Question on Swirl/Scratch Remediation

[thespaz18]

Hello all,

 

My name is Mike and I'm new to the forums. I recently purchased a black 2014 Lexus IS350 and had Opti-Coat Pro applied about a month afterwards. Recently, I fell victim to wiping bird bombs and water spots w/ a poor quality microfiber towel (which is now in the garbage). As a result, I introduced fine swirls/scratches into the Opti-Coat. Before I ask my question, let me start by saying that I am not a professional detailer and do not own a polishing tool of any type. At this point in time, I do not trust myself with one and do not want to use my own car as practice. That said, what options do I have for correcting the swirls/scratches in the Opti-Coat? Are there any specific products that would help? I would rather not use any type of filler to hide them, since that solution is only temporary.

 

Thanks

[Setec Astronomy]

Bear in mind that Opti-Coat, even the pro version, is not anywhere near as thick as clear coat, and you will be removing some thickness of the coating when removing the swirls/scratches.

 

Working by hand you might try Optimum Poli-Seal or GPS. Or Optimum Polish, Hyper Polish, or Finish Polish. You might want to ask the installer what he would recommend.

 

Also, it's not just the towels you use but the technique when removing bird bombs. Frequently the bird-doo by itself may contain grit, but also the car surface may have already been dirty. So it's important to wet liberally with whatever you are using, and wipe very gently. You want to use something like a Quick Detailer, Waterless Wash, or Rinseless Wash at QD strength.

[thespaz18]

Thanks, Setec.

 

I actually placed an order for Poli-Seal before you made the suggestion, so once it arrives, I'll give it a go by hand. Would I just apply it using a MF towel and start w/ light pressure?

 

The installer who applied the Opti-Coat suggested I use Prima Banana Gloss to fill the swirls, but I would prefer to remove/correct them altogether (or at least attempt to). I just hope to not make matters worse.

 

I actually use an ONR/water solution (per the ONR bottle) for a QD and keep it in my trunk at all times. Once I saw the multiple bird bombs, I sprayed the bombs themselves pretty liberally, along w/ the MF towel. Actually, the force of the spray from the bottle removed a large portion of the bomb itself, but I was left to dab and then wipe off what remained. Once the sun hit the car just right, I realized my mistake. From now on I'll be sure to saturate the area and MF towel before attempting to clean the paint, along w using a higher quality towel.

[Setec Astronomy]

Sounds like you're on the right track. Just bear in mind that keeping any car that you drive perfect is pretty much impossible. Opti-Coat helps but any car you have out of the garage is going to get dirty, be washed, have people touch it, rub up against it, door ding it, shopping carts will roll into it, landscapers with weed whackers will fling rocks at it, cars in front of you will kick up gravel, birds will poop on it, acid rain will fall on it, etc.

[thespaz18]

Sounds like you've covered any possible scenario whereby my vehicle could be damaged in some way, shape, or form! My biggest thing is just being proactive. If I can avoid situations where, for example, my door might get dinged, or a shopping cart swipes it, or a car in front of me kicks up gravel (not really a concern - front end has Xpel), I'm going to do so. If any of those instances happen though, then so be it. They were out of my control. However, if I introduce scratches in the paint b/c I washed incorrectly, that's on me and I'll be upset with myself.

 

Anyway, the Poli-Seal should arrive in a few days. I'll give it a go by hand and report back. Thanks.