Ok, due to the comments and suggestions of Intel486 and Boss_429, I bought a PC random ordit buffer. I've used it a number of times and I really like it a lot! It handles everything I need it to on my truck. However, my wifes SUV is another story. I've tried a couple different Meguiars compounds (#9, #82) with one of their yellow polishing pads, and have been unable to remove some light scratches and swirls in the paint on her car. When I called Meguiars tech support, their rep told me that I probably wouldn't be able to remove the scratches on her car with the PC random orbit because it wouldn't generate enough cutting force (and heat). I asked about going with one of their red cutting pads and a coarser compound with the PC, but he still thought that only a rotary buffer would yield the results I am looking for. I didn't really want to hear that since I don't own a rotary buffer.

For those that have used the PC buffer more than I have, is there something else that I can try that will better remove scratches? Do I need to also add a rotary buffer to my ever growing tool box? If so, where can I get proper instruction on using a rotary buffer (I'd prefer not to do more damage to the finish than I'm repairing)?

Please share what you have. I spent a long time in the garage today buffing on her car without achieving near the end result I was hoping for.

 

Wet sand the scratch with 1 1/4" 2500 grit sandpaper. This will sand out the scratch in the clear coat. Once you can no longer feel the scratch than polish like normal. Make sure you don't sand with the paper on your finger tip. You might cause a divot in the paint. Get a sanding tool.

 

BigDeal,

Well, the orbital buffer is great for removing swirl marks, light scratches, and applying products. However, it's not made for removing bad scratches.

There are all types of scratches......... those just in the clearcoat, those down and into the base coat........... those down to the primer, and those down to the metal. While a rotary buffer can remove scratches in clear coat, and even some in the base coat, it can't always remove them all, and won't remove any that are through the base coat, or worse. And my guess is, you've got some of each.

A rotary is a fine tool, but requires some skill and knowledge to use properly, and can cause more damage if used improperly. Unless your willing to spend the time and money to learn how to use the rotary properly, I would recommend that you take your wife's vehicle to a professional detailer for some advise on what's needed to get her vehicles paint back to new.

Sorry I couldn't help more.

 

Hey Boss, the problem I have with tapping the experience of a professional detailer here locally, is that I really don't believe we have one that fits this catagory. I have a friend that utilizes the best known (and expensive) detail shop here in town to have his black Mercedes done, and it comes back with nothing but swirls marks in the finish. I think the real solution is for me to learn how to use a rotary buffer. The scratches in my wifes SUV are shallow (i.e. in the clearcoat) and I think they could be removed with the proper tool and time. Any suggestions on were I can obtain some education on the proper use of a rotary buffer? I take it from your comments that you don't think the PC is going to cut it for this purpose. As always, any comments you offer are appreciated.

 

BigDeal,

Sorry I didn't get to respond sooner................ lot of things going on! Anyhow, it's difficult to tell one how to use a rotary, as it's a tool that you've got to get a "feel" for. You might want to buy one, and find an old hood, or trunk lid to practice on. Also, I would advise that you spend some time at a good detailing site asking questions about the rotary. Here's a couple of good ones:

http://www.detailcity.com
http://www.autopia.org