Removing excess clearcoat from rock chip fill in

[drob23]

Tried to fill in some rock chips with OEM paint pen + clear coat, and used a Langka paint blob kit to remove the excess paint. This worked like a charm, and I did a couple coats of the metallic paint. When I went to put the clear coat on top, it wouldn't come off with the blob remover. I tried using my porter cable 7424 with some Pinnacle XMT Fine Swirl Remover #2 and a Orange Light Cutting 5.5 inch Foam Pad, but it didn't do much of anything. I also have some swirls that need to be removed on other parts of the car, so a solution that can also help with some slight to moderate swirls would be great. I'm definitely new to detailing, so maybe I should get some professional to look it over? Car paint is still pretty new.

FWIW I did grab a 2oz sample of some Wolfgang Finishing Glaze 3.0 on a recent order of optimum no rinse.

[b8audis4]

Here is what I would recommend. I would use the Clear Coat. Perosnally it isn't necessary to use. Just use the normal paint pen and then level it somehow.

For polishing I would recommend at least the Griots Garage polisher if not the Rupes. The Porter Cable is slowly being phased out as the power just isn't there. For a polish you could use something like Menzerna FG400 which should finish down quite nicely. Also you could use either a microfiber cutting pad or a normal foam pad. Just ask if you have any more questions.

[b8audis4]

Sonax Profiline Perfect Finish works quite nicely as well for finishing.

[b8audis4]

Also I don't want to create another post but if you want a good detailer the closest one that I would recommend is Todd at Esoteric Auto Detail down in Columbus. I think up in Michigan AutoLavish is supposed to be good but have no experience with them.

[drob23]

Thanks for the tips sir! I'll try the Menzerna Fast Gloss Compound (FG-400) and see if that works better with a harder cutting pad. Hoping that I don't need to purchase another rotary, but I guess I'll consider it if the scratches/clearcoat don't come out. The PC works well for applying wax. That sonax stuff sure is $$$, but I love the wheel cleaner.

Regarding the references (thanks), I probably won't spend that kind of coin to detail this car which I daily in some pretty awful conditions. But will definitely do a factory paint correction next time I buy a new car, BEFORE installing the xpel full front [headbang].

[b8audis4]

Thanks for the tips sir! I'll try the Menzerna Fast Gloss Compound (FG-400) and see if that works better with a harder cutting pad. Hoping that I don't need to purchase another rotary, but I guess I'll consider it if the scratches/clearcoat don't come out. The PC works well for applying wax. That sonax stuff sure is $$$, but I love the wheel cleaner.

Regarding the references (thanks), I probably won't spend that kind of coin to detail this car which I daily in some pretty awful conditions. But will definitely do a factory paint correction next time I buy a new car, BEFORE installing the xpel full front [headbang].

Sure thing! Well I am sure you know this but you don't need to purchase a rotary. With the Rupes and also the Griots Garage these are dual action polishers. Yes FG400 should work well for you on something like a Griots Garage or even a PC. Just need to work it longer and try a microfiber cutting pad but if you don't want to try that just try a uber foam pad from detailers domain. One that is very dense. Phil at Detailers Domain is a forum sponsor and a great guy to deal with!

[helix139]

If it's a big blob, you may need to do some light wetsanding of the blob to level the paint. If you aren't comfortable with this, a detailer should be able to do it for you. Definitely try the FG400 first with a microfiber pad, though. Take your time and don't be afraid to wipe with IPA after each pass and check progress. You don't want to remove more paint than necessary. You may also want to pick up a 3" backing plate and 4" pads if the area is really small.

[b8audis4]

If it's a big blob, you may need to do some light wetsanding of the blob to level the paint. If you aren't comfortable with this, a detailer should be able to do it for you. Definitely try the FG400 first with a microfiber pad, though. Take your time and don't be afraid to wipe with IPA after each pass and check progress. You don't want to remove more paint than necessary. You may also want to pick up a 3" backing plate and 4" pads if the area is really small.

Yes I agree. Wet sanding may be necessary in order to completely eliminate the blob and to level the paint. On a flat panel this is one thing but if you are dealing with an area around a curve I wouldn't do it. Not worth it. Also in the future or after you touch up the paint chip think about a clear bra since they can really save your paint. Specifically one from XPEL.

[drob23]

Yes I agree. Wet sanding may be necessary in order to completely eliminate the blob and to level the paint. On a flat panel this is one thing but if you are dealing with an area around a curve I wouldn't do it. Not worth it. Also in the future or after you touch up the paint chip think about a clear bra since they can really save your paint. Specifically one from XPEL.

Thanks all for the recommendations, already grabbed some gear from DD. Probably won't try the wet sanding unless a last resort.

I actually did an expel full front after filling in the chips. This rock chip happened on the roof of the car, bad enough that I could hear the rock while driving with people in the car and radio on. Sigh, sometimes seems like a fight I just can't win [:D]

[drob23]

If it's a big blob, you may need to do some light wetsanding of the blob to level the paint. If you aren't comfortable with this, a detailer should be able to do it for you. Definitely try the FG400 first with a microfiber pad, though. Take your time and don't be afraid to wipe with IPA after each pass and check progress. You don't want to remove more paint than necessary. You may also want to pick up a 3" backing plate and 4" pads if the area is really small.

Thanks for the advice! Done, done and will do. Will probably hold off wet sanding.