Detailer Questions? Ask me!
11-18-15, 07:01 PM
#17
What's the best product to use for cleaning the inside of the RCF? It's mixed leather. I'm thinking of getting some of the Wolfgang line. Currently using chemical guys InterClean. Was thinking maybe using 303 aerospace
Please let me know if I'm off basis
Please let me know if I'm off basis
11-20-15, 06:48 PM
#18
Driver
Thread Starter
Zach,
I just bought my first Lexus...happy to be part of the club. 2008 IS350, Silver, 18", Nav. There are a couple scratches in the paint, although they look to be in the surface only, and a couple chips as well. I can post a pic or two later today. A couple questions for you:
1. How can I remove/buff out the scratches?
2. Where can I get touch-up paint to cover up the chips?
Also, I want to protect the rest of the car, and based on some other articles you have posted I'm leaning towards the Blackfire Wet Diamond sealant. That seems to be what you would recommend.
I just bought my first Lexus...happy to be part of the club. 2008 IS350, Silver, 18", Nav. There are a couple scratches in the paint, although they look to be in the surface only, and a couple chips as well. I can post a pic or two later today. A couple questions for you:
1. How can I remove/buff out the scratches?
2. Where can I get touch-up paint to cover up the chips?
Also, I want to protect the rest of the car, and based on some other articles you have posted I'm leaning towards the Blackfire Wet Diamond sealant. That seems to be what you would recommend.
A scratch that you can't feel with your fingers, will most likely come out. I would use 1500 Grit sand paper, and then 3000 over the 1500. Don't go too much, or you'll burn through the clear. Straight right to left or up and down strokes. Probably no more than 10-15. Use a block too. Then use a buffer and some compound.
Now if they are scratches that are very fine, and usually from rags, or brushes, you can usually take some wax to those. Let it bake in the sun for a minute or two, and then wipe it down with a fine cloth.
2. Either contact the dealership, or go to a local paint shop and they'll help you out.
Last edited by ComponY; 11-20-15 at 06:51 PM.
11-21-15, 12:03 PM
#20
First rule of detailing is "Don't make things worse." Attempting to sand a scratch may turn into an expensive nightmare if you are a nube to this technique, especially with an 8 YO vehicle who's paint thickness is unknown. If you cannot catch your fingernail in the scratch you likely can polish it out with a compound, even by hand. If you have a DA or rotary polisher it is even easier, if you are experienced in their use. My advice is to start out with a polish or compound, or better yet find a professional detailer to put your new ride back in like new condition. Once there, it is much easier to maintain. As to touch-up paint go to your local Lexus dealer. They will have the exact paint match you want. Before dabbing on the paint though, clean the area and wipe it down with some isopropyl alcohol to remove any dirt, grease or wax. If the areas are large, or many, consider a body shop. They can often work cheaply when they are slow.
Sometimes a few scratches in an 8 YO vehicle are considered character marks. If you want to make them less visible it is usually better to compound & polish and move on rather than wind up sanding through the clear coat and winding up with an ugly mess that is expensive to remedy. I'd let the pros with the proper knowledge and equipment worry about things like paint thickness and possible damage.
Sometimes a few scratches in an 8 YO vehicle are considered character marks. If you want to make them less visible it is usually better to compound & polish and move on rather than wind up sanding through the clear coat and winding up with an ugly mess that is expensive to remedy. I'd let the pros with the proper knowledge and equipment worry about things like paint thickness and possible damage.
11-21-15, 02:51 PM
#21
Lexus Fanatic
1. One way to remove scratches, would be to sand them, and then buff them out. Depending on the scratch, you can do different things.
A scratch that you can't feel with your fingers, will most likely come out. I would use 1500 Grit sand paper, and then 3000 over the 1500. Don't go too much, or you'll burn through the clear. Straight right to left or up and down strokes. Probably no more than 10-15. Use a block too. Then use a buffer and some compound.
Now if they are scratches that are very fine, and usually from rags, or brushes, you can usually take some wax to those. Let it bake in the sun for a minute or two, and then wipe it down with a fine cloth.
2. Either contact the dealership, or go to a local paint shop and they'll help you out.
A scratch that you can't feel with your fingers, will most likely come out. I would use 1500 Grit sand paper, and then 3000 over the 1500. Don't go too much, or you'll burn through the clear. Straight right to left or up and down strokes. Probably no more than 10-15. Use a block too. Then use a buffer and some compound.
Now if they are scratches that are very fine, and usually from rags, or brushes, you can usually take some wax to those. Let it bake in the sun for a minute or two, and then wipe it down with a fine cloth.
2. Either contact the dealership, or go to a local paint shop and they'll help you out.
Get your advice from zmcgovern folks.
11-21-15, 03:47 PM
#22
Driver
Thread Starter
I happen to be comfortable with sanding, buffing and so-on. Yes, I'm experienced and only experienced people should try sanding, but it will work.
