Hey guys, i have a problem. I have a BB 8, cleaned on a weekly (sometimes twice a week) with Meguiars Ultimate Detailer. I have the smallest scratch lines, not even visible to the eye head on.

i have tried ultimate compound, swirlx, meguiars polish (professional series), and most recently, the 3m compound. Nothing is getting these thing out, even with 4-5 passes with compound, 2 rounds of polish, and 2 coats of wax. they are still there and driving me nuts. anyone have any sucess with some over the counter products?

i only use brand new cloths on the car (never washed and reused). any advice would be appreciated

 

Probably not the answer you're lookin' for, but if it was my car, and I had already done everything you've done (sounds like you were really thorough), I'd throw in the towel, ask around, and take it to the best detailer in town. I would tell him "I'll only pay you if you think you can get these out. Think you can do it?" If he's really good, he should be able to tell you if it's doable before he takes the job. Might cost you a lot, depending on where you live. But you'll feel a lot better when they're gone.

Just my 2¢.

 

^ WHat you have are called swirls. I have a BB and its a pain to get her clean but i do. The products youre using should be able to remove them expecially the ultimate compound. My guess is youre just applying it by hand ?? Right ??


Not going to work. YOu need a polisher. Get yourself a porter cable with an aggresive pad and i guarantee you the swirlls will come out (providing you have the proper technique).

 

+1 ^^

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?p=3963793

 

Sounds crazy but, it works. I use this on my motorcycle to get rid of scratches of all sizes.

 

I use black shoe polish on the black plastic in the interior to hide small scratches that occur. Doors, kick panels, console and rocker panels. Works pretty good. Just apply small amount rub in good let dry and buff. For deeper scratches may have to do several times. Works pretty good hiding them.

 

excellent, thanks for the tips guys. i have been looking at the meguairs machine polisher, i am just scared as hell...i dont have the steadiest of hands

yeah, i do it all by hand, start off lightly, and gradualy build up the pressure. they are not swirls though, because they are not circular. they are in like, nut-hair thin, straight smaill lines.

i was also considering a professional detailer, but having to explain to the wife that $500 is worth a car wash, is not going to happen. thanks again for the input!

 

so just to be clear.... The shoe polish is only for the interior????

 

Anything that has an abrasive base will leave marks in your paint. especially the polishes and compounds you mentioned.

Unless your paint needs restoring, You may want to try a non abrasive route.
It won't fix the damage but it will make thse fine scratches virtually invisible, eleminate the need for wax and it won't create any further damage to your paints finish.
http://www.youtube.com/user/HisshadO.../2/DBNaqF8vggc

 

I have used black shoe polish on my black interior plastics with great success. I bought my car used and the previous owner was a little careless on some of the black plastic surfaces. I had some pretty good scuffs on the top part of the plastic of the console just behind the lid. I took black shoe polish doing several coats and now you can hardly notice the scratches. Had some scratches on the black plastic part of the drivers door in front of the speaker grille and it worked well here. Just take the shoe polish and apply a generous amount rubbing in a circular motion let dry and buff lightly. I did this three or four times and it is hardly noticeable now. Try it and you will see what I mean.

 

oh, dont get me wrong; there is absolutely nothing with my paint. its an 04 with barely 30k miles...it still shines as it did originally. i just wanted to know if any had any experience getting the small lines out, that are randomly there because a peice of dirt decided to make love to my microfiber cloth

 

What ever you do "DON'T POLISH IT" That will only make it worse.

Polish hides scratches by blending them in with more scratches.

 

That's the idea. Use it just on the problem area followed by the usual finishing procedures. The black of the polish fills any deeper potions of the scratches that are too stubborn to buff out. It makes it look brand new again.

 

clay bar?

 

sorry dmedz, forgot about mentioning that...yeah, before compounding, i claybar then rub the tips of my fingers over the body to ensure it is smooth...i just use water for that.

 

^+1 on the clay bar

With paint there is never to many steps to take. Boltaction is exactly right find something that isnt rough at all and they should look better. It all takes time but you will get them out. Just take your time. Youd rather be looking at those tiny little "swirls" then a nice burn mark. Been there done that. Anyway good luck