I have a '91 miata with single-stage blue paint. It came to me with significant acid-rain etching. I have tried the following to no avail:
Attempt 1:
Meg's Deep Crystal Polish by Random Orbit
Meg's Deep Crystal Wax by RO
Result: decent shine, little to no change in etching.
Attempt 2:
Meg's #83 DACP by PC
Meg's #7 by PC
NXT by hand
Result: no swirls, but etching largely unaffected.
Attempt 3:
Meg's #2 Fine Cut by Rotary
Meg's #9 Swirl Remover by PC
Meg's #7 Glaze by PC
NXT by hand
Result: some smoothing of etching, but still clearly visible. Paint is still full of 'features' for lack of a better term.
I've been following the generally-accepted practice of stepping up the aggressiveness a bit at a time, but I'm getting frustrated burning several hours without really getting anywhere. :nixweiss
What would you recommend at this stage. Wet sanding? 3M or Meguiars medium or heavy cutting compound? I'd really like to achieve a smooth, glossy finish if there is enough paint to allow it. I have not come close to burning through the paint, so it looks like it's pretty thick.
Any suggestions welcome. I used to work as a detailer a long time ago, but am not too familiar with the latest tools and techniques (although I'm learning
).
Jim
Attempt 1:
Meg's Deep Crystal Polish by Random Orbit
Meg's Deep Crystal Wax by RO
Result: decent shine, little to no change in etching.
Attempt 2:
Meg's #83 DACP by PC
Meg's #7 by PC
NXT by hand
Result: no swirls, but etching largely unaffected.
Attempt 3:
Meg's #2 Fine Cut by Rotary
Meg's #9 Swirl Remover by PC
Meg's #7 Glaze by PC
NXT by hand
Result: some smoothing of etching, but still clearly visible. Paint is still full of 'features' for lack of a better term.

I've been following the generally-accepted practice of stepping up the aggressiveness a bit at a time, but I'm getting frustrated burning several hours without really getting anywhere. :nixweiss
What would you recommend at this stage. Wet sanding? 3M or Meguiars medium or heavy cutting compound? I'd really like to achieve a smooth, glossy finish if there is enough paint to allow it. I have not come close to burning through the paint, so it looks like it's pretty thick.
Any suggestions welcome. I used to work as a detailer a long time ago, but am not too familiar with the latest tools and techniques (although I'm learning

Jim