Maybe it's just black

[JimS]

This winter I've been reading all of the detailing tips here at the CAC. I've done most stages of the DetailingDude's step-by-step to clean/clay bay/de-wax just taking my time over the winter. I just finished dewaxing my car last night, and now I can see all of the tiny scratches and swirl marks, like I figured I would. You have to be very close to see them, but there seems to be alot. I'm not sure, but is this normal with a black car. Will waxing remove this, or is there another step I should do before waxing to remove these marks? Any help would be great. Thanks in advance.

-JimS

 

[DetailingDude]

What you are seeing now is the true condition of your paint. Those tiny marks are easily hidden or perhaps removed if you feel inclined.

What has happened, though, is that all surface contaminants are gone. What is about to happen you're going to see the richness of the black be revealed when you determine what process you want to take on the minor surface scratches.

What car care products do you use?

 

[JimS]

My bro-in-law is buying Zaino for the wax I'll be using. I used all Mother's products so far. The Car Wash, Clay Bar, and the Pre-Wax Cleaner (I couldn't find the 3M stuff you recommended). They all seem to have worked really well.

I'm open to any suggestions you'd have to repair the paint, and then I like to wax. I'd just like to get my paint in the best condition I can. Thanks for you help!

-JimS

 

[DetailingDude]

Depending on the severity of the surface scratches you should be able to hide them with Zaino. Put 4 or 5 coats on and put an additional one on every 3 or so months. I know Zaino says you don't have to put it on as frequently but I find that washing does a pretty good job but waxing, be it a natural or synthetic, it cleans up just a bit.

Since there is nothing on your paint at this point you will really notice the richness of the black when you get a few layers on.

 

[JimS]

Thanks DetailingDude!

The scratches are really minor. I was hoping that wax would hide most of them. I'll just keep on step with my cleaning project. I've got a while before the weather breaks in Chicago.

-JimS

BTW. Have you used the 3M Imperial Hand Glaze? My GF's dad uses it and it seems to work well on small scratches.

 

[DetailingDude]

Yeah, it is a fantastic 3M product. However, Zaino won't stick to it, it is a true glaze so it fills the scratch and leaves oils behind.