TJD911

Hey guys -

My winter project is to try and remove the paint swirls in my black 2012 991. I found the car this Fall after a long search and it is nearly flawless, save for some swirls in the paint that can only be when walking around the car in certain sun angles. What is the best way to make her pristine again? Do I need to have the car professionally buffed out? Any input is appreciated.

Thanks
TD

STG

Find a Professional Detailer that does "Paint Correction".


If they don't know what paint correction is and use "buffing" as their description run away.

Where are you located?

chuck911

The swirls you describe are typical of a car that has been improperly washed, with too much pressure, or dried with the wrong (polyester) towels or other mild forms of abuse. If that's what you have it can easily be removed and the car brought up to perfection with just a few hours of clay, polish and wax.

I'm partial to Griot's based on my 20 years of experience with their excellent products. If you want to try something else though go ahead. It won't change the basic process one bit.

Basically you need to wash the car. Go over the car with Paint Cleaning Clay. Polish with a foam pad on a random orbital polisher- NOT a buffer! Wax. Admire.

That's the Reader's Digest version. If you want to know more just ask. Or go on YouTube and watch some of the many excellent videos by AMMO. Here he shows how to use paint cleaning clay

Grunty

Alternatively, trade black car in for silver or the like.

p987yow

Get a dual action polisher [URL="http://www.autogeek.net/dual-action-polishers.html"] and use the Mequiars DA Microfiber Correction system [URL="http://www.autogeek.net/da-microfiber-starter-kit-5in.html"]. It is a 2-step process and will clear the swirls - great product.

LexVan

This.

Your car will look better than new. Consider a final coating like OptiCoat Pro.

Expect to pay about $800 for full paint correction. This will be 2-3 stages on a black 3 year old scratched car. Easily over 20 man hours. Add another $200 for the OptiCoat product.

Then, invest your personal time and $$$ in great car washing technique and tools. Attend your local PCA for Concours school and events to learn more tricks of the trade. Every other year, take your car back to your favorite professional detailer for a touch up.

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LexVan

^after car washes, you can do a quick detailer spray like Adam's or any of the other quality products with a high quality towel.

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arch7

With the help of AMMO Larry's videos, you can see what a paint correction looks like (Girlfriend Rover after last winter in the NE with tree branches sticking into the roads everywhere and scratching like crazy + the swirls). I did a minor correction on my 991, but not as good a comparison in the photos. If you have the time it is very satisfying if you are a DIYer.

kosmo

If you have the temperament trying tackling it yourself. As mentioned above get an orbital (I think Amazon has Griots on sale for like $80), some orange pads, clay, polish, and some wax. The 911 isnt a large car so you can do it in 1 afternoon. Maybe you'll find it cathartic as I have!

Homeles

As an owner of black cars, I can tell you from experience that it'll take more an afternoon to do a proper job. Knowledge, tools, and time are needed. Take a look at the following for guidance.

http://www.autogeek.net/detailingtips.html

LexVan

One afternoon? N.W.I.H.! You can do this in 4-5 hours????:

Get all supplies and tools out and set-up
Wash
Clay
Re-wash
Dry
Tape
Polish (2-3 stages for proper paint correction)
Wash
Alcohol
Wax/Sealant (2 coats with a proper cure time)
Clean-up and put away supplies and tools

SeeForce

I have a 30 year old Mercedes SL with original black paint. i had a pro do paint correction work and its paint looks better than my 1 month old 991. i cannot imagine how good the 991 will look this spring when i get it properly detailed.

TJD911

Excellent info - Thanks All.

STG. I'm in the NE along the Mass and NH border.

TD

K1600GT

Let me recommend Rick Nelson, at Unique Car Care in Stoneham MA. 781.389.3913
I just picked up my C4S from Rick this morning, clayed and Optic coat. The end result is simply amazing.
They do great work. Highly recommended.

chuck911

I have a friend with a black 993. Bought from Texas it had been parked outdoors a lot and by the time he got it the paint was pretty bad. First time I saw it, after he'd tried polishing and waxing, was still the worst swirled car I'd ever seen. He told me all about how it was the first year of water based paint, and no matter what I said was convinced there's nothing he can do but repaint.

Eventually he gave in when I offered materials (and most of the labor) at my place. Four hours later he was stunned to see his car looking better than he ever thought possible.

No it was not perfect. That would require wet sanding to remove everything down to the bottom of the deepest damage. But in terms of swirls, in terms of anyone not examining the car with a jewelers loupe as if it were a diamond and not a car, it was perfect.

Anyone saying you can't do this in 4 hours, black car or no black car, they simply either do not know what they're talking about, or they just don't have the skills. (Most likely, both.) As far as the OP is concerned, he said there were some swirls that show up at certain angles. Couple hours of the right technique with Griot's Clay, Machine 4 and Best of Show, job done.

I mean, hey, if Hammer can do it.....