Hey guys / Gals,

I recently purchased 2 black cars and decided that instead of paying someone to keep them up like I had done in the past, I would do it myself.

This is my very first attempt at a detail, which started as a simple washing. I decided to go get some of this "clay bar" that I had read so much about. Then, at the auto parts store, I got another product called scratch X and another called turtle wax ice synthetic polish paste. Also armed with 6 microfiber pads, an polish applicator sponge, and countless towels, I dove in.

I started with the clay / finishing spray. One of the two cars was not bad at all, and the one that I thought was cleaned thoroughly made a mess of the bar.

Next I used the scratch paste with a micro-fiber applicator. I decided that when I was in the polish / scratch removal mode I would attempt using my 9.5 inch cheapo orbital with a microfiber pad. Results seemed ok, but not great.

Lastly, I finished up with a Carnauba Wax - mothers or mequiars.. Total time was about 6 hours to finish the first car, I would guess.

All said and done, the car shines MUCH better than it did when I started. I would say that 80% of the hairline scratches are removed.

Now, when I got started, I hadn't done much research. Now, halfway through the same treatment on the second car, I am getting obsessed. I purchased a Porter Cable 7424, an assortment of applicator pads, and the Menzerna Fav Four Kit. Should this do the trick for me to finish the job that I started? Do you have any advice that I should do differently? I really am obsessed with getting ALL the scratches out now and getting the cars to look new.

Ill attach some pictures, when you look at them, notice that one hood was started on the left, the second hood was started on the right.

 

Half Hood Complete Car #1




Hood Finished, notice the light swirls that didn't go away


Finished

 

Half hood on attempt #2