Extremely soft paint!

**Mike lambert** · 05-17-2014, 09:09 PM

Need some advice from Mike!
Worked a 2008 MB Mclaren SLS that is black. No matter what I did it would show micro marring. Yes I used clean everything,I wipe,flip towell used a detail spray to help. The paint is so soft if you touch it with your finger,it scratches!
How do you deal with paint like this?

**Evan.J** · 05-17-2014, 09:11 PM

Mike are you going to finish it with wax sealant or coating?

**Mike lambert** · 05-17-2014, 09:18 PM

The only thing I could use and make it not show scratches was ammo spit spray wax. I think it has come to the point of how do I best hide this.
18 hours on this car and as much as I am flattered to work on it,I am sick of it!

**Audios S6** · 05-17-2014, 09:28 PM

Have you determined if the micro marring is a result of towels or finish polishing?

Maybe ONR or UWW+ soaked towels plus the detail spray? That has worked for me on Lexus obsidian black.

Other option would be edgeless towels if you're not already using them.

If it's from polishing, Todd helme just put a thread together about polishing challenging paints. May want to review that if you haven't already.

**FUNX650** · 05-17-2014, 10:57 PM

...But if it's not a SS paint system...

Why in the World would some of the CC-paints,
(that OEMs spray on top of "certain" BC-paints),
be so much "softer" than other CC-paints?

Sure..."soft CC-paint" happens.
Hear/See-(about it); do it all the time.

But doesn't it seem like it would be a lot of wasted effort and money (paint kitchen downtime) just to insert such an anti-cost-effective measure by the OEMs, to, on-occasion/on-a-whim: Re-supply the CC-paint vats/robots with a different/softer grade of CC-paint.

The "Test Spot" is an important cog in the detailing process. Does it now need to be applied to "panel wiping" and microfiber towel selection as well?!?!

Must...Do.
Whatever...It...Takes.

Bob

**Evan.J** · 05-17-2014, 11:06 PM

I have had an issue with very soft clear and when I spoke with mike he suggested a wax as it dry lubricant so it will relieve the surface tension and cause very little towel marks.

Another thing he suggested was as I'm sure you know menzerna sf 4500 on the softest pad you have and at a slow speed.

**spiralout462** · 05-17-2014, 11:09 PM

My black paint will scratch with the touch of bare skin. It is surprising how badly too! Here is a recent write up from Mr. Todd Helme. I use all of these techniques.

Tips for wiping polish residue from soft paint without scratching - Autopia Forums - Auto Detailing & Car Care Discussion Forum

**6supersport7** · 05-17-2014, 11:28 PM

I have extremely soft black paint on my chevelle. Black finishing pad with HD polish. I remove with finest quality towels I have (MF Madness Crazy Pile.) Wax and remove by hand using same as above. Then I take it all in for a minute and wait for the wind to blow and scratch it. Good luck

**FUNX650** · 05-17-2014, 11:32 PM

Originally Posted by spiralout462

My black paint will scratch with the touch of bare skin. It is surprising how badly too!

If I may:
Is this a SS, or a BC/CC paint system?
Thanks.

Bob

**6supersport7** · 05-18-2014, 12:03 AM

I have BC/CC and will scratch with bare skin. Not an original paint though. Stupid soft but to nice of a paint job to think about respraying anytime soon. Car below[URL=http://s192.photobucket.com/user/millsfamx1/media/114_zps282b3143.jpg.html][1/media/114_zps282b3143.jpg.html]

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