How to fix this paint abomination?

[Elliott]

I am looking for a solution to smooth over the severe scratching in my clear coat since I've exhausted most traditional methods. I've tried both polishing compound and rubbing compound to no avail. I am hesitant to try wetsanding but if you guys think our clear coat can hold up to it, I might give it a go. Please see pics below and advise. Thanks!

[Black_Pearl_B6]

In my wet sanding and buffing experience, Audi paint is really hard I would hit it with some 2500 or 3000 then hit it with some cutting compound then hit it with a good polish compound then wax or sealant that should do the trick as long as you sand properly

[b6Hate4]

Were the polishes you used applied by hand or by machine?

If by hand, you really need a machine. Most polishes dont even start to work untill they reach a high temperature, which only the high speed of a DA can provide.

I use a portercable 7424xp myself and it corrected this same issue with M105 and a follow up of M205 no sweat.

[mherington]

Use a DA polisher and a set of meguiars Microfiber disks with their 300/302 compound and polish. And head over to the autogeek and a utopia forums. But be prepared to go down a rabbit hole you might not return from. Paint correction and coating can be addicting.


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[b6Hate4]

In my wet sanding and buffing experience, Audi paint is really hard I would hit it with some 2500 or 3000 then hit it with some cutting compound then hit it with a good polish compound then wax or sealant that should do the trick as long as you sand properly

Use a DA polisher and a set of meguiars Microfiber disks with their 300/302 compound and polish. And head over to the autogeek and a utopia forums. But be prepared to go down a rabbit hole you might not return from. Paint correction and coating can be addicting.


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Addicting is an understatement.

[Elliott]

Yeah, I tried by hand with both rubbing compound and polish. I'm not opposed to giving the DA a try but wouldn't ideally choose to buy $100s in tools and materials to fix this single blemish. Any other options for a quick fix?

[4ringnut]

WD 40. I'm not kidding. Google it.

[b6Hate4]

Yeah, I tried by hand with both rubbing compound and polish. I'm not opposed to giving the DA a try but wouldn't ideally choose to buy $100s in tools and materials to fix this single blemish. Any other options for a quick fix?

You will get a LOT more use out of a DA than just fixing your single blemish. You'll fix it... Then look at your car and see all the other blemishes you never noticed. You will then fix all those, then remove all swirls, and once a year you can do a full detail and always have that paint looking pristine.

Local autoparts stores now sell a special DA head just attached to a chuck for use with a power drill, and it goes for like $50, and comes with a medium pad, I lucked out and got my DA on craigslist for like $80 new in the box, so check local classifieds too.

[A4 Centaur]

^Just ordered a 6" DA from Griots Garage with a coupon for $99.

Can't wait to get back into detailing!

[blbroo]

You will get a LOT more use out of a DA than just fixing your single blemish. You'll fix it... Then look at your car and see all the other blemishes you never noticed. You will then fix all those, then remove all swirls, and once a year you can do a full detail and always have that paint looking pristine.

Local autoparts stores now sell a special DA head just attached to a chuck for use with a power drill, and it goes for like $50, and comes with a medium pad, I lucked out and got my DA on craigslist for like $80 new in the box, so check local classifieds too.

I have that drill attachment. I should have just paid more to get a real DA. It's not great for more than just waxing.


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[b6Hate4]

I have that drill attachment. I should have just paid more to get a real DA. It's not great for more than just waxing.


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Ah thats dissapointing to hear. I thought it may be a handy little tool because I hate using corded tools and having to drape the cord over my shoulder to keep it from rubbing all over the paint while I work.

[Zapps]

^Just ordered a 6" DA from Griots Garage with a coupon for $99.

Can't wait to get back into detailing!

Great deal! Mind sharing the source?

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[Elliott]

WD 40. I'm not kidding. Google it.

I think I need something a bit more abrasive to smooth out these scratches.

You will get a LOT more use out of a DA than just fixing your single blemish. You'll fix it... Then look at your car and see all the other blemishes you never noticed. You will then fix all those, then remove all swirls, and once a year you can do a full detail and always have that paint looking pristine.

Local autoparts stores now sell a special DA head just attached to a chuck for use with a power drill, and it goes for like $50, and comes with a medium pad, I lucked out and got my DA on craigslist for like $80 new in the box, so check local classifieds too.

Bring your DA to San Diego and hook it up! Do you know if there are any dremel attachments that would get the job done. The entire blemish is only about 2"x3", so I really don't want to get a DA that will be sitting on my garage shelf 99% of the time.

[A4 Centaur]

Great deal! Mind sharing the source?

