GT350 strip micro scratches - effective reduction

[TDC]

I like many other GT350 owners have some micro-scratches on my blue OTT stripes. I decided to try some Meguiars Pure Polish and it has greatly reduced the visible scratches.

I use a microfiber towel and apply a small amount on a 4" square area. I rub it in using straight strokes (no circling) with moderate pressure and before it drys wipe it off with another microfiber towel. I probably pass over the same area about 10x's being careful not to over do it or let it dry.

No pics right now with the car being garaged but if I could get it in the sunlight I'll try and get some shots before/after.

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[screamin5.0]

I like many other GT350 owners have some micro-scratches on my blue OTT stripes. I decided to try some Meguiars Pure Polish and it has greatly reduced the visible scratches.

I use a microfiber towel and apply a small amount on a 4" square area. I rub it in using straight strokes (no circling) with moderate pressure and before it drys wipe it off with another microfiber towel. I probably pass over the same area about 10x's being careful not to over do it or let it dry.

No pics right now with the car being garaged but if I could get it in the sunlight I'll try and get some shots before/after.

Good to know. I saw a brand new Magnetic GT350 with black stripes at a local dealer last night that had the same swirl marks in the stripes. I wonder if there's any UV coating on the stripe surface that we need to be careful not to polish away...

 

[TDC]

Good question. I know plastics for outdoor applications typically have UV stabilizers added into the material. Not sure if vinyl graphics are within the material or just at the surface.
Guess I should look into a vinyl protectant product on the market that has UV blockers for added protection.

 

[TripleYellow]

Can you elaborate on the name of the product? I didn't find anything called Meguiars Pure Polish on their website. Found a "Pure Wax", but nothing with Pure and Polish in the name. Is it the one called Ultimate Polish? Thanks for your help.

 

[TDC]

It's their Deep Crystal Polish. It does not contain abrasives and their aren't any warnings not to use on vinyl. See attached picture.

Their Deep Crystal WAX does specifically state not to use on vinyl. I believe that's because it contains petroleum distillates which may harm vinyl. I was careful to tape off my stripes so they wouldn't get wax on them.

 

[TDC]

Performed a quick chemical resistance test

To check if the Meguiars Pure Polish that I posted about does not harm vinyl I performed a quick chemical resistance test. I used a pair of vinyl gloves and put Pure Polish on one and Meguiars Deep Crystal Wax (known for not being compatible with vinyl) on another.

Results:

- the glove with Pure Polish remained the same color, sheen, pliable and flexible after being exposed for 3 days.

- the glove with Deep Crystal Wax became more transparent, hard and dry after 3 days.

Below is a picture of the gloves after test.

 

[TDC]

Finally there was some sun today so I was able to get a pic of the stripe in areas polished and un-polished. The scratches appear as fine white lines in the first pic. The second is an area that was lightly polished and the scratches have been removed.

 

[morjo02]

TDC, what product did you use to remove the scratches ??

 

[TDC]

I like many other GT350 owners have some micro-scratches on my blue OTT stripes. I decided to try some Meguiars deep crystal Pure Polish and it has greatly reduced the visible scratches.

I use a microfiber towel and apply a small amount on a 4" square area. I rub it in using straight strokes (no circling) with moderate pressure and before it drys wipe it off with another microfiber towel. I probably pass over the same area about 10x's being careful not to over do it or let it dry.

No pics right now with the car being garaged but if I could get it in the sunlight I'll try and get some shots before/after.

See the above. DO NOT use deep crystal WAX after polishing the stripes.

 

[Rated R]

I used Meguiars 205 to remove all of the swirls and any light scratches my car had. Also, if you want to wax your stripes/car after removing the imperfections, I use Meg's Ultimate LIQUID Wax. It's a polymer wax that doesn't stain nor leave any sort of white residue on any of the black trim nor on the edge of the stripes.

 

[TripleYellow]

I used Meguiars 205 to remove all of the swirls and any light scratches my car had.

Are you saying you used the Mequiars 205 on the vinyl stripes or on the painted surfaces?

 

[Rated R]

Are you saying you used the Mequiars 205 on the vinyl stripes or on the painted surfaces?

Both. 205 is a light polish so it's effective for both surfaces. It took many fine scratches out of the rear spoiler and decklid panel as well.

 

[icormba]

It's their Deep Crystal Polish. It does not contain abrasives and their aren't any warnings not to use on vinyl. See attached picture.

CRAP!!! I just tried the Deep Crystal Polish and my vinyl stripe looks worse than the un-treated side. :(

Then I looked at the microscopic precaution label on the back and it says not for use on Vinyl and Rubber surfaces. :doh:

The bottle I have is identical to the one you have pictured.

 

[bullittman]

I used Maguires PLASTX as recommended by another poster and it removed 95% of the micro marks in the stripes on trunk .

 

[04Terminator]

I noticed some scratches on mine the other day and hit 'em with some Zymol and voila - Gone!

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