Hand polishing a scratch and window cleaning streaks

**Ynnekdude** · 07-26-2009 08:43 PM

I noticed a tiny scratch on my car the other day, not very deep. Likely from the dealer when they cleaned my car after I brought it in for some stuff to get installed. I detailed the car today and yes I'm new to this. It came out looking quite nice but the scratch is still there. I used Adams machine polish (I don't think that's the right polish for the job, is it?) on the scratch but just used a hand pad and worked it around with little result. It looks a bit better but in no way is it gone. Any suggestions? I have a feeling I will eventually be getting this when I need to order more supplies

http://www.detailersdomain.com/index...ROD&ProdID=432

but for now I am just going by hand. Am I looking at a problem a hand can't solve?

Next question,
I was cleaning my windows, used a brand new microfiber towel, and Adams glass cleaner. I can't get my windows to look clean. I see all sorts of bubbles and smears when I wipe the window down. I assume it has something to do with that clear protection crap the dealer installs before sale and since the car has less than 1000 miles on it I assume that stuff is making it hard on me. However, I know there is a way to get the windows clean seeing as the dealer managed to do it when they washed it a week ago. Any suggestions to get around this problem? I had a little more luck when I mixed the cleaner with some water but I still see some little streaks

Thanks!

**SpecC** · 07-27-2009 03:04 AM

Hand polishing doesn't really do a lot. Think of it this way, a machine polishes at probably 100-1800 RPM depending on the machine for several minutes. That's much more elbow grease than your joint would like to handle. If you are serious about it, the Porter Cable you linked wouldn't be a bad idea.

As for the glass, I'd say use the side of the microfiber that isn't as fluffy. If that doesn't work, I'd go grab some glass microfiber towels. The ones you get from walmart, target, autozone, etc are only good for a few times then they start to streak.

**getslideways** · 07-27-2009 08:51 PM

I am by no means a detail expert, but when my brother got a scratch on his acura after a dropped screwdriver slid down his fender, i used meguiars' swirl remover polishing/rubbing compound with a towel and a little elbow grease going in circular motions over the area. After a little bit of rubbing i wiped everything down and buffed the surface with a clean dry section of the towel to get all the remaining residue off and any remaining swirl marks. By then the scratch disappeared. I put a little wax on the area for good measure, and now its impossible to tell it was ever there. And the whole process took maybe 7 minutes

I used this same process to get some light scratches off my trunk lid that wax alone wouldnt cover up

again i am just stating what worked for me and not saying this is the right or wrong way to do it

**htfan** · 09-22-2009 04:09 PM

Originally Posted by getslideways

I am by no means a detail expert, but when my brother got a scratch on his acura after a dropped screwdriver slid down his fender, i used meguiars' swirl remover polishing/rubbing compound with a towel and a little elbow grease going in circular motions over the area. After a little bit of rubbing i wiped everything down and buffed the surface with a clean dry section of the towel to get all the remaining residue off and any remaining swirl marks. By then the scratch disappeared. I put a little wax on the area for good measure, and now its impossible to tell it was ever there. And the whole process took maybe 7 minutes

I used this same process to get some light scratches off my trunk lid that wax alone wouldnt cover up

again i am just stating what worked for me and not saying this is the right or wrong way to do it

Appreciate this info. Just picked up some Swirl-X. I hoping will remove some light scratch marks I've recently noticed.

**S4-Casa** · 10-09-2009 11:11 AM

Invisible Glass Cleaner - FTW

**obijohn22** · 10-10-2009 01:40 PM

If you are doing this by hand, the Adam's fine machine polish is not the right product for you. It is not aggressive enough for hand application, and you cannot properly break it down by hand. As others have said, get something that is designed to be used by hand and you will get better results. good luck

oh and btw, on the outer glass, Adam's detail spray is awesome! It contains shine enhancers and if done properly (in the shade) will not leave streaks.

**Alan** · 10-11-2009 01:15 PM

Aren't you in ST:A on PBN?

As far as the scratch, all hand polishing will do is hide it. If you want gone, you'll have to get it machine polished.

Glass, try using window towels. I have window towels from Detailers Domain, and they leave 0 streaks.

**Ynnekdude** · 10-11-2009 04:41 PM

Originally Posted by Alan

Aren't you in ST:A on PBN?

As far as the scratch, all hand polishing will do is hide it. If you want gone, you'll have to get it machine polished.

Glass, try using window towels. I have window towels from Detailers Domain, and they leave 0 streaks.

yes... I am

I've wised up for the polishing. I plan on ordering this in the near future:
http://www.detailersdomain.com/theub...es16ozkit.aspx

As for the windows, the problem was the crap the dealer had sprayed onto the windows. No longer do I get streaks.... I think just giving the car a few washes took care of it.

**Alan** · 10-11-2009 05:16 PM

Cool, i hate windows, glad they turned out good for ya.

As far as the PC goes, it's a good machine, I've had mine for 3 years. It will correct light scratches, just keep in mind that it can only do so much as a random orbital. For heavier scratches, you might need to have it buffed with a rotary

**Ynnekdude** · 10-11-2009 05:31 PM

Originally Posted by Alan

Cool, i hate windows, glad they turned out good for ya.

As far as the PC goes, it's a good machine, I've had mine for 3 years. It will correct light scratches, just keep in mind that it can only do so much as a random orbital. For heavier scratches, you might need to have it buffed with a rotary

At the moment, I don't have any deep scratches so I plan on just using the PC for my "details." I know I'm bound to eventually get a deep scratch and in that case, I wouldn't trust myself to do the job. That's where the professionals come in haha

I'm not at home at the moment either so it gets tough to do a good detail but I try to keep my car as clean as possible

. My roommates think I'm nuts...I disagree.

A few pics from a couple of weeks ago after a wash/wax to keep safe for winter: