Pinstripe removal

[oakjefferson]

Hi,

First off, I have scoured the boards as well as the net in general. I've found a lot of great info on scratch/stripe removal, but that's the problem, too much info, a lot of it conflicting. I'm hoping a few people here might be able to give me a hand.

Just bought a 2012 a month ago and playing with it has already resulted in 3 or 4 stripes all the way along the passenger side. Somehow my wife has not seen this yet (thank you clouds) but I know it's a matter of time. There's one scratch about 4 inches long at the back that's a little deeper than the rest, but everything else passes the nail test.

I bought a bottle of Meguiars #2 Fine Cut Cleaner under the advisement of a auto parts guy. Before I take it to the truck, I checked on the net. I've now read all sorts of things - it won't work by hand, I need something heavier/lighter, I need to combine with their anti-swirl product. I need to wax first/after. Use a microfiber/don't use a microfiber, use a T-shirt etc.

Can anyone lead me in the right direction to both get these stripes out as well as avoid making things worse given it's head to toe on the truck? The only thing I know for sure at this point, is to do it when it's shaded/indoor and not hot. Really worried about making it worse.

Thanks,

 

[calikev]

Any generic polishing compound should get those out. The key is to remember that polishing compound is NOT wax. Put it only on the scratch, not 1-2 inches above or below. Wax is essential afterwards and a microfiber cloth would definitely be best to use afterwards. The scratches you have look very minor to me and should come out with no real issues. I would also highly recommend you don't use a buffer (it doesn't sound as if you have experience with one---you could VERY easily do way more damage). Do this by hand only. The buffer is for much, much worst than you have anyway.

This is only my opinion. I'm not a pro detailer, but you don't need one from the looks of what you have.

 

[oakjefferson]

Thanks, appreciate the help.

I assume if you say "any polishing compound", what I have is the right stuff, it's not too gritty? And when you say on the scratch, not 1-2 inches above, it's still about tiny cicrles the whole length right?

 

[calikev]

You're overthinking this...I know you just spent alot of cash on your new truck, but this is not something that deserves this much prep work.

Yes, circle motions are fine. I would have just gotten plain ol' polishing compound and used it, but what you have may be strong enough to work. I'm not there to touch it. If you need more grit, go get the polishing compound. Wax it afterwards and enjoy.

The paint is not as fragile as we think it is, especially when using your hands vs a buffer. Again, I wouldn't use a buffer unless you have experience with one or it's warranted based on the scratch. You will be fine if you use light/medium pressure and just hand buff the scratches off and wax.

NIKE...."Just Do It!"

 

[oakjefferson]

Awesome, I was worried it would too rough, not too little. I am over thinking it, no question. Just worried about big swirly marks or digging too deep. Will give it a go and see how it works. Thanks!