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Swirls in plastic pillars external front and rear R56 also Piano Black interior
So I think my dealer and body shop have wash mitts made out of sandpaper. haha.. the external black plastic pieces next to the windshield and the rear window have nice swirls.
Any hand method of buffing it out?
I also have the same issue on my internal piano black plastic.. Will the same method work?
I know some people aren't big on Scratch X, but I've had good results with it on my pillars. I had a few scratches and they are not nearly as obvious after applying Scratch X a few times. I had the best results when fully working a small amount onto the car until it's nearly dissappeared, then wiped immediately afterwards with a microfiber towel. I then went back and applied some NXT and the scratches are *almost* completely gone.
Hope that helps. I'm sure others will have some good alternatives.
Those damn pillars! Those and the rear bumper are where I get 99% of my swirls. Don't even have to touch them, just look at them and they swirl like a toilet bowl at a chili eating contest.
So for off the shelf treatment ScratchX works well. It takes a lot of effort and I use a Sonus pad (http://www.autopia-carcare.com/son-sfxpro.html)for working the area. You have to work the ScratchX until it goes clear, about 2 or 3 minutes, then wipe and check your progress. You will need to do multiple applications, but it is a safe product to use and very predictable.
You might think about getting a Porter Cable (Model 7336 http://www.detailersparadise.com/Vie...071-2491365464) so you can be more effective and treat the whole car. I use Prima Swirl with my PCDA and can wipe those swirls off in no time.
As far as the dash - yep try ScratchX as well. I usually just pop out the dash pieces to remove swirls with the PCDA. Don't have to worry about getting polish on the dash plastic that way.
BTW, you can also fill the swirls to help mask them. Try Prima Hydro, also at www.detailersparadise.com as a spray-on wax that you use after you wash the car and as you dry. Really makes your car shine and will help to hide those ugly spider webs! I use it on my dash parts as well.
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Last edited by MiniMaybee; 09-26-2007 at 06:21 AM.
Quick question on the Scratch X...I have never been sure if there is a "right" way to apply by hand. I have read that you should go up and down then back and forth, while others have said it doesn't matter what direction you move...
any thoughts?
I generally use a circular pattern except on small areas like the pillars. There I go up and down. It should not matter however since you are removing swirls, not installing them.
The paint on the A pillars is extremely soft and they are positioned so they are pummeled constantly by road dirt, etc. Thus, they are very difficult to maintain, even once you fix them.
For fixing them, I would also advise using Scratch-X or Prima Swirl. Either one will do for this job by hand. (btw, altering your direction as you work on such a small area will work best... just be sure to work each area for several minutes at a time and before reloading with more product)
In between fixes, I strongly recommend Prima Hydro. It's one of the few convenient and effective solutions for filling those microswirls on such soft paint. Obviously I'm biased, but I always try to recommend several examples of products when a problem can be addressed by more than one. In this case though, Hydro is really the best solution out there... it will safely and effectively help fill the microswirls as they accumulate. It will also help prevent them to some degree.
For this particular use of Hydro, I would use Hydro on a cool, dry surface (as opposed to a wet one, as a wax-as-you-dry spray). This dry application will concentrate Hydro's filling capabilities and will maximize effectiveness.
In summary, fix what's already there with Scratch-X or Swirl by hand (or with a PC and Prima Finish if you have a PC) then protect and hide with Prima Hydro.
I'd advise the same for your piano black in the interior. Hydro will really enhance the look of the piano black too.
