Paul902

I was using a 3M scouring pad to clean the insides of by turbo twist silver wheels. I absentmindedly also scrubbed the outside surface, too. I have scratches which appear whitish against the silver wheels. What product and process can I use to remove the scratches. I don't have an orbital tool, so would prefer to work by hand, but would do whatever it takes.

thanks!

Marine Blue

Paul this will be a tough one to correct. If the scratches are too deep the only way to correct is to have them refinished. You may be able to hide them s lightly with a product like Meguiars Scratch X or maybe an oil based product but the minute you clean the wheels they will come back.

I wouldn't recommend using a scouring pad on anything but a bare metal surface that you can polish out.

gmblack3

I think I have read where Forrest from Mothers says to use the powerball and some plastic polish.The clear on your wheels is softer then the clear on your paint. Just not sure if this will have enough cut to remove the defects.

Paul902

Hmmm...what about rubbing compound?

Marine Blue

It really depends on how deep the scratches are. If you've gone through the clearcoat and paint and into the primer then no matter what you use the marks will remain.

But if you've only scratched the clearcoat then polishing can level the paint around the scratches to the same level and essentially eliminate them. Can you take any close up pictures of the scratches? Does your fingernail catch on the scratches? Having more information will help determine the best product

David K.

Paint

Anthony Orosco

Can you please post up a picture or 3 of the damage? One of us may then be able to better help.

Thanks,
Anthony

Darryl92Cab

Without seeing pics, my guess would be the "white-ish" could be the primer showing through. If that's the case, doubtful that you'll be able to get these scratches OUT per se, as they are actually now IN - that is, IN the finish. You're probably looking at touching up the paint and clear coat. Good luck...looking forward to some pics if you can.

- Darryl

Paul902

Thanks guys, appreciate it.

I'll try to get some pics over the weekend, and also run my fingernail over to see what I can feel.

Paul902

here are some pics...what do you think?

Marine Blue

That's a tough one. By hand you can try Meguiars Scratch X and some serious elbow grease. This will probably help make them less vibile.

Anthony Orosco

First, great pictures! You really caught the scratches.

Secondly, while there is a great number of scratches they are primarily surface scratches and should be able to be buffed out using a small 3 inch pad and a rotary.

Obviously you'll want someone who can run a rotary well and if you can find that person they should be able to make those wheels almost as good as new. So all is not lost by what I can see in your pictures.

Anthony

Paul902

Thanks guys...good to know there is hope. So is a reasonable course of action using Scratch X by hand, and if no luck there, to use the rotary? I've never used a rotary polisher, but they look fairly inexpensive. Do you recommend not trying it myself? Do you have to use some kind of polishing product with the rotary tool?

thanks,

Marine Blue

Paul,

Try the Scratch X first and if no luck hire someone to do the rotary or find a friend with experience. Definitely do not try this if you haven't used one before. Rotary's will burn through paint very quick and they're even more difficult to use on curved surfaces like a wheel. I have a great deal of experience with a rotary but wouldn't touch a wheel like this.

Good luck!

Paul902

10-4, Marine Blue...I'll give Scratch X a try and post pics if it comes out any better.