Has anyone tried polishing out minor scratches on their own? I am considering buying a random orbital polisher to do some light scratch removal and to wax my car (2002 TLS, black). I just got a scratch in a parking lot (oye vey) and would like to get it out myself. Any recommendations on brands and models for a polisher and polish? As many of you know the Nighthawk Black is high maintenance and I want to save my arms for golf instead of waxing.

Many Thanks
James

 

Polish means removing the old wax of the car. It can somewhat hide scratches. But you need to apply sealer and wax on the car after polishing.

 

How deep is the scratch? If you rub you fingernail across it, does it get caught in the scratch.

If you said yes, you are pretty much SOL, there isn't much that will take out that scratch without repainting.

If you said no, I would go out and buy 3M Finesse It. Available at most auto parts stores. You can use the RO buffer, but I would recommend you try it by hand first. You can seriously fvck up a black car in no time if you're not careful with a buffer.

 

I've had very good luck with scratches by using a Griot's Garage touch up paint applicator and carefully and slowly covering filling the scratch with touch up paint.

If needed, I then use some cleaner wax to buff the repair down and out, and after a final coat of wax or polish, the scratch is hardly noticable. This has saved me from a complete panel repaint many many times.

 

Go to this website http://autopia-carport.com/forum/index.php3
all these guys do are detail cars, every kind. tell them your problem. you'll be amazed at the help. I think they will reccomend 3M products. trust me this is where you want to go

 

If it is superficial like buffer swirls, I have had good luck with P21S Paintwork Cleanser. I have the NBP and it looks better than when I picked it up from the dealer, got rid of their buffer swirls, etc.

 

GT88, Mother's and Meguiars are all good products from my experience.

NBP 2002 Type S


B.

 

Use the least aggressive (read, by hand) methods first. P21S and/or 3M hand Glaze may be your first attempts. Good Luck!

 

BTW, the GS21 Scratch Remover is pure junk - save your money. Check out all the negative opinions on this product on epinions.com - it's almost comical!

 

Thanks for all of your replies.

I will see what I can do. After a wash the other day, I noticed a chip on the hood. I think I will go get some of that touch up paint.

Thanks
James

 

Don't use the brush that comes in the touch up paint, way too big, you will get way too much paint. Cut a match to a point or go to an art supply store and get one of their extremely small brushes.