Will wolfgang swirl remover be enough?

[phish]

I'm going to be trying to correct some minor scratches on a silver 2007 Volvo next week. My only polishing product is Wolfgang 3.0 Swirl Remover. I'm using a Porter-Cable DA and have Orange, White, and Gray 5.5" CCS pads. Basically, I don't want to approach the project without the proper supplies, but I'd like to avoid buying compound because I'd rarely use it and I'm already at my budget.

The area is located above the rear passenger door and the deepest ones just barely catch my fingernail. I'm looking for your professional opinions!

I can add more pictures if you think it will help! Just let me know.

http://i.imgur.com/JXMs9W9.png?1

[NightForce]

Some of those scratches appear to be rather deep so 100% removal may not be achievable.

An orange foam pad is considered a light cut so th only thing I'll suggest is once you're ready, prime the pad, set the machine speed to 5.5, and work a small section in a cross-hatch pattern, (sectional pass), and gage your progress.

[phish]

Do you think a stronger cutting compound would do it?

[NightForce]

Do you think a stronger cutting compound would do it?

As I said, if the scratches have breached the clear coat then nothing other than a mechanical repair will completely remedy the damage.

A great over the counter compound is Meguiar's Ultimate Compound. It can be purchased local and can also be used with your orange pad...

You can't hurt anything by trying....

[tpr1634]

You might want a heavy cut pad or try a microfiber cut, probably will need a compound hard to say from the pic if your going to get it all out.

[Setec Astronomy]

Do you think a stronger cutting compound would do it?

As others have cautioned, there is only so much paint on the car. So the first question is not really "do I need a compound to get these out" but "are these scratches too deep to remove", and I would agree that most of them are.

Compounding may remove the shallower ends of those scratches. Polishing with what you have will certainly improve the appearance.

[phish]

Some of those scratches appear to be rather deep so 100% removal may not be achievable.

An orange foam pad is considered a light cut so th only thing I'll suggest is once you're ready, prime the pad, set the machine speed to 5.5, and work a small section in a cross-hatch pattern, (sectional pass), and gage your progress.


As others have cautioned, there is only so much paint on the car. So the first question is not really "do I need a compound to get these out" but "are these scratches too deep to remove", and I would agree that most of them are.

Compounding may remove the shallower ends of those scratches. Polishing with what you have will certainly improve the appearance.


That's a great point. Perhaps I should re-assess my approach and consider a touch up or using a glaze to "fill instead of kill" the scratches.

[MarkD51]

There is no 5.5 speed on the newer PC DAs

[Pureshine]

If thats on a edge be careful not to burn through the clear.

[louie]

I'd recommend Meguiar's Ultimate Compound if you need more bite on the orange pad. Should be able to find it at your local auto parts store for less than $10. After trying nearly everything for sale at AG, I've become a big fan of UC / UP or 105 / 205, and pretty much quit using anything else for correction. Finish with the Wolfgang you have with the white pad, and you should be good to go.

[Desertnate]

That's a great point. Perhaps I should re-assess my approach and consider a touch up or using a glaze to "fill instead of kill" the scratches.

If those scratches are deep, a glaze won't hide them all that well either. Also the fix won't last too long, even if you top the glaze with a good sealant.

I'd *carefully* try to polish them to improve the appearance and call it a day. You don't want to burn through the clear.

[spiralout462]

I agree with most everyone, but I will add, If I were in the market for a new compound I would skip WTSR and go for the Uber Compound. It cuts better and finishes nicer in my experience. It is also a breeze to work with! I have the Wolfgang Triplets but TSR just collects dust.

[Turboclam]

I touch-up Volvos for a living. Their factory touch-up paint matches really well. It's a two-part base coat clear. I'd do a light compound/polish and use the paint on the rest.

[TundraPower]

If you can BARELY catch your fingernail you might be able to wet sand the scratches. Careful that close to the edges bro...paint can be mighty thin...I would sand that by hand.