How do I fix this?
February-7th-2003, 02:13 PM
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Oakland, CA
Posts: 31
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
February-7th-2003, 02:41 PM
#2
Protege Newbie
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Vancouver Canada
Posts: 29
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.
February-7th-2003, 04:03 PM
#3
Bruce Leroy
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Calgary, AB, Canada
Posts: 788
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.
February-7th-2003, 04:12 PM
#5
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Dallas, Texas
Posts: 1,122
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.