Putting wax on a car (thick), and letting it sit for a minute or so, usually helps. It allows the wax to set. This is for people who have never touched a DA or any type of buffer.
11-21-15, 06:31 PM
#23
Lexus Fanatic
Detailer Questions? Ask me!
Just because you do something all day doesn't mean you do it right. To tell people to sand as a first step in removing scratches you can't feel with your fingernail is irresponsible. Proper technique would be to start with the least aggressive procedure first, which would certainly not be sanding.
Wax does not remove scratches. All you're doing is hiding what's there and it will come back.
Lots of detailing knowledge here, but this isn't it. Sorry.
Wax does not remove scratches. All you're doing is hiding what's there and it will come back.
Lots of detailing knowledge here, but this isn't it. Sorry.
11-22-15, 11:37 AM
#24
1. One way to remove scratches, would be to sand them, and then buff them out. Depending on the scratch, you can do different things.
A scratch that you can't feel with your fingers, will most likely come out. I would use 1500 Grit sand paper, and then 3000 over the 1500. Don't go too much, or you'll burn through the clear. Straight right to left or up and down strokes. Probably no more than 10-15. Use a block too. Then use a buffer and some compound.
Now if they are scratches that are very fine, and usually from rags, or brushes, you can usually take some wax to those. Let it bake in the sun for a minute or two, and then wipe it down with a fine cloth.
2. Either contact the dealership, or go to a local paint shop and they'll help you out.
A scratch that you can't feel with your fingers, will most likely come out. I would use 1500 Grit sand paper, and then 3000 over the 1500. Don't go too much, or you'll burn through the clear. Straight right to left or up and down strokes. Probably no more than 10-15. Use a block too. Then use a buffer and some compound.
Now if they are scratches that are very fine, and usually from rags, or brushes, you can usually take some wax to those. Let it bake in the sun for a minute or two, and then wipe it down with a fine cloth.
2. Either contact the dealership, or go to a local paint shop and they'll help you out.
I will also caution anyone reading this to consider other options before following this particular advice as there are much safer ways of dealing with defects in paint.
Automotive clear coat is dangerously thin, and sand paper in the hands of an amateur can be an easy recipe for making things worse.
The golden rule of detailing is Always Use the LEAST AGGRESSIVE method first. Sand paper being the most aggressive.
We have shown time and time again that paint correction - the process by which defects such as moderate swirls, scratches, and other paint defects are removed using dual action polishers, various pads, and abrasive compounds - is the best way to safely enhance the overall look of your vehicle.
I urge people in need of these services who do not wish to learn how to DIY to contact a professional detailer who is an expert in this type of work, and avoid body shops and dealerships as their methodology tends to mimic the advice mentioned above in that you should simply level it out with sand paper or a rotary machine and wool pad..... which can lead to further damage.
Just my $0.02
-Zach
11-23-15, 06:01 PM
#25
What's the best product to use for cleaning the inside of the RCF? It's mixed leather. I'm thinking of getting some of the Wolfgang line. Currently using chemical guys InterClean. Was
Read more: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/aut...#ixzz3sN1Efacu
Read more: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/aut...#ixzz3sN1Efacu
11-23-15, 07:37 PM
#26
What's the best product to use for cleaning the inside of the RCF? It's mixed leather. I'm thinking of getting some of the Wolfgang line. Currently using chemical guys InterClean. Was
Read more: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/aut...#ixzz3sN1Efacu
Read more: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/aut...#ixzz3sN1Efacu
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/aut...o-you-use.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/aut...rotectant.html
-Zach
11-27-15, 10:29 PM
#27
Where to get top quality 100% cotton polishing cloths? And at least double layer.
Also where to buy products like opti coat and other coatings?
Also where to buy and what is the best interior paint or dye to use on plastics and carpet and leather?
Also where to buy products like opti coat and other coatings?
Also where to buy and what is the best interior paint or dye to use on plastics and carpet and leather?
11-28-15, 06:51 AM
#28
I doubt you'll find 100% cotton cloths as microfiber is the preferred choice by 99% of us.
Opti-Coat is only available to authorized professionals. You can find consumer based coatings here.
I know Leatherique makes dye kits. As does
Opti-Coat is only available to authorized professionals. You can find consumer based coatings here.
I know Leatherique makes dye kits. As does
11-28-15, 10:40 PM
#29
I will never use a microfiber on paint, polyester will micro scratch it, its harder than paint.
Opti-coat, then I guess a person needs to become authorized.
So will those consumer based coatings last as long or out last opti coat?
Opti-coat, then I guess a person needs to become authorized.
So will those consumer based coatings last as long or out last opti coat?
11-29-15, 05:44 AM
#30
Lexus Fanatic
Your thinking is about 20 years behind here. Doesn't surprise me.