How do I fix this?
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 31
From: Oakland, CA
How do I fix this?
Seems like under the sun I can tell little scratches all over the car. I'm guessing maybe because of in proper car wash?
Anyway, is there any way I can fix these scratches? it's very un noticeable, though it's noticeable in close up.
Thanks
Anyway, is there any way I can fix these scratches? it's very un noticeable, though it's noticeable in close up.
Thanks
Protege Newbie
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 29
From: Vancouver Canada
try reading this site:
http://www.autopia.org
lots of auto detailing enthusiasts there. i have a black 2002 protege5 and i know exactly what you mean about noticing swirls and scratches up close.
my scratches aren't so bad right now. i can get away with "hiding" them with a couple of layers of sealer/glaze followed by wax for protection. sooner or later you'll need a polish or a more abrasive swirl remover to get rid of swirls and scratches.
if you can help it, avoid car washes and wash your car yourself with a good quality sheepskin mitt and some Dawn liquid dishwashing detergent. The Dawn has a high alkaline content and will strip off old wax so you can start with a clean car before putting on your waxes. then you can wash with a car wash shampoo that won't strip wax.
http://www.autopia.org
lots of auto detailing enthusiasts there. i have a black 2002 protege5 and i know exactly what you mean about noticing swirls and scratches up close.
my scratches aren't so bad right now. i can get away with "hiding" them with a couple of layers of sealer/glaze followed by wax for protection. sooner or later you'll need a polish or a more abrasive swirl remover to get rid of swirls and scratches.
if you can help it, avoid car washes and wash your car yourself with a good quality sheepskin mitt and some Dawn liquid dishwashing detergent. The Dawn has a high alkaline content and will strip off old wax so you can start with a clean car before putting on your waxes. then you can wash with a car wash shampoo that won't strip wax.
Bruce Leroy
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 788
From: Calgary, AB, Canada
Autopia.org is an amazing place...lots of info.
Depending on how deep your scratches are, the only real way to remove them would be to use a buffer. I would not recommend doing this yourself as there is a certain amount of skill required, and you could end up doing more harm than good. As MP5Alive has said, a selaer/glaze can be used to "hide" minor swirl marks and/or scratches.
Depending on how deep your scratches are, the only real way to remove them would be to use a buffer. I would not recommend doing this yourself as there is a certain amount of skill required, and you could end up doing more harm than good. As MP5Alive has said, a selaer/glaze can be used to "hide" minor swirl marks and/or scratches.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,122
From: Dallas, Texas
Meguiar's Scratch-X works pretty well for removing swirl marks, and it can be applied by hand although it's time consuming and takes a little elbow grease. Also, you MUST apply polish or wax after using it.