How do get rid of fine scratches on paintwork?

[Max Swell]

My 4200 is a fantastic looking car but I feel that maybe maserati paint is soft? My paintwork is has fine scratches in it, my OCD can see this only ..... to the naked eye it's perfect but under a halogen spot held a couple of feet away it needs sorting.

So what to do?

Get a detailer in?

Buy some T cut?

Leave it alone? Can't do this option by the way ..... OCD you see?

Help please chaps....

Max

 

[CatmanV2]

How much time have you got to spare? Personally I'd get it detailed if it's bothering you.

C

 

[Max Swell]

OK I have no time.....

Detailer is the way forward.

Are there any good ones in Cheshire that we know of and have used?

What would one expect to pay for a full bodywork detail but don't need it to be concours?

 

[dickygrace]

I have a detailer Max, I'll send you his details. I've used him once or twice but I'll also ask at Autoshield tomorrow for you.

 

[Max Swell]

Thanks Dickie I'll call you over next day or so

 

[CatmanV2]

I had mine done for about £250. Made a **** of a difference.

C

 

[fcz360]

I do my own you would need a DA polisher and a good mix of kit. Otherwise try these guys they have a guy in cheshire.

http://www.sportscarprotection.com/

 

[Emtee]

Hi Max, Get a detailer on it. Having the clobber is like saying just 'cos you have some oil paints and a canvas you're Leonardo da Vinci.

Experience is everything. Find a good detailer and you will be blown away with the results. I get mine done twice a year with top-ups between. Money well spent in my book and a history of good detailing forms part of a great record when it comes to selling.

Oh and if you think you're OCD, speak to a detailer!! You ain't got anything on them!

 

[Brendan]

I was told if your swirl marks are removed/polished out that it is only tempory and they come back in the end.

 

[Max Swell]

Thanks Frank and Miles I wll get one in because I know I won't get it right and it won't be anywhere near their finish.

Good advice before I buy a load of kit to use once!

Max

 

[CatmanV2]

I was told if your swirl marks are removed/polished out that it is only tempory and they come back in the end.

I think it depends on a number of factors. If you wash you car in a car wash, or at the local 'hand car wash' place, yes I'm sure they will. As well as being impacted with things like fuel hoses, people brushing against the car, or on one memorable incident, draping herself over the bonnet

Also, my understanding is that if the swirls are filled in, then the filler eventually wears away. If, however, they are polished *out*, and you take the appropriate care (which as far as I can tell means never driving your car) it'll be fine

C

 

[doodlebug]

My 4200 is a fantastic looking car but I feel that maybe maserati paint is soft?
Max

The paint on the 4200 is actually very hard compared to most modern paints. I have to use a harder polish on mine to get rid of any swirls compared to my BMW.

Contrary to opinions expressed on here and elsewhere, polishing to remove swirls will last for ages if the car is subsequently washed carefully.

Swirls do come back if they are 'filled' with wax or a glaze, or the car is washed with something akin to a brillo.

I've only had to polish mine once in the 5 years I've owned it (3 years ago) and I will probably do it again soon to give it a bit of a treat for Spring.

 

[conaero]

Max Maserati paint is very hard if you want to know what soft/bad paint is go look at any Alfa 147/GT and you will see.

What you need is a paint correction done by a detailer.

You can do it yourself but if you are not experienced I would not advise it.

 

[doodlebug]

I think it depends on a number of factors. If you wash you car in a car wash, or at the local 'hand car wash' place, yes I'm sure they will. As well as being impacted with things like fuel hoses, people brushing against the car, or on one memorable incident, draping herself over the bonnet

Also, my understanding is that if the swirls are filled in, then the filler eventually wears away. If, however, they are polished *out*, and you take the appropriate care (which as far as I can tell means never driving your car) it'll be fine

C

I drive mine everyday and the swirl marks are only just starting to become noticeable in bright sunlight after its last polish 3 years ago.

 

[CatmanV2]

Good to hear, Doodle bug. I must confess mine is showing no signs of swirling yet, but it's also the first car I ever had properly detailed.

Do you wash your own?

C

 

[doodlebug]

Yes Catman, I do wash my own. I do the car myself too.

I'm a bit OCD about washing - 2 buckets, woollen mitt etc. but it is a never ending battle to keep it clean over winter so I only do it one or twice until spring arrives.

 

[CatmanV2]

Hehheh!
Bath once a year, weather you need it or no?

I'm toying with the idea of starting to wash the Maser myself, as I don't really want it scratched again, but it's not my favourite activity.

C

 

[Grinzzz]

Takes me ages to wash a car, far to much OCD involved. Snow foam, rinse, first wash, rinse, clean wheels, second wash including all shuts, rinse, dry, wipe over with detailing spray. Oh look a whole sunday has passed again.

 

[CatmanV2]

Grinz, have you thought of upgrading to CDO?

C

 

[Grinzzz]

The wifelet know's I'm out for the day when I raid the cupboard for cotton buds to clean all the twiddly bits. Ended up taking the scuttle covers out just before christmas to get at a bit of dirt I could see. Still, made sure I cleaned out the pollen filter while I was at it so not a bad job.