Damaged clear coat

[UgaBoga]

Stupid me, accidently applied the wrong wax (heavy rejuvinator), on a 2005 model car... Seems to have eaten through the clear coat.

What's the best course of action for now other then respraying one side? (which I will have done later).



Thanks

[Lydia]

Re: Damaged clear coat

I don't think that's a wax you applied. What exactly is it? If I had to guess, I would say either Turtle Wax Rubbing Compound (the red stuff) or something similar.

If you tell us what you used, we can probably help you out better. Just guessing, but it doesn't look like it has eaten through the clear coat (and good job posting a picture...it makes it easier to suggest what to do), it looks like it has just swirled and hazed it very badly. If that is the case, I suggest you get yourself a tube of ScratchX (Walmart and most parts stores have it) and apply it 3-5 times working it in very well, then look and see if that made a difference. The key here is working the ScratchX in well.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Damaged clear coat

I agree with Lydia here - it really does look as though you've just badly marred the finish using a heavy cutting compound by hand. If you can post exactly which product you used and how you used it (applicator used, did you let it set up before removing, etc) we'll have a better handle on just what's happening here.

[PorscheGuy997]

Re: Damaged clear coat

Yup, I agree with Lydia and Mike. The damage seems similar to TW rubbing compound.

Either way, the product used has marred the paint and swirled it up, too. That's why it looks dull. If it had eaten through the clear, you would see a difference in the dulled shine and would probably pull some black onto the applicator.

ScratchX would be your best bet by hand, but it will take some work.

I have a test panel that I did a while back with some TW and I'll try some things by hand to see what works and report back.

[yalerd]

Re: Damaged clear coat

I agree with the guys
We want to help out but you have to be clear on what did you use.

[MWAUTOPRO]

Re: Damaged clear coat

Well it looks like you just marred it up, and yes you can go through clear quickly by hand with an aggressive compound. (as previously stated)

You may have gone past the point of full return (I highly doubt) but just re-polish by hand carefully. I would wait on fully polishing it out until you can have someone use a paint gauge to make sure you are within a safe range, that is your safest option. You may not get all of the hazing out by hand but sometimes you have to live with some swirls so that you still have paint left.


#80 or scratch-x would both be "safer" products to start with.

Here are a few links to help:
How to Remove a Defect by hand with Scratch-X
How much paint are you removing.
Circles or Straight Lines?

[UgaBoga]

Re: Damaged clear coat

Hi again,

I have applied Scratch-X to the damaged area, it seems to have helped. I will be able to confirm later, once the shine has gone away. I can now see that the metallic paint is still intact in the damaged area after applying scratch-x.

The criminal compound was this - http://www.kittencarcare.com.au/prod...cut_polish.htm

Stupid me for not reading the details on the tin, the reason I thought it would be OK was because my brother bought it for his 2003 model car. Naturally, I thought it would be fitting for my car too. (kinda explains why he had never opened it in the first place )

I will take a photo once the shine is off, but I believe Scratch-X has definitely helped!

Thanks for the help, the assistance has been greatly appreciated!

[Lydia]

Re: Damaged clear coat

Glad ScratchX seems to have helped. Just remember ScratchX is a paint cleaner, so you need to apply some wax to the area afterwards. If you don't already have a quality wax, I suggest Meguiar's Cleaner Wax (it can also be purchased at Walmart and most auto parts stores). While you're at it, apply it to your whole car. It shouldn't mar your paint at all, and it will probably make your car look quite a bit better.

If you haven't already, I suggest you read this thread: Meguiar's Five Step Paint Care Cycle. It will help you understand the terms "paint cleaner", "polish", and "wax" better.

[UgaBoga]

Re: Damaged clear coat

Thanks Lydia

Other then the Meguiars hand applicator pads, what are my other options for applying Scratch-X?

I'll get some of that cleaner wax too.

Edit: Is this what you mean by cleaner wax - http://www.meguiars.com.au/productde...Protect&show=1

[Lydia]

Re: Damaged clear coat

You can apply ScratchX with a quality microfiber towel (that's what I usually use) or a quality terry towel also.

Yes that is what I mean by Cleaner Wax. It comes in a paste or a liquid version; of course both work well so it's just a matter of personal preference with which one you choose.

[UgaBoga]

Re: Damaged clear coat

Thanks Lydia

What about this? http://www.meguiars.com.au/productde...subcat=&show=4

[Murr1525]

Re: Damaged clear coat

A towel will give more bite to the product, while a smooth foam pad will be gentler. So in your case, you might want to start with the towel for a few applications, then go to the foam applicator to finish it off. Definately going to need a few applications on that.

Not quite sure what you mean by "waiting tiil the shine is gone"? The current shine should be staying there now, or improving if you do more applications.

Here are a few more links, just to add to Lydias....

Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle
Step 1 Wash
Step 2 Clean
Step 3 Polish
Step 4 Protect
Step 5 Maintain

Suggested Products for Taking Care of a New Car

What it Means to Remove a Scratch

How To Remove Swirls By Hand

How to remove a defect by hand with ScratchX

Rotary vs. PC vs. Regular Orbital Buffer

Recommended Products - G100a Dual Action Polisher

Using the G-100 to remove swirls with the Professional Line

1986 Ford Bronco II - Extreme Makeover

Each one, teach one... Ferrari Fiorano 355 F1 Spider

[Murr1525]

Re: Damaged clear coat

And to add... Either you applied that product with steel wool (which I assume you didnt), or that product is not safe for anything.... dont let your brother touch it either.

[Erik Mejia]

Re: Damaged clear coat

I think you may have misread the instructions:

"KITTEN® Cream Cut & Polish No. 2 has been designed to rejuvenate paintwork that’s in poor or heavily weathered condition. It combines the finest Carnauba waxes and silicones to provide a lasting shine that protects your car’s surface. If your paintwork is in reasonably good condition, or less than 8 years old, use KITTEN® Cream Polishing Wax No. 1. Do not use on clear coat finishes."

Glad scratchX worked out for you.

[UgaBoga]

Re: Damaged clear coat

And to add... Either you applied that product with steel wool (which I assume you didnt), or that product is not safe for anything.... dont let your brother touch it either.

Nope not steel wool, microfibre cloth..

Yeah, he told me he never opened it cause it was the wrong wax. Too bad, I found out after using it (read the tin, see above post).

Will post an updated picture shortly, but the Scratch-X seems to have helped alot, removing the big blurry spot, although there still seems to be some scratches and swirls, but far less obvious.