Paintwork - Clear coat

[Back2Black]

Just to add about the scratches . If you can feel a scratch with your finger nail then it’s fairly deep, and if your car is a metallic paint then you need to cross fingers its not through the laquer into the metallic underneath . If you can feel it with your nail then you need to do things in stages and if its to deep then its a paint shop job.

If your having a go at a deep scratch and crossing your fingers its not through the laquer. A TIP Try wiping the area with white spirit if the scratch dissapears when wet then you could be lucky, if it still stands out then odds on your through the laquer and it needs painting . Next thing is to rub away a few microns of laquer until the scratch dissapears sounds drastic but you need to level the paint surface for that perfect finish . Wax polishing will only fill the scratch with wax for a while . If its deep then a very fine wet and dry will quickly remove the bulk of a scratch ( go steady and try to use a flat block over the area and not just your finger end .Remember the last thing you wan’t to do is break through the laquer) . When you think its gone or nearly gone you need to get the fine wet and dry scratches away using a compound like G3 . Now the G3 will have left very fine scratches or swirls and these will need a finishing cream and a nice cotton cloth . Lastly a good waxing of your choice to finish . If you have lighter scratches then you definately don’t need wet and dry and may just need the G3 onwards and often just a finishing cream will remove most very light marks . Once your marks are gone try to stick to waxing as any rubbing compounds or creams do remove paint and you only have so much on your car.

Very well commented, thanks, notes taken!

Sorry, meant to ask, regarding the G3, is it best to use the liquid or the paste, have looked on-line but they don’t mention this, is one for use with

a machine?

[Nedski]

 I get on better with the liquid as the paste dries out a bit quick while working it for me.Flicking a bit of water onto your pannel while rubbing helps sometimes. I buy it by the larger bottle for work but you can get the handy smaller tubes. It will leave very fine swirls so you will need a cream to take those away and give you the final shine before waxing. Good luck

[Back2Black]

 I get on better with the liquid as the paste dries out a bit quick while working it for me.Flicking a bit of water onto your pannel while rubbing helps sometimes. I buy it by the larger bottle for work but you can get the handy smaller tubes. It will leave very fine swirls so you will need a cream to take those away and give you the final shine before waxing. Good luck

Thanks Nedski - the fine compound i have (from old) is more of a paste than a liquid, and as you say,

it does dry out fairly quick when in use, i normally use it on a damp cloth but will dump all my old

habits and will now go for the G3 liquid and use waffle pads.  I have a bottle of Meguiars cleaner/polish

which i guess will do as the second stage before the final carnauba waxing.  Thanks again for your help

and suggestions.  Regards Reg.