Even though I am meticulous with my car and only use the softest microfiber wash/weave dry, and no one touches the car, I notice very fine scratches/swirl marks. This is only noticeable under the ideal light conditions (gas stations with 234 flourescent lights, etc). It bugs me that the paint is not perfect when I am so careful. Can you just not touch a car at all these days?

 

It may have been the previous owner id pre-owned or the porters when they washed it for the first time when you bought it. The finer scratches are from a wash mitt, low-grade microfibers, chamois, etc. What products are you using and how. It shouldn't be too difficult to care for a lighter colored car.

 

I'll be watching this thread! I carefully washed my car using CR Spotless DI water (thanks, Moe!), Meguires soap and a Griotts boars hair brush, dried it by lightly pulling a waffle weave mf towel across the surface (no pressure), blew remaining water out of the 10,000 places it hides with compressed air, then let the car sit overnight. Next day, full Porter Cable polish using Menzerna Intensive on an orange Lake Country pad (thanks again, Moe). Finished up with Menzerna FMJ. Car looked awesome! No fine scratches or swirlies in bright sun.

Since I've learned my lessons the hard way, I did not use my car cover nor my (gasp!) California Duster for the next week. Naturally, since the car is my driver, it was covered with dust the following weekend. As a test, I very carefully dusted it with a lamb's wool duster. No pressure, just the lightest touch on the paint, just enough to lift the dust.

Results: I can see every pass I made with the duster . I'm coming to the same conclusion as mass - you can't touch the paint unless you're washing, polishing, or waxing (or whatever you call applying a product like FMJ). I thought FMJ was pretty tough.

Jeff

 

I didn't think a CA duster will leave scratches.... really, just lightly dragging it???

A

 

The car is only 6 months old and no one has touched it but me. I also only touch the car when I wash, polish and wax. Altough I don't use porter cable (all by hand), I am able to get most of the fine scratches out. Furthermore, my car is a dark grey and you can only see these imperfections in the most ideal light conditions and if you stare intently. I only use professional products such as, p21s, zymol, 3m, etc. My point is I really believe that even if during washing a car with the softest mits, it is possible to lightly scratch it. I think it is nearly impossible to touch any part of the car, with the exception of polish and wax, without causing some imperfection, even if it is slight.

I use microfiber wash mits (which I rinse out thoroughly after each wash), lots of water, and a waffle weave big blue towel (which I wash after each use), so I think that is about as careful as one could get.

What I don't understand is for an **** perfectionist like myself, why is the paint so delicate on cars?

I would never use any product on a dusty car.

 

Me too- see my post here on my Slate.

This is the darkest car I've owned since I've become a nut, so I guess time will tell. I'd like to think regular waxing (or Zainoing) and gentle 'staged' washing (thorough rinse, soap/foam, rinse, light mitt, rinse, DI rinse) will keep it in check....

Adam

PS I've got 4 other cars- BMW, Acura, Ford- and folks all complain 'why is this paint so soft'....I'm not sure it is any particular paint brand.

 

IMO, we need to go back to lead-based paint! By the way, why is lead paint banned for automotive use? My 4-year old ain't gonna chew off a piece of car sheetmetal, let alone lick it. Is it the by-products in producing lead-based paint? Also, is the clear coat on most cars the weak, soft culprit?

Question for Moe: What kind of paints are used on concours-quality restored autos now these days?

 

Just be thankful the clear coat is easily fix.