Is it possible to remove too much clear coat?

**slvrstang** · 05-17-2010, 12:25 PM

I have some pretty bad watermark etchings on one side of my car from the previous owner and I'd like to pick up a DA polisher and some polishes to try to polish them out. The only thing I'm worried about is removing too much clear coat and permanently damaging the vehicle.

**cobalt9123** · 05-17-2010, 12:30 PM

Yes. It is possible.
However, with proper technique/products on a dual action polisher, it would be quite hard to do. Follow Mike's "Use the least aggressive product to get the job done" and make sure you do a test spot.

**slvrstang** · 05-17-2010, 12:32 PM

Does anyone have any knowledge about how well Ford painted their 2001 Mustangs? I know certain companies/cars are known for starting with a very thin clear coat.

**cobalt9123** · 05-17-2010, 12:38 PM

I have no knowledge of those mustangs clear coat but every car is going to be different on paint depth. If you're worried about the clear, I suggest getting one of these:
Defelsko Paint Thickness Gauge, Paint thickness meter, coating thickness gauge, auto paint meter, car paint meter

Not necessarily that model, seeing as it is $700, but there are other, cheaper options. In fact, I thought there was a cheaper paint thickness gauge on AutoGeek but for some reason I can't find it right now...HTH.

**Rsurfer** · 05-17-2010, 01:29 PM

If you don't know the history of the car, it would be wise to use a PTG before using anything aggressive on your paint. Maybe a body shop will measure it for a few bucks. Using a DA would be pretty safe IMO.

Mike Phillips · 05-17-2010, 01:45 PM

You would have to spend some major time compounding paint with a DA Polisher to remove so much paint for it to be a problem.

At this point you have four choices,

Live with the defects
Try to remove all of the defects
Improve the paint to the point where the defects are hard to notice
Get the car repainted

Out of all the above options, #3 is a pretty safe bet and most people are pretty happy with the results.

#2 can be done safely for most cars...

"You never know what you can do until you try"

**bodavenport** · 05-17-2010, 01:50 PM

Yes you can but I would go with the improve until they can hardly be seen for a daily driver or take them out all together if it is a play toy

**slvrstang** · 05-19-2010, 03:26 AM

What do you guys think about zaino products? I have some z-pc abrasive polish, how does that fair against other top polishes?

**ScottB** · 05-19-2010, 07:06 AM

Originally Posted by slvrstang

What do you guys think about zaino products? I have some z-pc abrasive polish, how does that fair against other top polishes?

they make some nice sealants (they call them polishes but really just synthetic waxes). Their polish, IMO, is a lighter polish and would not cut at a level like Menzerna SIP or Megs 105.

**slvrstang** · 05-22-2010, 01:57 PM

So here's what I'm thinking of getting

-Porter Cable 7424 & Foam Pad Kit

This kit comes with 5 pads of my choice, what pads would I need to remove watermarks?

This kit also does not come with any polish. The previous poster suggests Menzerna SIP or Megs #105, but the price difference on those is quite large with the Menzerna coming in at 45$ with the Megs @ 10$.