My scratch removal 1st "real" attempt.

[OmniCamaro]

Wiped surface with detail spray then clayed the area to be corrected. The scratches were terrible and I was doubtful I'd get them out. I tried to take pictures but I'm no expert in lighting. I assure you they're gone.

Process: started with orange paint correction with matching pad; slow passes on just under top speed. I did about 4 passes at a time with about 16 in total, for each taped off section. At one point I thought there was a run in the paint, but luckily it was just a deep scratch and is now GONE.

After I couldn't see the scratches anymore I moved on down the line: finishing, sealant, glaze, then buttery.

 

I only did 1/4 of my hood but I'll get the rest a day at a time. Too lazy and too much damage to get it all done at one shot. Plus I'm retired so....

 

Adam's products are still surprising me after years of use????????????

[mc2hill]

Nice work Allen.

 

Silver is very difficult to photograph (same thing with white).  I have had the best results when there is only one light source (the reflecting light) and no other light - easiest to do when it is dark outside.  Or maybe close the garage door or cover the garage door windows. 

[Chris@Adams]

Nice save Allen!

[rkj4243]

Great save Allen! Looks great from the pictures provided. Also, like your concept of doing a little at a time, due to no time constraints!

 

That's what retirement is supposed to be about!

 

 

[OmniCamaro]

On my next panel, and I knew it was worse, I'm having trouble.

 

There are no scratches, just these small dimples as if someone bounced a set of keys up and down on it. About the only thing I can think of to explain. I've been using correcting products for at least an hour but they just won't go away. They've lessened in depth a tad but I'm at a dead end.

 

Any help will be appreciated!

 

Also I'm getting some tiny black ball cast off. Am I pressing too hard?

[OmniCamaro]

Thanks for the replies and help guys!

[The Guz]

Get yourself and LED flash light.  It comes in handy especially with lighter colored vehicles. 

[egott_91]

Get yourself and LED flash light.  It comes in handy especially with lighter colored vehicles.

 

Not the best for metallics though...the LED brings out all of the metallic instead of showing the defects.

[The Guz]

Not the best for metallics though...the LED brings out all of the metallic instead of showing the defects.

 

No issues here on my silver car that has metallic paint when using one. 

[OmniCamaro]

I've got LED flashlights. I can't find the right angle to see. Is it far or close to the paint? Arm extended over the paint or above your head? Those type questions.

 

Also, more pressing issue: I cannot get these tiny divot type damages out of the paint/clear. I've tried everything with the CP: light and slow to heavy and fast. Nothing is working them out. Should I just give up correcting them and just fill seal and shine?

[OmniCamaro]

They're all in one area (circled in red). It' impossible for me to get a good picture, I've tried all light types/angles. But it's obvious to the eye. It's as if someone dumped a bucket of rockets onto the car in that spot (road rash-ish).

 

The second picture I've doctored to try and get it so you guys can see but it's still not good, sorry.

[OmniCamaro]

I couldn't get anything to show with the LED.

[OmniCamaro]

On my next panel, and I knew it was worse, I'm having trouble.

There are no scratches, just these small dimples as if someone bounced a set of keys up and down on it. About the only thing I can think of to explain. I've been using correcting products for at least an hour but they just won't go away. They've lessened in depth a tad but I'm at a dead end.

Any help will be appreciated!

Also I'm getting some tiny black ball cast off. Am I pressing too hard?

This pic is pretty good of the damage actually.

[marquez93]

It's hard to tell from the pictures, but you may just not be able to get it out, at least not with what you have available.  It may take wet sanding or it might just be something you have to live with.  I know orbital polishers are safe, but I would think even they can go completely through the clear eventually.  So if you've been correcting for an hour, you might not want to work it anymore than you already have.

[OmniCamaro]

I agree Marquez, I've moved onto sealing it up and finishing. I'll live with it for now.

 

Thanks for the help!

[Guest washemup]

I don't think you'll have to worry about going through your clear coat. All the G5 Camaro's I've measured, Including my 2012 2SS, have a healthy coat of paint on them, 200 microns plus.

 

You've done an excellent job removing all your lighter damage. As you continue over the car, it's possible you may find a few more areas like this, but on your color of car, it's highly doubtful anyone would notice them. These are called "RIDS". Random Isolated Deeper Scratches.

 

It's hard to tell from the pics how deep those depressions in the circled area are. It does look like 2000-3000 grit sandpaper may remove some.

 

Adams Brilliant Glaze does well at masking shallow defects, and would be a good option with your color of car, for temporary filling.

 

The Adams APC is an excellent pad cleaner, I would highly recommend it after a polishing session for cleaning your pads.

[OmniCamaro]

I don't think you'll have to worry about going through your clear coat. All the G5 Camaro's I've measured, Including my 2012 2SS, have a healthy coat of paint on them, 200 microns plus.

 

You've done an excellent job removing all your lighter damage. As you continue over the car, it's possible you may find a few more areas like this, but on your color of car, it's highly doubtful anyone would notice them. These are called "RIDS". Random Isolated Deeper Scratches.

 

It's hard to tell from the pics how deep those depressions in the circled area are. It does look like 2000-3000 grit sandpaper may remove some.

 

Adams Brilliant Glaze does well at masking shallow defects, and would be a good option with your color of car, for temporary filling.

 

The Adams APC is an excellent pad cleaner, I would highly recommend it after a polishing session for cleaning your pads.

I believe you're right. Ive gotten the paint pretty hot with the flex & PC and no damage at all. I've got a ton of those deep RIDS especially on the roof. I guess one day I'll give sandpaper a go as they will not come out with what I'm using. Thanks for the advice!

[Guest washemup]

_{I believe you're right. Ive gotten the paint pretty hot with the flex & PC and no damage at all. I've got a ton of those deep RIDS especially on the roof. I guess one day I'll give sandpaper a go as they will not come out with what I'm using. Thanks for the advice!}

 

_{If you haven't used a microfiber cutting pad on the area's that have scratching that wasn't removed, I'd suggest it before wet sanding. You may be able to remove several of them, depending on how deep they are, with the Flex.}

[OmniCamaro]

I'm thinking the drill option will be my next step. I'll report back after I go that route.

[Mythos_S3]

I believe you're right. Ive gotten the paint pretty hot with the flex & PC and no damage at all. I've got a ton of those deep RIDS especially on the roof. I guess one day I'll give sandpaper a go as they will not come out with what I'm using. Thanks for the advice!

Please be careful wet sanding Allen. I'd hate to see you ruin your paint. If you need any tips feel free to message me. I'm trying to do a full write up soon on wet sanding.