I've been using rubbing compounds for years to repair little problems here and there on my cars. For the first time the other day it completly jacked-up the paint job on my Subaru. The compound was old and alittle dried up, but i though "Hey it's never hurt before." After application and removal all there was left was SCAPES and DIS-COLORING in all the three areas used.

Does anyone out there have some tips they may know that can restore the paint. Or will i have to take it to a shop?

a very upset Rich(gavin-5)

 

What kind of a rubbing compound? Like a clay bar or something?

 

It was a clay compound that had dried out. Really i sould not have been using it in the first place and sould have gone out and bought a new one.

All i can say is MY PAINT IS F'd UP and a can hardly believe it. Sure there has to be a way of fixing it. But right now i'm just not seeing it.

 

Sometimes, the clay bar leaves streaks. You can remove them with some paint cleaner or paint polish.

 

I'm not a paint pro by any means, but I would start with some cleaner wax. Usually, you can find "waxing systems" that have a cleaner wax, a "shining" wax, and a sealing wax. or something. i would start by using the cleaner because it usually has a very fine grit to it, in order to get rid of swirls and surface scratches. i feel your pain, some *** just messed up the front of my car, and that's the first damage to my seal grey metallic paint job. oh well, there will be more.

 

You never want to use a clay bar dry. You want to keep it "lubricated" with a solution of auto finish mild cleanser and water.

Have a pro work on it with polishing compounds, fine-cut cleaners, and swirl removers, before getting to any waxes.

You can try to do it yourself, but If you have any doubt, there is no doubt!

"Cleaner wax" will not get you out of this one. You will definately want to remove all scratches and swirls prior to sealing the surface with a glaze or wax.

 

Sounds like it could be a job for Meguiar's clear coat scrub. The stuff is a great replacement for rubbing compound. Its a very, very fine liquid rub; much lighter on the grit than rubbing compound. I've gotten out many a light scratch and discoloring with it.

Use a rag or application sponge with liberal amounts of the scrub. Do a little, wipe off with a wet rag and lotsa water. If its not gone try again. Don't over do it and don't do it too hard. You might want to finish it up with some polish (Meguiar's has this too) if it doesn't have a good shine.

Of course, wax ASAP.

jason