Hey guys, my wife has an 01' Acura MDX. It is Silver and it has quite a few surface scratches on it (kids). I wanted to know the recommended procedure and products to use to restore it to like new condition.

Thanks a million...

 

That's a big jar of worms to open as you will get several different product and probably procedures from several detailers.

For the most part if you plan on getting into it (which if you didn't plan on taking on a new hobby that you can dive into don't spend the money on a machine) you should have a few items on hand.

A non abrasive wash mit/sponge/brush(boars hair)

A decent soap (depends on whether or not you want to purchase online or locally)

Two buckets w/grit guards

A medium to light duty clay

A polish, maybe to start out something like scratch x by hand to get your feet wet (unless you were planning on buying a machine) even still if you have never polished paint scratch x or products similar (that are available locally) is a good 101.

Protection/Lsp (some call it last step product, I prefer lasting surface protectant.)

Over the counter you have several choices, online you have thousands. Most would probably say to go with meguiars nxt 2.0 if otc.

A safe drying process, waffle woven micro fiber towels, keep them spotless and free of particles.

Some use an electric leaf blower, and or flood the paint with the hose to remove a majority of the water.

Keep in mind a polish by hand literally takes forever, if used correctly, your rotator cuff should feel it the next month if you used the above mentioned product by hand.

Read the instructions and follow on each label, until you feel like tweaking things to make them work better for you.

 

So have you ever used a Porter Cable orbital buffer or a rotary high speed buffer before?

To correct scratch, even on an Acura soft clear coat, you'll need a machine, possibly even wetsanding if the scratches are deep enough.

As Brian said, you'll get a few different answers, but make it back to new and perfect, you'll need a machine. I would rather spend a few hundred then try to polish a SUV by hand.

Check out some Menzerna polishes as well. Autogeek would be a good start for you to find the things you'll be needing.

Josh

 

Post high rezolution pictures if you can?
There is no way anyone can give you an advise of how to proceed into fixing the problem, if we cant see it

 

+1. Can you post some pics

 

I wasn't remedying his situation, just merely pointing him in the direction of where to start.

 

Brian, I only asked for pictures so we can better guide him into what is needed to be done. All your points on how to proceed are very good and helpfull.

Eddie

 

I would start by:
1. washing the car.
2.clay the car.
3.polish steps.
4.wax steps.

and you car should be nice. The hardest part is finding the right polish, wax and going through the steps.

 

I got the impression the poster was refering to isolated deeper scratches?

Are you talking about swirls from washing/drying or deeper scratches??

Pics would be nice as mentioned.

 

Acura paint is SUPER duper soft! It's one of the hardest paints to finish down.

Luckly, it's silver & not black!