Clearcoat spots (?)

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TomGT

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Hi Mike
I recently purchased a new car and it had been sitting in the showroom for almost a year. I was so thrilled with the purchase I didn't think of feeling the paint... since it was brand new. Well as I was drying the first time I noticed there was a huge amount of contaminants on/in the paint. First step that I thought of is break out the clay bar. I would say that removed most of it.
Then I noticed at certain angles under the light it looks like there are small circular spots that I can't get out. My laundry list of products I have tried is: P21s paintwork cleanser, Meguiars Mirror glaze 6 and Meguiars Swirlx. I do apply it all by hand.
I have thought about taking it to a professional but I wanted to try and take care of it myself first.
Any help/suggestions is greatly appreciated.

Tom
 
It's hard to guess what the spots are that you're describing based on your description. Could be chemical etching from industrial fallout, water spots, overspray, solvent pop, or any number of other possibilities. Can you post some pics of the damage you are seeing? Since it seems like your claybar process has removed most of the contamination the spots you are seeing could be pitting from a chemical reaction between the paint and whatever was previously stuck to it.
 
I hope these come out well enough. It kept giving a reflection from the light or the window. It's those little spots but they are only noticeable at the right angle and lighting. It seems almost like spots in the clear if that is possible. Before I did the clay there was so much contaminant on the car it felt like sandpaper
 
Thanks for adding the pics. I'm just looking at this on my phone so kinda hard to tell. The only thing I'm seeing is marring caused by your claybar process, which is quite normal. Machine polishing the paint will completely fix the issue and restore the surface.
 
Thanks. I have never really used a machine before except for the cheap random orbitals from the parts stores.. Guess I need to start some reading and learning here. I think I saw one that was for beginners. It was difficult trying to get this pics without it being a garage reflection. lol
 
You can do small spots all the time.

You need a polisher for 2' x 2' sections to be effective.

Megs Ultimate Compound and Ulitimate Polish on a soft microfiber pad (they are blue about 5 ") work great.
 
Looks like some water spots too. I can't see the picture real well either.

Just looked again, definitely water spots. You can do it by hand using Crispy's method. Personally I would spend the money and get a machine and a couple pads, it will save you a lot of work.
 
I actually did buy the Griots Garage polisher and some pads. It came in time for me to go out of town before using it.... didn't even get the chance to take it out of the box. Now I have something to look forward to when I get back home. I read through the "Heres what you need to get into machine polishing" and bought the foam pads. Hopefully I will have some time soon to try it out. I also got the showcar shine book to help me out. This is really going to be the first time I have gone all out with my car. Thanks for the help.
 
I have the same polisher and I really like it. I didn't have the best luck with their pads and just switched to the Lake Country thin pro pads but as long as you take your time, the Griot's pads do work, I just prefer the others. Just remember, always start with the least amount of correction with a test spot, then go more aggressive if needed. MP has some great machine polish videos on here as well. Good luck!
 
Hey everyone.. Thanks for all the comments. I finally got a chance to tryout my polisher and it looks like my spots are gone.. or most of the way gone. I ended up using the waxing (red) and finishing (black) 6"pads that came with it. I did buy the smaller plate and pads but I was getting antsy to try my new toy out since it had been in box teasing me.
I did the hood with Meguiars SwirlX and red pad on setting 3 then finished with Meguiars cleaner wax 6 on the black pad setting 2. This was my first time ever using a machine so I'm sure it could have been done better but I am timid when it comes to my paint. Didn't have my daughters car available for a tryout. :-)
 
Yeah. That first time using a DA can be nerve racking. Then you realize it’s not that hard and you can start experimenting with better correction next time. Take it slow and I hope you don’t become as addicted as am am with it. Can’t wait for spring so I can do it better next time. Lol. Good job. And welcome!
 
TomGT said:
Hey everyone.. Thanks for all the comments.

I finally got a chance to tryout my polisher and it looks like my spots are gone.. or most of the way gone.
Click to expand...


Hi Tom,

Good to hear you were able to remove the spots, it was hard to tell from the picture what they were but if you removed them that means they were very minor and only affecting the top surface of the clearcoat.


60388d1506891141-clearcoat-spots-img1634.jpg



You posted this on October 1st and I just now found it. On October 1st I was on the third day of my 3-day Detailing Class in September, which took place Friday, September 29th, Saturday September 30th and Sunday, October 1st.

Sorry for the delay.... been kind of busy... :)



When you get a chance, click the link below and absorb all of the info in this single article I wrote. Be sure to watch the video in post #2 - it will show you everything you need to do.


Here's what you need to get into machine polishing - Recommendations for a beginner by Mike Phillips




:)
 
In the next few months I will be moving to the Orlando area. I think I saw that you just had a class there recently so I will be keeping an eye out if you have any more classes in the future.
The article you linked is the one I read thru to make my purchase.. haven't had the time to watch the video or read through the rest of the posts.
 
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