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Question: How can i compound the finish on my bmw m3?

(Posted by: LSB M3 on 2009-06-15 13:01:26)

I have very very light scratches and need to get rid of them: 1.some lady from strauss auto tried to remove bird crap with some product off my trunk, using a PAPER towel, now I have very annoying circular scratches 2.bird crap after bein washed off, still have a blotch on the hood. Looks etched into the paint >:( 3.other paint imperfections I get my car clay out waxed once every few months, but wondering if i can just compound the places that have a scracth on it, only that particular spot. What product is best? Whats the process? how do you COMPOUND???????????????????? ps. the paint on my car is excellent right now, but it seems like the color (laguna seca blue) is very prone to getting scratches and they are a lot more visible than on a silver bmw m3 i had...

Posted by: dkoch1444 on 2009-06-15, 13:05:11

Use 120 grit sandpaper and rubbing compound, repeat until shinny!

Posted by: I put on my cape and wizard hat on 2009-06-15, 13:16:49

Wet-sand with 3000 to 4000 grit paper. You'll need to get it from a specialty auto body parts supplier. You just want to take down the clear coat (since that's all that scratched, not the colour coat underneath). Since 4000 grit is very mild, it will take a while, but be patient. Don't press too hard. Use lots of water, and rub, rub, rub. After you have it sanded, buff with a buffing compound... and then wax. Voila, no more scratch

Posted by: KB on 2009-06-15, 13:35:33

Ignore all the other answers wetsanding is only for very bad conditions paints and you need a rotary buffer to get the sanding marks out.. and rotarys, arent for novices For light Scratches/ swirl marks all over your car You would want to use Meguiars Swirlx. Its their least aggressive product in their consumer line-up. For random scratches on your car. Use Meguiars Scratchx 2.0 For Heavy scratches/ swirls, or other paint imperfects. Use Meguiars Ultimate Compound I listed them from least aggressive, to most aggressive They are paint cleaners. So you work them into the paint If doing the whole car, work it in in a 16x16 in section for about 1 minute then wipe off, dont let dry, and inspect, repeat if needed For random scratches/ etching just work the product in the scratch for about 30 seconds wipe off, inspect repeat if necessary apply with Microfiber applicators remove with microfiber towels then wax afterwards, as they will remove wax also, you really only need to clay 1-2 a year.