Scratches in plastic bumper

[Taylor B]

Hi all,

I have some scratches on top surface of my X3 rear plastic bumper. I did the finger nail test and I can feel the scratch. I know clear coats are roughly 4 mil. I'm guessing this probably can't be corrected but how would you know for sure? FYI, I am new to detailing. Thanks!

[Mike Hoekstra]

Hi all,

I have some scratches on top surface of my X3 rear plastic bumper. I did the finger nail test and I can feel the scratch. I know clear coats are roughly 4 mil. I'm guessing this probably can't be corrected but how would you know for sure? FYI, I am new to detailing. Thanks!

Without a dry mil gauge it's hard to definitively say how thick your clear coat is. In my experience painting and detailing cars, the thickest factory clear I have encountered is 2.5 which is the rough thickness of a post-it note or piece of paper. If you can catch your nail on it, odds are it is far too deep for removal, but you can buff it out to look better. I.E. take it from a 12 foot scratch to a 3 foot scratch.

[Mike Phillips]

Hi all,

I have some scratches on top surface of my X3 rear plastic bumper. I did the finger nail test and I can feel the scratch.

I know clear coats are roughly 4 mil. I'm guessing this probably can't be corrected but how would you know for sure? FYI, I am new to detailing. Thanks!




Question...

Do you own any type of polisher?

Or were you planning to work by hand?


Also - read this,


Clearcoats are thin by Mike Phillips (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/87410-clearcoats-thin-mike-phillips.html)




:)

[Taylor B]

Thanks gents!

Mike, just picked up a beginner 8mm DA. No pads, compound or polish selection as of yet. Plan on using 3" and 5" pads.

[Mike Phillips]

Thanks gents!

Mike, just picked up a beginner 8mm DA. No pads, compound or polish selection as of yet. Plan on using 3" and 5" pads.




IN this article I share 5" backing plates and foam pad options,

Here's what you need to get into machine polishing - Recommendations for a beginner by Mike Phillips (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-to-articles-by-mike-phillips/111332-heres-what-you-need-get-into-machine-polishing-recommendations-beginner-mike-phillips.html)


Either of the backing plates will work by both LC and Griot's and they both make 5" and 3" - blindfold yourself and pick one.

When it comes to pads, for weak, wimpy tools THIN pads will rotate best. But the simple Lake Country 5.5" foam flat pads are also a great choice and you'll have a little more safety margin, (foam), between your car and the backing plate.


So give this a read-through. PLUS watch the video - it will show you how to use the tool and do the entire process from start to finish.


Here's what you need to get into machine polishing - Recommendations for a beginner by Mike Phillips (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-to-articles-by-mike-phillips/111332-heres-what-you-need-get-into-machine-polishing-recommendations-beginner-mike-phillips.html)


:)

[Taylor B]

Yes I read your recommendations. Looking at low profile pads, m105 and m205 to learn with. Already have in mind to practice on a soft paint car.

Been all over you beginner polishing videos. Are there any that focus on more complex correction areas such as bumpers I may have missed?

[Mike Phillips]

Yes I read your recommendations. Looking at low profile pads, m105 and m205 to learn with. Already have in mind to practice on a soft paint car.

Been all over you beginner polishing videos. Are there any that focus on more complex correction areas such as bumpers I may have missed?




Here's one from - Griot's no longer offers the polisher I show in the video but you can do the same type of thing with other options.


https://youtu.be/SMsNg1iCoTU



Besides that I'm a huge fan and user of the RUPES Nano in Rotary Mode

The RUPES iBrid in ACTION! - Thin panels and tight areas! (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/rupes-bigfoot-oribital-polishers/101969-rupes-ibrid-action-thin-panels-tight-areas.html)


Doing Edge Work with RUPES Nano in Rotary Mode - Mike Phillips Style (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-to-articles-by-mike-phillips/125820-doing-edge-work-rupes-nano-rotary-mode-mike-phillips-style.html)

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3980/Edging_Mike_Style_009.JPG



:)

[Mike Phillips]

The FLEX PiXiE is another option


Pictures: New FLEX PXE 80 10.8-EC by Mike Phillips (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-mike-phillips-your-detailing-questions-/124435-pictures-new-flex-pxe-80-10-8-ec-mike-phillips.html)

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3900/FLEX_PXE_80_10_8_EC_046.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3900/FLEX_PXE_80_10_8_EC_047.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3900/FLEX_PXE_80_10_8_EC_048.JPG



:)