Miata Mailing List: July 1995, Message #112
sponsored by



     


   From: mbooth@cts.com (Mark Booth)
Subject: Re: Best way to remove swirl marks/surface scratches?
   Date: Wed, 5 Jul 1995 12:50:29 -0400

At 11:46 AM 7/5/95, Andre Robotewskyj wrote:
>Hi there,
>Although I purchased my red R new 1 1/2 months ago, the paint has really ugly
>swirls- it was a '94 overstock which had been sitting in the dealer showroom.
>I can just imagine the boneheads wiping the car down with a dry rag at the
>end of every day...
>Anyway, I got a good deal (I think), so no big deal. However, the swirls
>really, really cause me pain. What's the best way to get them out? I tried
>Mequires Swirl remover on a small section, but got scared and stopped when my
>rag started to become the same bright red as my car... It didn't seem to do
>much for the swirls, either.
>Are there professional services than can do this? What should I expect to
>pay? Can anyone recommend a good place in Chicago?

Andre,

Don't let the red paint on your rag (more on that in a minute) worry you.
Many of the Miata colors are not clearcoated and, thus, you remove a bit of
paint with every polish.

The Meguiar's #9 Swirl Remover is exactly what the doctor ordered for
removal of annoying swirls and light scratches.  Apply according to
directions and then follow it with a little SHOW CAR GLAZE (#7) and then a
good wax.

As for your use of a "rag".  Be sure you use only 100% Cotton toweling.  Do
not use those combo polyester/cotton rags you get in the bucket at the
local auto parts store.  INVEST in some good quality 100% cotton towels.  I
buy the hand towel size at the local Price Club.  (Not their bundle pack
which are poly/cotton towels.  Select the individual towels.)  They cost
about $3 each.

Wash the towels BEFORE using them!  DO NOT use liquid fabric softener!
Instead, use "Bounce" or a similar fabric softener sheet in the dryer.

Apply the Mequiars with the appropriate wax applicator (again, I use the
terry towel type with the sponge inside).  Buff off the Meguiars using your
100% cotton toweling.  Turn the towel frequently.  When all sides have been
used, start with another towel.

If you have been using poly/cotton toweling to remove the Meguiars it is
possible that you are putting the scratches right back in the finish
yourself.


Mark - '92 B Classic Red, MCA, SOCALM, Team Voodoo, Team Clearwater