Removing scratches on almost new Altima

N

noooorb

New member
Hey guys I'm gonna try to remove some scratches (not minor ones) off my dad's 2005 Altima. I'm gonna try to use Optimum Compound on a light-cutting pad (orange) followed by Optimum Polish on a polishing pad using a PC.

Should I have anything to worry about. It's more important for me not damage any of the paint rather than being able to fully remove the scratches-whatever gets removed/disappears is great, although I believe the combo of OC & orange pad will be able to remove 'em.



I plan to do it on speed level 3 in a figure-8 motion.



Any advice, tips, insight would be greatly appreciated from you guys.



BTW Happy new year everyone.:xyxthumbs
 
It's OK to start out at speed 3 to spread the polish, but then bump it up to 6 (or at least 5) to work it in and break it down. You might want to try OP then OC on a polish pad first before you jump to the OC and orange pad.



Work a small area at a time (~2 x 2) in whatever motion you like..... up/down, L to R, or a figure 8 but make sure you overlap your passes. Also make sure you work the polish for a long time at a high speed to make sure you break it down. Don't dwell too long on raised sections (sharp edges) of body panels or anywhere else the paint might be thin.



The OPT line is pretty easy to use so you shouldn't have any problems. Also plan on it taking at least twice as long as you think it will and be patient. It isn't unusual to work a section more than once to get out all of the defects, depending on the paint and how bad the defects are. Good luck and take some pictures!
 
I would echo the above comments about taking your time and leaving yourself plenty of time for the detail... successful removal of surface defects is a time consuming process and requires care and attention to get it right and get the best finish. The Optimum polishes you have are very well lubed and have a very long work time - make the most of it!



I have done several machine polishing tuition sessions, and sometimes the temptation when starting out is to move the machine too quickly and not make enough passes... When working the polish, slow passes of about 1" per second with medium pressure and keep polishing until the residue of the polish goes clear... Expect this to take eight, nine or more passes over an area. Thoroughly breaking down the polish results in a clear finish, free from micromarring. If you stop too quickly, the abrasives wont have broken down and you'll be left with a fine micromarring.
 
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