Need help getting my trucks black paint into better shape

[BrBa]

I am new to the forum but have already learned a lot from reading it on and off over the years. I just bought a black 2006 Nissan Frontier. Overall it is in good shape but when you look up close, the paint has tons of swirl marks and minor looking scratches. There is quite a few spots where the previous owner used touch up paint but it is very obviously touch up paint. There is also a bunch of bug splatter marks on the front bumper and front part of the hood. I am a newbie when it comes to detailing and it seems that whenever I bought bought a product in the past, it seems to make no difference. Yet I come onto this forum and I see people turning cars that look like they need repainted into show cars. I am looking to fix the issues in the pictures below the best I can. I know I can pay a detailer to do it, but I also know for roughly the same price, I can buy all the required stuff and do it myself.

I'm looking for recommendations on the best way to minimize all of the stuff in the pics below. I have heard of Dr. color chip for scratches and chips, but what about removing the touch up paint that is already there, I am considering hiring the touch up paint out to someone if you guys recommend that. Also I have no machine polisher. I was planning on doing as much as I can by hand but it is needed, I can afford to get one of the cheaper options like the Porter Cable everyone uses, unless there are better options in the ~$120 price range. I am really lost on what products to use because there ares so many of them. I can wash my truck and claybar it, but I do not know what products to use to remove the scratches, swirles, and residue. I would like to actually remove the swirls if possible instead of just filling them in.




Bug splatter marks on the front end along with some type of residue(maybe):










Ugly touch up paint, swirl marks, and light scratches:

[B5visser]

From the looks of it, there are some areas that look permanently damaged and may need to be resprayed.

Depending where you're located, you may be able to reach out to another enthusiast/ professional on AGO in your area to give you a better idea of what can be accomplished!

Good luck and let us know on the progress!

SaveSave

[BrBa]

From the looks of it, there are some areas that look permanently damaged and may need to be resprayed.

Depending where you're located, you may be able to reach out to another enthusiast/ professional on AGO in your area to give you a better idea of what can be accomplished!

Good luck and let us know on the progress!

SaveSave

Thanks for the reply. I wouldn't be surprised if some of the issues were beyond repair. I can live with that since this is a 12 year old truck. If I could fix a majority of it, I would be very happy. I am located in Orlando, FL. Don't know how to locate other members that are in the area though.

[custmsprty]

I thought you must be in Florida based upon the nature of the bug splatters, love bugs. Those etchings are permanent. I had a 2003 Xterra for 12 years and missed some on the roof and nothing would get them out. You will definitely need a da to fix that paint.

[PaulMys]

I thought you must be in Florida based upon the nature of the bug splatters, love bugs. Those etchings are permanent. I had a 2003 Xterra for 12 years and missed some on the roof and nothing would get them out. You will definitely need a da to fix that paint.

I've heard you mention these Love Bugs before, Mark.

What's inside these bugs? Acid?

What a nasty thing to have to deal with. :/

[custmsprty]

I've heard you mention these Love Bugs before, Mark.

What's inside these bugs? Acid?

What a nasty thing to have to deal with. :/

Yeah acid and they splatter and dry like epoxy resin. They are nearly impossible to get off once they have baked on. You have to soften them up and scrub away with a bug sponge. They laugh at a pressure washer. They will usually etch paint in about 72 hours or so.

[BrBa]

I thought you must be in Florida based upon the nature of the bug splatters, love bugs. Those etchings are permanent. I had a 2003 Xterra for 12 years and missed some on the roof and nothing would get them out. You will definitely need a da to fix that paint.

Crap, that't not what I wanted to hear. In your experience, does polishing them with a DA reduce the bug gut etching appearance at all? I have never had this issue with bug guts on my previous vehicles but I'm guessing the previous owner didn't wash the truck very regularly.

[Desertnate]

How far polishing will get you with the bug splatters depends on how deep they are etched. Those splatters on the a-pillar look white on your black paint, almost like chips. Do they go all the way to the primer?

I don't live in Florida, but one of our family vehicles spends most of it's days commuting through rural farm areas and we take it on trips across Missouri and Oklahoma. In the Spring and Summer, bugs are pretty fierce. Not Love Bug levels, but still quite bad. I've had some etch Toyota paint in less than 24 hours. I've found giving the spots a good clay and polishing with a DA reduces their visibility, but once they've pitted the clear coat it will always be slightly visible.

[fightnews]

Thanks for the reply. I wouldn't be surprised if some of the issues were beyond repair. I can live with that since this is a 12 year old truck. If I could fix a majority of it, I would be very happy. I am located in Orlando, FL. Don't know how to locate other members that are in the area though.

U should get a buffer and some ultimate compound and polish.and some clay

[Bobby B.]

Love Bugs are the wurst. Keep a bottle of Waterless Wash and some Microfiber Towels in your truck. Always remove Love Bugs ASAP. Love Bugs will damage your paint.

Me and Mike Phillips will be in Orlando, FL this Saturday at the Ace Cafe from 8am - 10am. We would be glad to look over your truck for you and give you some advice on what products to use to detail your truck. https://www.autogeek.net/ace-cafe.html