dudeinaTL

iTrader: (1)

I recently clayed my car and now have all these ghost images/scratches when the sun hits it. I just researched and it seems that it's normal to get the scratches, but that you're supposed to follow up with a light polish. Well, I didn't know that before claying, so on to the fixup stage.

I can't afford a machine, but what would be the cheapest route to getting rid of those fine scratches via hand polishing? I'm not trying to do a major polish, I just want those ugly scratches gone.

Jesstzn

Meguiars Ultimate Compound. Just make sure you use a good applicator and peopper M/F towels or you will get more marring.

What color is your car? I clay a lot of cars and when propperly done I don't get marring . Most the time its from rubbing too hard and not kneeding the clay enough.

97BlackAckCL

iTrader: (6)

Blakestock

I got a Meguiars Clay kit from autozone, it came with the clay, polish and a sample of their wax.

I've gotta say, I'm pretty impressed how much crap it pulled off. Never thought just washing wouldn't be enough. I didn't get any scratches or anything though.

Hopefully you can just get that out with a nice microfiber and polish / waxing

dudeinaTL

iTrader: (1)

The color of the car is gray. Once I started noticing them, I modified my technique and it seemed smaller motions (couple inches) didn't cause them as much as before (when I had about 1 foot motions), but they're still there.

Don't know if kneading the clay was my problem, because I have scratches on the very first section of the car I did, and the clay was fresh out the box.

Jesstzn, you've recommended Meguiars Ultimate Compound. From what little I understand about detailing, I thought a "compound" was for a severe polish/heavy swirl/scratch removal? Previous posts suggested a light polish would rid the paint from those scratches/holograms.

I'm also interested in technique for this process if anyone has hints for hand polishing. Thanks.

Jesstzn

When I clay I spray the QD liberally over say the top 1/2 of the door and I use long strokes that cover 1/2 that top 1/2. I just did an Infinity G35 today .. very dark grey ... no marring. What are you using to wipe off the QD after you clay? There is the possibility you also uncovering existing marring.


The word "compound" is grossly missused .. it can go anywhere from TW rubbing compound which is like sand paper to Optimums Compound II which is rather mild.

The reasons I suggested the UC was its not to course and its OTC.

As for hand polishing ... I guess patience is the only thing I have to offer and do small areas with a good applicator and soft M/F cloths.

dudeinaTL

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for your additional input, Jesstzn. Based on your description, it appears that you perform the claying action with "large" strokes. For reference, I used "Clay Magic" which was a blue bar and a bottle of lube that I ran out of about 85% of the way. I would spray the clay, then spray & clay the paint, working my way in one direction. I then used an Autozone microfiber cloth to wipe off.

I have to ask - what is a "good" applicator? I used a cotton terry pad when I did my spray wax (shown below); would this be good enough for the Meg's UC? And am I correct that you should use circular as opposed to linear motions when hand polishing? Lastly, what is considered a soft microfiber? I hate to post such a large image, but of the 3 cloths shown below, which type would be considered soft enough for the polishing buff?

Jesstzn

I'm not fond of the terry applicators for wax but ok for polishing as they have more bite.

Do you have a Costco near you .. I use thier yellow MF 16 x 15 cloths.

dudeinaTL

iTrader: (1)

What applicator do you recommend for wax? Do I have to rewax after I do the polish?

Jesstzn

Yellow round foam ones for waxing .. and yes .. polishing will remove wax.

dudeinaTL

iTrader: (1)

I just borrowed someones Costco card and grabbed a 36 pack of MF cloths! Costco is confusing to shop at.

vinnier6

iTrader: (1)

what could be soo confusing about shopping at costco...i dont get it...

Jesstzn

Good cloths .. just cut the tags off close to the hem.

dudeinaTL

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the tip & recommendation.

And vinnier6...it's just different than regular stores. Membership required (even just to enter), no bags, limited forms of payment, etc...But I guess the prices and the hot food negate all that.

vinnier6

iTrader: (1)

well, atleast you got the towels....did you get a hotdog or pice of pizza while you were there??

dudeinaTL

iTrader: (1)

Of course....for a buck-50, why not??! Their towels are definitely better than the AutoZone ones - much thicker. Only thing is I had to shake 'em out a bit prior to use (just washed my car and only had those for drying).