Some parts on my car the paint is pretty rough and dull, like the back bumper and rear fenders. I was thinking about using rubbing compund on it to make it a little better. It would be the first time I've used it, should I do that or is there something else I can try first?? Do you have any tips for applying the compound?? thanks

------------------[list][*]93 Z28[*]Flowmaster Catback[*]Hurst comp shifter[*]K&N Air Filter[*] http://www.cardomain.com/id/gh0st

 

Forget the rubbing compound, it is usually too rough for todays clear coat. Your best bet by far is a clay bar.

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96 Black Impala SS
Authorized Zaino Showcar Polish Distributor
www.zainobros.com
Remember #3

 

I agree, try the clay first. It should pull most all the rough gritty stuff out and leave a nice glass smooth surface. Then, I'd probably use a mild paint cleaner to restore the paint and clean off any oxidized or dead paint. Something like the Meguiar's Body Scrub or Paint Cleaner, or the Mother's Paint Cleaner would work well. There are several cleaners available, depends on how much you want to spend for one. The few I mentioned are decent for local cleaners. Also, after the cleaner, you might need a swirl remover to level the surface, but it depends on your paint's condition really. Something like 3M SMR #39009 or Meguiar's #9 SMR 2.0 would fit the bill here, if necessary. I'd only use the rubbing compound as a last resort, but it will definitely remove a bit of clear or paint in the process to restore the paint finish. Generally a clay bar and paint cleaner or swirl remover will restore dull and gritty finishes.



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*Mike's 1992 Camaro RS 25th Anniv.*
Dark Red Metallic (ext.) / Flame Red (int.)
Flowmaster Crossflow, K&N, 20% 3M Panther Black Tint
JL Audio 3 10", PPI PC2100, Kenwood eXcelon KRC-953H/U, Kenwood / Pioneer speakers
Show Car Shine by ZAINO! - Special Thanks to Sal Z!

 

well i tried Meguiar's paint cleaner and that didnt help. Whats the body scrub like?? i think i need something a little more abrasive. the only kind of clay bar that the place by me had was a mothers clay bar. do different brandds work better??

[This message has been edited by gh0st (edited July 24, 2002).]

 

Yes, the Mother's clay is a good local product, one of the better you can find in stores actually. Used properly, the clay will definitely smooth the finish out and probably add a bit of gloss.

The Meguiar's Paint Cleaner is pretty mild and for car's with paint already in fair condition. The paint cleaner will not smooth the paint like clay though, it primarily removes dead paint and deep cleans. I agree, it sounds like you need something a bit more abrasive to bring up the gloss. The Body Scrub has worked for me and it's more abrasive then the Meg's paint cleaner, but it would be best to use it after claying. If Body Scrub doesn't do the trick, I'd suggest a compound, like 3M Fine Cut. It will definitely level the paint. But, follow with a swirl remover (possibly multiple coats) if you use the compound.


You have several options, but without seeing and feeling your paint, it's hard to suggest the perfect product for your application. The above mentioned products generally are pretty good at restoring what you are referring to though.


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*Mike's 1992 Camaro RS 25th Anniv.*
Dark Red Metallic (ext.) / Flame Red (int.)
Flowmaster Crossflow, K&N, 20% 3M Panther Black Tint
JL Audio 3 10", PPI PC2100, Kenwood eXcelon KRC-953H/U, Kenwood / Pioneer speakers
Show Car Shine by ZAINO! - Special Thanks to Sal Z!

 

Ill try and get a picture of it tomorrow, not sure if you would be able to see it in a pic though. thanks for all the help.

 

well i just used the clay bar and it really made a difference. i thought all u people were on crack telling me that rubbing a little piece of clay on my car is gonna make a difference, but it really did and i dont know if its normal but after i was on with the claybar it was black...just from the rear bumper

[This message has been edited by gh0st (edited July 26, 2002).]

 

Great! I thought the clay would be a perfect starting point in your situation. Actually, that is a typical reaction from first time clayers. They can't believe how smooth the finish becomes, like glass. But, now you know!

It's completely normal for the clay to turn black especially if you have never used it on the paint before. All that black grit is the contamination that was pulled out of the paint that washing and even polishing can't remove.

Depending on how the paint looks and feels now, I'd still recommend a cleaner or swirl remover, but that's up to you really.

Good job with the claying!



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*Mike's 1992 Camaro RS 25th Anniv.*
Dark Red Metallic (ext.) / Flame Red (int.)
Flowmaster Crossflow, K&N, 20% 3M Panther Black Tint
JL Audio 3 10", PPI PC2100, Kenwood eXcelon KRC-953H/U, Kenwood / Pioneer speakers
Show Car Shine by ZAINO! - Special Thanks to Sal Z!