I washed the car, applied some Turtle Wax and to my shock, the spots that I had 'rubbed out' had become noticeably dull and non-glossy unlike the rest of the van.

Any suggestions on how to restore the luster that I have removed?

Thanks in advance.

AndyCBR · Aug 12, 2008

Follow up the scractch remover with a finer polish. You may need successive applications of different polishes to get the sheen back depending on how aggressive the scratch remover was and whether or not you managed to go through the clearcoat (doubtful unless you really got on it).

I use Griots. Number 1, then 2, then #3 (the finest) by machine to get back to original sheen. Several other sytems from other manufacturers are available (Meguiars, Zaino, etc)

You may have to remove the wax first.

Or take it by any reputable detailer and they should be able to sort it out.

Hope this helps,
Andy

gordo282 · Aug 12, 2008

AndyCBR said:
I use Griots. Number 1, then 2, then #3 (the finest) by machine to get back to original sheen.

'By Machine' - do you mean you use a buffing wheel to do this?

Thanks for the help. May I ask - do you detail autos in a professional capacity or just a hobby of yours?

AndyCBR · Aug 12, 2008

By machine is a random orbital buffer (safest) or a straight shaft buffer (pros use).

I choose to use a machine for better results but you can get into trouble if you are not careful. That being said the Porter cable random orbital with the correct pad is pretty foolproof.

Similar polishing products are also available for hand application but require more elbow grease and tend not to give the vibrant shine that machine application can.

I just detail my personal vehicles. I think there is a pro detailer on the board.

Good luck.
Andy

MTPockets08 · Aug 12, 2008

I'd take it to a detail shop and see if they can buff it out for you. You dulled the clearcoat. Gotta love today's mainstream environmentally friendly paints!

Joel

gordo282 · Aug 12, 2008

Thanks for all the suggestions. I will hit the dealer first but am sure to get charged an arm and a leg.

kenycki · Aug 12, 2008

Always use a "clear-coat safe" scratch remover in the future and it will not dull your paint.

chiody · Aug 12, 2008

gordo282 said:
Thanks for all the suggestions. I will hit the dealer first but am sure to get charged an arm and a leg.

Better off going to a specialty auto paint shop. They have the real expertise to address your "dulling."

Good luck.

gordo282 · Aug 12, 2008

I will look into the specialty shop.

Problem is that I live in Germany where everything is exponentially more expensive than in the states.

The good news is that they seem to certify their repairmen fairly well so I should be able to find something.

I will look around and find a suitable fix.

Scratch remover dulled my paint!

gordo282

AndyCBR

gordo282

AndyCBR

MTPockets08

gordo282

kenycki

chiody

gordo282

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