Oxidation/Scratches

[JlxTurbo]

My 2 has very light oxidation and scratch marks or swirls visible in direct sunlight. What should I do to remove by hand? I dont think ive got a polisher in the garage anywhere.
Please give ideas.

[Ben]

I would imagine a full clay bar and wax would help a lot.

[cminus]

I'm working on my MR2's paint currently. I did a lot of research on detailing, then I decided to try the cheapest thing first. I just got some terry cloth towels and some 3M rubbing compound. It takes a lot of rubbing, but the results are way better then I expected. I just put a quarter sized blob on a towel, spread it around a 1'x1' area and then rub back in forth in a straight line (not circles) until there is just a haze of compound left. Then I take a clean cloth and buff the haze off. I am going to have to go back over this with a polish or cleaner to get a better finish before waxing. I would say the oxidation on my car is HEAVY, so rubbing compound may be overkill for you. Try a cleaner wax, swirl remover or simply polish. Try the least abrasive stuff first and only go more abrasive if you don't like the results.





I like this last pic, you can see the oxidized section completely diffuses the light, only reflecting half of the garage door opener light where I've used the compound. You can also see the oxidized paint on my towel with a bit of product placement.

[MR2SW22]

what stuff did you use? i have a 91T red, and i want to make the paint look a little bit more shiney, it has a small amount of oxidation.

Originally Posted by cminus

I'm working on my MR2's paint currently. I did a lot of research on detailing, then I decided to try the cheapest thing first. I just got some terry cloth towels and some 3M rubbing compound. It takes a lot of rubbing, but the results are way better then I expected. I just put a quarter sized blob on a towel, spread it around a 1'x1' area and then rub back in forth in a straight line (not circles) until there is just a haze of compound left. Then I take a clean cloth and buff the haze off. I am going to have to go back over this with a polish or cleaner to get a better finish before waxing. I would say the oxidation on my car is HEAVY, so rubbing compound may be overkill for you. Try a cleaner wax, swirl remover or simply polish. Try the least abrasive stuff first and only go more abrasive if you don't like the results.

http://www.carpron.com/multisite/d/201205-2/hood1.jpg
http://www.carpron.com/multisite/d/201208-2/hood2.jpg
http://www.carpron.com/multisite/d/201211-2/hood3.jpg

I like this last pic, you can see the oxidized section completely diffuses the light, only reflecting half of the garage door opener light where I've used the compound. You can also see the oxidized paint on my towel with a bit of product placement.

[cminus]

I used 3M rubbing compound. Part no 03900. It says, "This product safely and effectively removes grade 1500 or finer sanding scratches, medium oxidation, coarse swirl marks or water marks, and leaves a fine finish." Basically it rubs the top layer off your paint and seems to be pretty aggressive. Works great for my problem though. If you just want "more shiny" and have light oxidation or swirl marks, a cleaner or polish might be just the thing.

Meguiars has a paint cleaner that might work for you. This will probably eat any wax you have, so you'll have to apply a wax/sealer after use.

Deep Crystal® System Paint Cleaner A3016 Product Information

3M makes a cleaner wax that is supposed to protect as well as clean. I haven't used it, but thought about using this instead of a separate polish and wax.

3M cleaner wax

If you get the rubbing compound, be careful with it. I've been told the next most abrasive thing is 1500 grit sandpaper. You could probably rub right through the paint where it is thin around the edges.

[MR2SW22]

i think i'll try that cleaner/wax, cause i will admit im lazy about appearnce right now, i have half of a side skirt on the passenger side. but i'd be nice to have a clean paint look. if i get it this weekend and try it i will take pics and let you know how it goes.

Originally Posted by cminus

I used 3M rubbing compound. Part no 03900. It says, "This product safely and effectively removes grade 1500 or finer sanding scratches, medium oxidation, coarse swirl marks or water marks, and leaves a fine finish." Basically it rubs the top layer off your paint and seems to be pretty aggressive. Works great for my problem though. If you just want "more shiny" and have light oxidation or swirl marks, a cleaner or polish might be just the thing.

Meguiars has a paint cleaner that might work for you. This will probably eat any wax you have, so you'll have to apply a wax/sealer after use.

Deep Crystal® System Paint Cleaner A3016 Product Information

3M makes a cleaner wax that is supposed to protect as well as clean. I haven't used it, but thought about using this instead of a separate polish and wax.

3M cleaner wax

If you get the rubbing compound, be careful with it. I've been told the next most abrasive thing is 1500 grit sandpaper. You could probably rub right through the paint where it is thin around the edges.

[GR8MR2]

Meguiar's ColorX works quite well by hand at removing oxidation and leaves a fairly shiny surface. I'd still give it a coat of NXT 2.0 to slow the oxidation process.