Best way to buff scratches out of my paint?

[ZmOz]

The f*%@ing neighborhood cats just love to sit on the hood of my Cherokee. The clear coat has quite a few light scratches in it. What should I do to buff them out? What kind of buffer should I buy, and what products should I use?<br /><br />BTW - anybody know a good cat recipe?

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Best way to buff scratches out of my paint?

Hey OZ:<br /><br />Harbor frieght has a great little variable speed buffer on sale now for like $25.00. (Ya, I knew you would like that) I have one and have abused it for a couple of years. They are a bit noisy but if you take the gear assy apart every few times and regrease it, it will last a long time, it only has a bearing on one end and a bushing on the other. I know how you like to take things apart. They have a 5/8 shaft and will accept most 3M buffing arrangements. Ask about what compounds and buffing bonnets at your automotive paint store. Probably Finessit by 3M will be what you want, and a foam pad.

 

[deputydawg]

Re: Best way to buff scratches out of my paint?

I think it is 3M makes a complete kit for this. It has the compounds, cleaners, wax stripper, wax, the works. It is kind of high for what it is but works good. <br />I use a cleap $15 wal mart buffer. Has been good for me. <br />If the scratches are hard to get out with a buffer, try some very very fine sandpaper. Lightly wet sand the clear coat. Use plenty of water! Just run the hose where your sanding, and lift your sand paper often to rinse any particals off. After sanding, use your buffer to apply a good wax coat. Just be careful not to sand down to paint. Just take off the top layer of clear. The same thing a buffer with buffing compound will do, but works better for deep scratches.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Best way to buff scratches out of my paint?

This one, LD?<br /> http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=46507 <br />Mmmm...cheap...my favorite flavor.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Best way to buff scratches out of my paint?

Originally posted by ZmOz:<br /> This one, LD?<br /> http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=46507 <br />Mmmm...cheap...my favorite flavor.

Yep, thats it, great polisher for the money, it even came with an extra set of brushes.

 

[dhud64]

Re: Best way to buff scratches out of my paint?

I had good luck with this product once when I got paint overspray on my wifes camero. I thought I had ruined the clear coat after using a rubbing compound to remove the overspray. There were swirls marks all over the car! Again this worked for me- <br /><br />http://products3.3m.com/catalog/us/en001/auto_marine_aero/automotive_aftermarket/node_GS8S5BMF3Cbe/root_GST1T4S9TCgv/vroot_GSLPLPKL4Xge/gvel_GS8V45YN4Pgl/theme_us_aad_3_0/command_A bcPageHandler/output_html

 

[ndemge]

Re: Best way to buff scratches out of my paint?

ahhh memories of the great locked "cat pi$$ed in my boat thread...."

 

[Mark42]

Re: Best way to buff scratches out of my paint?

I found this Makita to be the best bonnet around when I was looking last summer. They make one for buffing and one for polishing. They work with either velcro or the center screw mount. About $10 online or $14 at home centers.<br /><br />Large flexable plastic backing with big rolled edge. Larger than the 7" disk it goes on, it really does a great job. Beats the heck out of the tie on bonnets. And didn't self destruct with use. About 10" across and washable.<br /><br /><br />

 

[ehenry]

Re: Best way to buff scratches out of my paint?

Sounds to me like you need to invest in a wrist rocket sling shot or a good cat eating dawg! Thats one thing I dont tollerate, somebody elses cat on any of my vehicles. Owner gets one chance to keep them off. After that they're fair game.

 

[carrotsnapper]

Re: Best way to buff scratches out of my paint?

ZmOz, I'm with you on the cat thing. I get so *amn mad at the neighbors cats crapping in the garden and walking on the cars and snooping aroung in my boat. I offered to take them huntin, but the neighbor didn't go for it. M.