Shiney new paint - how easy does it scratch?

[haynes]

Had my car resprayed, 2 or 3 months ago in 2 pack Black, i think they used a base and laquer. But you only have to look at it, well touch it with a cloth or clean it and you get loads of tiny scratches in the surface, is that normal? I havent properly waxed or polished it yet.

[pdV6]

Perhaps would have been better to get a good layer of wax on the paint asap after the respray so as to protect the nice smooth finish?

[cooperman]

It should be OK if you use a fine compound like 'T-Cut' and then polish it with a really good polish like Autoglym.

[miniandy]

Don't use T-Cut - it's too abrasive.

Let me introduce you to the Detailing World.

Please don't rush into anything without making sure you won't damage your paint first!

Cheers

[haynes]

After it was painted they mop and polished the whole car with a coarse then fine cutting compound, so it looked real good when i got it back. But now even just washing it seems to bring out loads of fine surface scratches. Ive been reluctant to wax it as ive got a load of decals to go on.

[miniandy]

You should use a lambswool mitt for washing and either the two bucket method or get a bucket with a grit guard. You also should dry with a good quality drying towel, and ensure that any product you apply after is applied with a good quality applicator.

All of this (although it may seem trivial) will stop you getting scratches/swirls/holograms on your nice new paint.

Cheers

[Wildfire]

pdV6 said:

Perhaps would have been better to get a good layer of wax on the paint asap after the respray so as to protect the nice smooth finish?

You shouldn't wax the car straight away as it means the paint that has just been put on does not have the time to breathe and cure fully.

If you want to polish up, use some 3M Hand or Machine Glaze, or fine Faraclea. This is what is used by the body shops.