Best lighting to purchase to see imperfections (swirl marks, scratches, dents etc)(

A

animescreen

New member
Joined
Jan 16, 2008
Messages
288
Reaction score
0
I know sometimes people get their cars checked by PDR specialists to see impercections etc. And I'm starting to see random stuff from different lightings. When I got my car in showroom I'm positive everything looked perfect (which I realize was one of the tricks up the dealers sleeve).

So while I'm detailing as I go, is there any portable lighting i can carry or put up (inside and outside) to see swirl marks, scratches, dents, chips, etc??

Its nice to find it as somehow makes me feel like I haven't skipped something.. And will help me to be more attentive to detail when I do my work as programmer hahah
 
Check out the Scangrip Lighting...I picked up the MiniMatch a month or so ago, it's a great light for seeing everything you need to see. It has a rechargeable battery and the base is magnetic so you can attach it to the car while you work...I love the magnetic base too!!
 
Cheaper alternative Astro neumatic 50sl. Also I have an arcusla color match which I got very cheap. You’ll have to look around but one one used the other and both worked great for swirl finding and checking work. I have not used scangrip and heard they are great but being a hobbyist a 150-400$ light did not seem worth investment.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Jayfro said:
Check out the Scangrip Lighting...I picked up the MiniMatch a month or so ago, it's a great light for seeing everything you need to see. It has a rechargeable battery and the base is magnetic so you can attach it to the car while you work...I love the magnetic base too!!
Click to expand...
I was thinking the minimatch too

Basically im guessing its like the reast of their lineup but smaller so you have to move it in smaller increments to see next area etc? As oppose to larger one that covers broader area? If thats not correct what is difference between this pen and match3?
 
•IMO:
-Since the Sun is the best outdoors swirl finder;
then, it’s best to use a Sun-matching light-source
for finding swirls indoors.

-Here are a few that meet ‘the indoors’ criteria.

Scangrip:
SCANGRIP Detailing Lights, best detailing lights, swirl finding lights, work shop lights

********************************************

3M:
623DBD25-63AF-45AA-A43E-D7A6B23FB041.jpeg


********************************************

DIY “Sun Gun”:

picture.php


********************************************


Bob
 
The Scangrip Sunmatch v3 has a feature that you get 5 different color temperatures. Can be handy to see defects on the paint in different color temperatures. These lights are more made for the painting industry but works awesome to see defects on the paint too. I tested a lot of cheaper lights and broke down at last and got a Scangrip Sunmatch v1 and is extremly happy with that. The Scangrip Minimatch is like the Sunmatch v2 light with 2 different color temperatures and it will work awesome too. So it's much of what your budget allows. But either the Sunmatch v3 or the Minimatch is what I would get as I know I will get a high quality light from the start.

SCANGRIP Sunmatch 3

SCANGRIP MiniMatch

/ Tony
 
I'm going the other way because I simply use what I call "the ugly lights" which are decent $40 LED's from Home Depot. They show all kinds of marring very easily. No way I'm paying $400 for specialized light. That's just me.
 
I personally have a $60 tactical led light that runs on 2 - CR123A batteries. You can see everything you need with that. Spend the rest of your $ on pads and product

Sent from my SM-G973U1 using Tapatalk
 
Coatingsarecrack said:
Cheaper alternative Astro neumatic 50sl. Also I have an arcusla color match which I got very cheap. You’ll have to look around but one one used the other and both worked great for swirl finding and checking work. I have not used scangrip and heard they are great but being a hobbyist a 150-400$ light did not seem worth investment.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

I have the same pneumatic one. Works great for high spot check with garage lights off.
 
rst08 said:
great tools but you'll be chasing scratches.....always
Click to expand...

Let say you polished whole car and like 80% swirl mark free (or what is idea percentage? From new car)

And then you do lot of rinseleas or waterless washing and some areas have swirl marks again. Can I repolish that one spot only using that lighting or the whole panel has to be polished

Too many polished I think will strip clear coat right


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
spazzz said:
I have the same pneumatic one. Works great for high spot check with garage lights off.
Click to expand...

So I just bought that on amazon what do you mean high spot check?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
animescreen said:
Let say you polished whole car and like 80% swirl mark free (or what is idea percentage? From new car)

And then you do lot of rinseleas or waterless washing and some areas have swirl marks again. Can I repolish that one spot only using that lighting or the whole panel has to be polished

Too many polished I think will strip clear coat right


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
You can polish just the area that needs it but you must then reapply whatever LSP you had on there. Easier with a sealant or wax than a coating. Polishing will remove whatever LSP you used.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top