VSsc400

iTrader: (1)

i tried washing but it doesn't work....

Neo

iTrader: (3)

I use this:



But any of the 3M adhesive / tar remover would work.

VSsc400

iTrader: (1)

holy batman. I didn't even know they made stuff like that.

any ideas how to fill in hairline scratches?

thanks

Neo

iTrader: (3)

Depends on how deep the scratches are. You may be able to polish it out. I'll leave the details to the pros like Dan. Something like this may also help:

VSsc400

iTrader: (1)

holy cow. I didn't even know they made swirl mark removers.

I should check into this area more often...

I see that you are fan of 3M products...

thank you for the recommendations.

Neo

iTrader: (3)

For prepping, I do like 3M.

For finishing, I use Zaino.

I am sure when Dan (Guitarman) gets back from vacation, he'll have more advice for you. Have fun detailing.

VSsc400

iTrader: (1)

i'm all excited now. I can't wait for my baby to look tip top shape

Guitarman

Thanks Neo, I'm baaaaaaaaaack.

I also use 3M abrasives for prep( with a rotary buffer) , like Neo, and they always seem to do what I need them to do.

*Most* dedicated swirl removers contain very fine abrasives and also fillers to help hide swirls, so if your swirls are minor, they would be a good choice. If they are more ingrained then you'll have to step up to an medium cut abrasive without fillers, to level them out.


If you are buffing by hand, then apply the polish(es) in straight back & forth motions and not circles. None of those polishes is a wipe on wipe off product, meaning you will have to work them again, and possibly again and again by hand to see results. Just work a 1ft x 1ft area (or slightly larger) and keep at it until you see results. Use a terry applicator or foam applicator, or a terry towel. They will start to produce lesser results as they clog up with polish, so having a few of them around helps. You can turn the towel regularly to a clean part of it if you use one of them.

The hard part with swirls is that you'll need to keep moving the car in and out of the sun (don't polish in the sun-the polish will dry out too fast and not work properly) to see what you're actually doing. It's tedious and time consuming, as well as muscle fatiguing. Have patience, results will come with pratice. The last pass with polish should be of VERY light pressure. Then wax or sealant. Best of luck. VSC

VSsc400

iTrader: (1)

holy smokes. the man himself.

I will follow and do as you say.
I know it takes practice but i shall master the car exterior detailing.

thank you

VSsc400

iTrader: (1)

one more question

any suggestions on cleaning and maintaining carbon fiber hoods?

Guitarman

Well, there's one I don't know! Being that I have yet to come across a customer's car that has carbon fiber panels, I haven't a clue, BUT...here's something I dug up on a search that is supposedly safe for all carbon fiber parts;


http://www.piramoon.com/piramoon/pro...IBERCLENE.html

The main thing I guess is to avoid traditional polishes that are intended for paint. I'll post here if I can find further info. Cheers.

VSsc400

iTrader: (1)

awesome! thanks man. I'll try them out.

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

Hey Dan - another Q related to the original topic of this post... is there any Zaino-safe tar remover? I picked up some on the side of my car on the way to HIN Charlotte and couldn't get it off at the show. I've got five layers of Zaino on and don't want to strip them off in getting the tar off if possible. Or is any product I use going to eliminate the wax....

You can see the blob right in the middle of the passenger front door about two inches above the side skirt. Bugged me the entire show, but I thought scrubbing at it with QD would make a worse mess than letting it sit.

Guitarman

Dave, first try clay. Cut a tiny piece that can be thrown away after use. It should do the trick.

Second, if that fails to please, try Zaino Z1 pre-cleaner if you have it. That has worked for me on fresh tar. If it's solidified, it probably won't. You can use it again after removal then apply some Z2 or Z5 and you're adding on to what you have.

Third, look at this thread at Autopia and glean what you can;

http://www.autopia.org/forums/showth...tar+strips+wax

Note that someone there mentions a Turtle Wax wash & bug & tar product that states it doesn't strip wax. Best I can do for you. Lots of stuff removes tar (WD40 is great) but very few remove it without stripping wax or sealant.

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

Thanks Dan. I know five layers is a paltry amount compared to many, but it's all I had time to do before the show and I don't want to start over.