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Got the coupon for a gift. My awesome neighbor with a Scuba Blue S7!

http://www.griotsgarage.com/home.do?...FQqtaQodZGUCog

[b6Hate4]

I think I need something a bit more abrasive to smooth out these scratches.



Bring your DA to San Diego and hook it up! Do you know if there are any dremel attachments that would get the job done. The entire blemish is only about 2"x3", so I really don't want to get a DA that will be sitting on my garage shelf 99% of the time.

I would almost certainly say no to any dremel attachments being capable of touching Auto paint. You could make it worse and haze it if you use a low quality pad. Its ALL in the pad, it's as important as quality polish.

I'll come couch surf in San Diego though.

[jfo]

If you don't want to buy your own random orbital, just take it to a detail shop and have them fix it properly for you. A random orbital like the Porter Cable which I have, isn't something used very often, but it is frequently the only way to deal with paint correction. I also find it is a much faster way to apply wax or sealers, especially if you want to apply multiple coats. I also don't have any detailers within 2 hours, so I appreciate having the tool around when I need it.

[B G 8er]

Can't really see the scratches from your picture but before you keep rubbing on your paint with compounds, I would highly advise what jfo is suggesting, that you take it to a professional Detailer. Haven't seen him active on Audizine for a while but you might want to contact Wes at Elite Finish Detailing near you in San Diego. He's very knowledgeable about our paint and how to perform correction on it.

First, rule of thumb, if you can catch the scratches with your fingernail, it's likely too deep to polish out. Also, as you probably know, when you use a cutting polish on your paint, you remove some of the clear coat. You don't want to remove too much of the clear coat or it will fail.

Inside that area on the front of the rear deck-lid, a DA can be difficult to get into tight spaces. Meguiar's M105 by hand can remove small imperfections however, it would be wise to have a paint depth gauge on hand so you know you aren't taking off too much clear. I would not recommend wet sanding your paint without proper experience and even if you do, you're going to need a machine polisher, rotatory or DA to buff out the sanding marks you will be putting in.

How did the scratches occur? What can you do to avoid them in the future?

[kt883]

I've yet to break down and buy an actual DA but I did have a simoniz polisher (50-100CDN) with a cheap cotton/terry bonnet. People knock it but it actually works. I've gotten my paint to a mirror finish with it and I'm a beginner. Just be very careful around plastic parts such as bumpers, handles or trim as they will melt very easily. Test your skills on a beater first for those different materials so you know the limits and feel it nice in a while to make sure its not too hot.

For what your doing that will be sufficient to remove those scratches (as long as they aren't too deep). Simply use a good polishing compound then reapply wax.

[Zapps]

First, rule of thumb, if you can catch the scratches with your fingernail, it's likely too deep to polish out. Also, as you probably know, when you use a cutting polish on your paint, you remove some of the clear coat. You don't want to remove too much of the clear coat or it will fail.

In the case where a fingernail catches a scratch, is it more productive / or technically correct to fill the scratch with clear coat & level that, or sand / polish the whole area down until level? All assuming that the scratch hasn't penetrated the color coat.

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[Elliott]

This is definitely not "fingernail-catching" depth. In the interest of full disclosure, I debadged the car with a hairdryer and some dental floss then proceeded to spray some WD40 and remove the remainder of the adhesive with my fingernail. These scratches are all that remains.

[RAF_S7]

A detailer will have the right tools and products to fix this, and he will make your paint shine like new all over.

If you use the wrong tools and products, your going to be putting those badges back on to hide the mess you leave behind....

If you know friendly detailer, drop by and ask for his advice.

[RW12]

I've got a DA and the Powerball for paint. I use the DA on most of the car and the powerball for the hard to reach areas.

Just whatever you do, do not put a polishing attachment on an angle grinder. Yes I have seen it done. Burns the paint really badly and really quickly.

[B G 8er]

Unless you dug deep with your fingernails, the scratches should not be that deep. Especially if your nails were lubricated by the WD 40. Its possible that there is still some residue from the glue from the emblems appearing to be scratches. It is also possible that you made the scratches worse with the rubbing compound or a dirty rag. Its really hard to know how bad or minor without seeing it in person. Wes at Elite Finish Detailing is a fellow Audi Enthusiast. I'd recommend stopping by and seeing him in San Diego for a look.



Also, +1 on the Griots DA. Absolutely loving mine!!

[Elliott]

Thanks for the referral. I'll run it by Wes and go from there.

[kt883]

figured since I can see the outline of the adhesive. A simple machine polish will def remove fingernail induced scratches. When I debadged my last car I used a heat gun to remove most of the gunk then used goo gone to clean the rest, then polished by hand and it was sufficient, since I didn't scrape it off.