Anyone had any luck removing fine scratches from the clear coat? I have some and need assistance, on what works best.

 

It depends on how "fine" the scratches are, how much scratching there is, and what kind of wax or protectant you plan on using (like Zaino, TS Clear Coat, etc).

If the scratches are not too bad, and you are going to just use wax, you can run through some of the more specialized detailing forums and check from a myriad of polishing product reviews.

If the scratches are deep, you might be well served by finding a professional detailer with a paint depth gauge who knows how to clean up the scratches without cutting too much clear coat off the car (or ruining its UV protection properties).

If you are going to be using Zaino, and the scratches are not too bad, you can use the Z5 swirl remover. Sal Zaino also can recommend a 3M polish that will remove a minimum of paint, but will clean up the mess.

Finally -- scratches are very subjective -- what may be a small scratch to you, may be something that I would be off to a pro with.

(just my opinions)


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Silver 2001 CL-S with NAVI

• Mud guards
• Wheel locks
• Toyo T1S 235/45ZR17-97W* Proxies on 17x8" SSR Competition wheels (48lbs less than stock)
• Kevlar/SS Brake lines w/Brembos?
• Comptech headers & sways
• Silver AEM CAI
• 10 coats of Zaino magic

 

For FINE scratches and swirls, zaino Z5 will fill them....no abrasives are needed. If you can catch your fingernail in them, go with 3M perfect it swirl mark remover (#39009) and that will do the trick......apply your favorite wax after that step as it offeres no protection.

 

You're assuming he is using Zaino. Is he?




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Silver 2001 CL-S with NAVI

• Mud guards
• Wheel locks
• Toyo T1S 235/45ZR17-97W* Proxies on 17x8" SSR Competition wheels (48lbs less than stock)
• Kevlar/SS Brake lines w/Brembos?
• Comptech headers & sways
• Silver AEM CAI
• 10 coats of Zaino magic

 

BTW -- My wife's car had scratches that you COULD not feel with a fingernail, and it need a machine polish by a professional to get it back to perfect. He actually left a few tiny scratches that would have required removing too much clear coat. The clear coat is a UV protector -- I sure can't tell how much to remove (the guy has a paint thickness gauge that cost over more than a grand).

Just some thoughts...



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Silver 2001 CL-S with NAVI

• Mud guards
• Wheel locks
• Toyo T1S 235/45ZR17-97W* Proxies on 17x8" SSR Competition wheels (48lbs less than stock)
• Kevlar/SS Brake lines w/Brembos?
• Comptech headers & sways
• Silver AEM CAI
• 10 coats of Zaino magic

 

If you are going the Zaino route then use Z5. If you are going a carnuba route then use 3M Perfect It Swirl Mark remover for light (or dark) cars (#39009).

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CL-S #22,299 Black/Parchment/Nav, spoiler, door & fender guards, wood trim, PIAA 9005, Polarg M6, V1 w/remote, trunk & winter mats, no headers, no sway bars, no springs, no CAI, no money! (but I got a nice new kitchen!)