Hazy circles after using scratchx

[Saab 68]

I attempted to remove a scratch from my '81 Datsun 200sx with Scratchx. I applied with a microfiber applicator and then wiped the area clean with a microfiber towel. I then noticed a discolored circle around the scratch. I tried ultimate compound to remove this and noticed a second circle. The applicator was picking up some dark gray color but none of the copper color. I tried using clay bar on the area as well as Colorx and ultimate polish. Nothing seems to help. The area is still glossy but those weird circles are more noticeable than the scratch was. None of the copper color has transferred to the applicator so I don't think I went though the clearcoat.

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I had two paint shops look at this and they both think that nothing short of a repaint will fix this. Please let me know what I can do to either correct this issue or at least make it less noticeable.

[Murr1525]

Re: Hazy circles after using scratchx

I see two more 'orange' circles in the middle, and then the hazy rings. Are you able to tell which areas which product was applied in? Esp the Ult. Compound?

[Saab 68]

Re: Hazy circles after using scratchx

I used Scratchx and UC on both areas as well as Ultimate polish and Colorx. The normal looking areas between the hazy circles had the same amount of product applied as the rest of the area. It really didn't take much using just the Scratchx to create the first hazy circle. The rest of my efforts were in attempting to correct it.

[Murr1525]

Re: Hazy circles after using scratchx

Hmm. It seems like the 2 more orange circles could be the 'correct' orange color.... But not sure what would cause the rest...

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Hazy circles after using scratchx

Is this the original paint from '81? If so, we'd expect it to be single stage, but clear coat is certainly possible. If it's a repaint, how old is the repaint?

If original paint it is very possible that what you're doing is removing embedded dirt from the paint and rejuvenating the original brightness of the color. This can happen whether single stage or clear coat and could account for the darkness you're seeing on your applicator. If it's single stage metallic you'll actually be polishing the aluminum flakes in the paint, and that will turn your applicator black rather than copper.

One thing you didn't mention was how long you rubbed the products into the paint, and for how long. That can give us some indication as to whether or not you worked hard enough to go through a clear coat, assuming the car has a clear coat.

[Saab 68]

Re: Hazy circles after using scratchx

I'm not sure if this is the original paint but based on your comments, I now believe this to be single stage. I'm just not sure why the area is so inconsistent. I guess the hazy rings are just areas that are more oxidized than the rest of the car. I think I was working the Scratchx for a few minutes before wiping the area clean and observing the first hazy circle. I asked a paint and body shop to measure the thickness of the paint and its down to about 3 mil in the problem area compared to 5 for the rest of the car. Some areas are as high as 7. Any advice on how I can make those rings less visible? I don't expect perfection, just less noticeable.
This really is a great forum. Thank you both for taking the time to try to help me out.