Will wolfgang swirl remover be enough?

**phish** · 03-19-2015, 05:31 PM

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.

**NightForce** · 03-19-2015, 05:58 PM

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** · 03-19-2015, 06:01 PM

Do you think a stronger cutting compound would do it?

**NightForce** · 03-19-2015, 06:08 PM

Originally Posted by phish

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** · 03-19-2015, 06:10 PM

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** · 03-19-2015, 07:15 PM

Originally Posted by phish

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** · 03-19-2015, 07:29 PM

Originally Posted by 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.

Originally Posted by Setec Astronomy

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** · 03-19-2015, 07:43 PM

There is no 5.5 speed on the newer PC DAs

**Pureshine** · 03-20-2015, 01:18 AM

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

**louie** · 03-20-2015, 11:25 AM

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.