BMW X3...Can't get those super-fine scratches out!

G

golfdude

New member
Ok, so I fully detailed my Dad's X3, and to my frustration, my Optimum Hyper Compound and my PC with Sonus DAS Orange (cutting pad) at a speed of 6 and firm pressure didn't seem to work too well in removing super-fine scratches within the paint upon multiple applications. These scratches are so fine, that they probably can't be seen through a camera, but in the right light, they are EVERYWHERE!!! I would like to know if there are any pads available on the market that are significantly more aggressive than the Sonus DAS Orange pad as having a more aggressive pad will make detailing the whole car easier than forcing too much pressure on a pad that can't cut enough (much less fatigue). Thanks!



And no, I won't use 220 grit sandpaper on this one!! :rofl
 
try using a less abrasive pad and polish.



something like OHC and a cutting pad will not leave the finish last step ready. you need to step down with another pass.



use some optimum polish and a polishing pad
 
X5 Carbon black - I put the second coat of Natty's on this morning. On this color, you need a rotary. I find OC with LC's orange 7.5" pad to remove alot swirls on many cars (speed 6 - slowpasses)





Propel's orange is excelelnt with OHC





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Five Star: After OHC, I followed up with OP and a Green Sonus DAS pad, just like everyone else does with no improvement.



Tdekany: Yup, the color of the X3 is a metallic black, probably Carbon Black is the name of it. So, are you saying that I just won't be able to tackle the car with a PC? Are the LC and Propel pads you mentioned available for the PC?



Finally some pictures of the disaster before the detail (I haven't had a chance to take pictures after doing the full detail, and my sister already took it out for a drive in the rain!):



Notice in this first picture the super-fine horizontal scratches...I got most of them out but some remain!

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We had a similar problem with our 9-3 Vert after the dealer "detailed" it for free. I used Meg's Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner with an orbital buffer, and easily over 95% of them were gone!
 
Maybe you need to move UP a step? Maybe the fine scratches you're seeing are a RESULT of your cutting rather than requiring more cutting?



You probably need to move to a finer polish and a milder pad.
 
I am trying to avoid getting a rotary, but with every new detail, it seems that the rotary is necessary to get things done fast.



Autobahn: After OHC and a light-cut pad, I went to OP and a polishing pad...are you saying I should go even less abrasive than this combo?
 
Hard to tell, but it does look like carbon black. The swirls are not due to OP for sure. BMW paint isn't PC friendly at all. It needs a rotary. Don't be afraid of it. Once you get the hang of it, you will have a lifetime trying to perfect it. :D
 
If you're still leery about using a rotary, at least get some 4" pads for the PC so you can put some pressure on it without it merely "jiggling".
 
Thanks everyone for your help! If business is strong this summer, I will definitely invest in a rotary. Accumulator, I used 4 inch spot pads as well, w/o improvement (both light-cut and medium polishing pad)!
 
xfire said:
I used 4 inch spot pads as well, w/o improvement (both light-cut and medium polishing pad)!
Click to expand...



Ah, OK, sounds like you've hit the wall and need to consider getting that rotary after all. IMO it's not *that* big a deal, not like it tears the paint off the car or anything. Just takes a lot of concentration whereas the PC is pretty much idiot-proof (heh heh, you don't strike me as being an idiot so I wouldn't worry about the rotary ;) ).
 
I've found that Meguiars DACP seems to work very well on BMW paint. However, a rotary will make any correction go a lot quicker. You might want to order the 4" pad kit that Excel has or maybe the Swirlbuster pad that David has to see if either will halp.
 
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