Have I scratched the car paint, or just deep dirt?

[dinfern22]

Hey, what's up guys!

I've had my car for about 7 months now and in that time I have washed the car about 4-5 times, using the two bucket wash method, using optimum no rinse, and waxed after using a spray wax. On the last two washes, while I was washing the car panel at a time, I noticed these brownish lines and streaks across and swirls on the hood and on the side doors. It wouldn't wash off even using a wash mit, and ive tried using a pressure washer with water. It even stays after drying the car. It isn't noticeable but if you get up close you notice these markings.

Guys, are these irremovable scratches on the paint or just deep dirt that cant be washed off with just optimum no rinse and water? What can i do about this, and tips or products to use?

-Thanks for your help, any advice is appreciated!


P.S. Sorry for the horrible pictures, you really have to look at the paint closely to notice the markings.

[NLS8520]

Its very difficult to determine from that photo exactly what has occurred. If I can ask for clarification if you gently run your fingernail in the opposite direction of the scratch is your nail catching? Is it possible the area was damaged in a parking lot, etc instead? In all likelihood especially if its wash induced marring, generally that is quite removable with machine polishing. I wish I could give you a definitive answer but its very hard to do over the internet on a white car especially lol. With that said that looks very much repairable with compound or even polish. For an example, I just repaired my brothers fender and it was a pretty good scuff and I was able to remove 85% of the damage and minimize all else with a machine polisher and polish, proper buffing pads etc.

[Tcoat]

Any decent quality polish should buff that right out. A quick coat of wax to follow it up and you should be as good as new.

[Magyarman]

Looks kinda like a oil stain or some kind of residue.

Wash with Dawn dish liquid(this will strip anything off of the paint such as polish,wax.
(See if this has removed your stains,if so just wax or polish and wax) If not move to next stage.

Get a clay bar kit (clay bar,spray lube/quick detailer,microfiber cloth),Mequiars is fine and have at it.

Wash again with regular car wash to remove any clay bar/spray residue.

Rinse well. and dry( I like to use a leaf blower)

At this point, if the stain is still there seek professional help.

Polish and wax as you have no protection what so ever at this point.

Best of luck!

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

Any decent quality polish should buff that right out. A quick coat of wax to follow it up and you should be as good as new.

THAT is waaaay too simple ......




humfrz

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by Magyarman

Looks kinda like a oil stain or some kind of residue.

Wash with Dawn dish liquid(this will strip anything off of the paint such as polish,wax.
(See if this has removed your stains,if so just wax or polish and wax) If not move to next stage.

Get a clay bar kit (clay bar,spray lube/quick detailer,microfiber cloth),Mequiars is fine and have at it.

Wash again with regular car wash to remove any clay bar/spray residue.

Rinse well. and dry( I like to use a leaf blower)

At this point, if the stain is still there seek professional help.

Polish and wax as you have no protection what so ever at this point.

Best of luck!

There ya go......


humfrz

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by humfrz

THAT is waaaay too simple ......




humfrz

Originally Posted by humfrz

There ya go......


humfrz

I would still try the simple first if it was me. If he has only washed the car 4 or 5 times in 7 months then going all out is sort of overkill. I washed mine 4 or 5 times in the first 7 days I think.

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

I would still try the simple first if it was me. If he has only washed the car 4 or 5 times in 7 months then going all out is sort of overkill. I washed mine 4 or 5 times in the first 7 days I think.

Well, the OP says he has just used spray wax on the car.

I'm thinking he needs to start all over and finish up with a good coat of wax.

Which reminds me, soon my car will be due for it's semi-annual bath, followed by it's annual waxing .....


humfrz

[soulreapersteve]

Originally Posted by humfrz

Well, the OP says he has just used spray wax on the car.

I'm thinking he needs to start all over and finish up with a good coat of wax.

Which reminds me, soon my car will be due for it's semi-annual bath, followed by it's annual waxing .....


humfrz

Does that mean you'll be joining myself and @Ultramaroon at the car museum on Sunday!?

[radroach]

You're going to need to use a different lighting technique to show us those scratches / swirls in a better light. I recommend using a dark area and use a work light or LED, and if the camera has trouble focusing use your finger to help it.

If the depth of the scratches are just in the clearcoat, then they can be easily removed with a buffer and compound. However if you can feel the scratches with your fingernail, then likely they're too deep and you'd only be able to minimize their appearance.

Next tools and recommended products: Be choosy which tools you use, don't go using a $20 autozone buffer on your nice car, just don't its a crappy idea. The tools I recommend (and are bread and butter staples of auto detailing and scratch removal) are:

Porter cable PC7424 Dual Action polisher - http://www.homedepot.com/p/Porter-Ca...Q&gclsrc=aw.ds

Meguiar's 5" velcro backing plate, Meguiar's DMC5 microfiber cutting pads (buy a 12 pack of these to save money), and Meguiar's Ultimate Compound. Follow online guides and youtube videos provided by meguiar's / autogeek / autopia etc for using this.

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by soulreapersteve

Does that mean you'll be joining myself and @Ultramaroon at the car museum on Sunday!?

I'll have to pass. You guys have a good time .....


humfrz

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by humfrz

I'll have to pass. You guys have a good time .....

[dinfern22]

Damn, this forum is helpful!

Thanks for the advice guys, I think ill first try buying an actual car wash soap and clay bar the car afterwards for the first time and wax it again using a paste instead of a spray. Ill see if the clay bar would remove the dirt and hopefully it isn't scratch.

If i'm correct, which i'm hoping I am, this was caused by using a wash mit that had some dirt and stuck to the car while washing/drying, which was also waxed on sticking it to the paint.

I am familiar with wax is suppose to protect the paint, but what is the purpose of a car polish? Also is it applied after waxing or prior after the wash? Any tips?

I am new to the whole waxing/polishing thing, so any help will do!

[dinfern22]

Originally Posted by radroach

You're going to need to use a different lighting technique to show us those scratches / swirls in a better light. I recommend using a dark area and use a work light or LED, and if the camera has trouble focusing use your finger to help it.

If the depth of the scratches are just in the clearcoat, then they can be easily removed with a buffer and compound. However if you can feel the scratches with your fingernail, then likely they're too deep and you'd only be able to minimize their appearance.

Next tools and recommended products: Be choosy which tools you use, don't go using a $20 autozone buffer on your nice car, just don't its a crappy idea. The tools I recommend (and are bread and butter staples of auto detailing and scratch removal) are:

Porter cable PC7424 Dual Action polisher - http://www.homedepot.com/p/Porter-Ca...Q&gclsrc=aw.ds

Meguiar's 5" velcro backing plate, Meguiar's DMC5 microfiber cutting pads (buy a 12 pack of these to save money), and Meguiar's Ultimate Compound. Follow online guides and youtube videos provided by meguiar's / autogeek / autopia etc for using this.

JESUS, $120 for a polisher!?
I think ill use this for a last resort if all fails. Thanks for the recommendation, ill check it out!