How to Remove Hair line scratches on Wood Trim?

Re: Hair line scratches on Wood Trim?

Thanks Mike,

That area is the worst of it, the rest is in pretty good shape. I think with that being the flat part in front of the storage compartment between the seats, it has had a lot of things dragged across it over the years.

You guys could invent/design some sort of 1" or so size pads to fit a drill or dremel to get to these areas. :props:

I am a little apprehensive but, that's all part of the fun right?! These panels can be removed from the car and make it possible to use a machine. Then you risk the possibility of causing larger problems, rids, breaking attachment pins, etc.... Or maybe it's time for a road trip to AG.

I am going to go after it in a test spot as you suggest with new SX. I will report back when I get there.
 
Re: Hair line scratches on Wood Trim?

Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
Thanks for taking the picture and attaching it... I tool the liberty to download it and then upload it to the AG Gallery so I can insert it for easier viewing and thus easier discussing...


IM002731.jpg





benzer77

Does the above picture resemble what you are also working on?

:)
Click to expand...

Hi Mike, Thank you for your help, yup it resembles, however my car wood trim is in spectacular shape, except the center console... It's a very glossy Ash wood trim though not the lighter color, so scratches show more in the darker wood finish.
 
Re: Hair line scratches on Wood Trim?

Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
Thanks for taking the picture and attaching it... I tool the liberty to download it and then upload it to the AG Gallery so I can insert it for easier viewing and thus easier discussing...


IM002731.jpg






benzer77

Does the above picture resemble what you are also working on?

:)
Click to expand...

WestEnd said:
Thanks Mike,

That area is the worst of it, the rest is in pretty good shape. I think with that being the flat part in front of the storage compartment between the seats, it has had a lot of things dragged across it over the years.

You guys could invent/design some sort of 1" or so size pads to fit a drill or dremel to get to these areas. :props:

I am a little apprehensive but, that's all part of the fun right?! These panels can be removed from the car and make it possible to use a machine. Then you risk the possibility of causing larger problems, rids, breaking attachment pins, etc.... Or maybe it's time for a road trip to AG.

I am going to go after it in a test spot as you suggest with new SX. I will report back when I get there.
Click to expand...

I am not a professional detailer and I have tired ScratchX 2.0 but it never worked, maybe I didn't use the right technique? so what's the right way of using ScratchX? Any ideas?

Thanks guys.
 
Re: Hair line scratches on Wood Trim?

benzer77 said:
I am not a professional detailer and I have tired ScratchX 2.0 but it never worked, maybe I didn't use the right technique? so what's the right way of using ScratchX? Any ideas?

Thanks guys.
Click to expand...

Technique is everything when working by hand...

Here's a short, and incomplete video that starts to go into how to apply a paint cleaner but since it was a promo, to promote the purchase of a DVD it doesn't go into much detail.

Short video on how to move your hand


Removing defects by hand comes down to,
  • How to move your hand
  • How much pressure to apply
  • Application Material Selection
  • Product Selection
Seriously, after teaching hundreds of classes and thousands of people how to remove swirls and scratches by hand, here or the most common problems...

  • People applying a product like a finishing wax, that is gently... this won't do anything
  • Not applying enough pressure - no passion behind the pad...
  • Not moving your hand fast enough
  • Tackling too large an area at one time
  • Not applying enough applications
  • Not using enough product
When it comes to working on small panels like these trim components, the problem is usually having enough room to move your hand back and forth fast in an effort to abrade the surface to remove enough material to level the surface. If the trim component is out in the open it's not a problem, but as the trim component is surrounded by things like displays, switches, buttons, levers, etc, as these thing get in the way you can't get in there and put some passion behind the pad.

Removing the components would be best as long as you don't cause even more damage to the vehicle in the process.

I've made small pads for the rotary before but now days Griot's Garage has a really nice orange 3" polishing pad out that fits on a 2 3/4" backing plate, this is still too large for some areas but could be used for larger sections. Of course if you can't remove the component then you would want to tape-off and cover anything your don't want accidental splatter to get onto.

And as mentioned before, film-build thickness is always going to be an issue...

:)
 
Re: Hair line scratches on Wood Trim?

Update and I am excited!!! This new SMAT Scratch X is amazing. The old one did hardly nothing and this new formula is quite different.

But, WOW! This hand working takes a lot of time and patience. But considering my hand RPM versus a machine, it all makes sense. For the Pros to charge accordingly this would be a costly process with small area results.

I noticed it took many applications and talk about working small areas. I noticed two inches by two is all the larger I could go to feel effective and smaller than that was better. I got my best results with fast movements and a lot of pressure with a sponge applicator.

I still need to work on reducing haze if I can. Maybe a little more time with 205??? Or M21??? Some more experimenting to go but wanted to show this is coming along nicely.

After Scratch X 2.0
picture.php


After 205
picture.php
 
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Re: Hair line scratches on Wood Trim?

WestEnd said:
Update and I am excited!!! This new SMAT Scratch X is amazing. The old one did hardly nothing and this new formula is quite different.
Click to expand...

The new SMAT products are amazing... I had to get the same results with the DAT technology for so many years with a ton more work and 30 sets of eyeballs watching me live.

With UC, SwirlX, ScratchX and even M105, (all are SMAT and all can be applied by hand), removing swirls, scratches and water spots by hand is easier than ever and this is especially true for modern clear coat paints because they are so much harder than traditional single stage paints. See this article,


http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...en-single-stage-paints-clear-coat-paints.html


:xyxthumbs:
 
Re: Hair line scratches on Wood Trim?

WestEnd said:
But, WOW! This hand working takes a lot of time and patience. But considering my hand RPM versus a machine, it all makes sense. For the Pros to charge accordingly this would be a costly process with small area results.
Click to expand...

You nailed it... get some Ultimate Compound and it will go faster and be easier.

WestEnd said:
I noticed it took many applications and talk about working small areas. I noticed two inches by two is all the larger I could go to feel effective and smaller than that was better. I got my best results with fast movements and a lot of pressure with a sponge applicator.
Click to expand...

That's the technique, you move your hand fast and put some passion behind the pad...


Put a little passion behind the pad - Mike Phillips



:)
 
Re: Hair line scratches on Wood Trim?

WestEnd said:
I still need to work on reducing haze if I can. Maybe a little more time with 205??? Or M21??? Some more experimenting to go but wanted to show this is coming along nicely.
Click to expand...

Using a less aggressive product, clean soft foam applicator pad and a more gentle motion with less pressure from your hand and the end of the process. This is why I always say,

Mike Phillips said:
"Polishing paint is an art form... not a grinding process..."
Click to expand...

Great before and after pictures that will inspire others to follow your path to their own success...

WestEnd said:
After Scratch X 2.0
picture.php


After 205
picture.php
Click to expand...

A coat of wax or paint sealant will remove any hazing and maximize the clarity, gloss and shine plus make the surface slippery to resist future scratching and leave the surface protected.


Nice work...
So often people will type and type and type and ask question after question after question when what's needed is what you've done...

Push away from the keyboard and go out into your car and then try something...

:bowdown:
 
Re: Hair line scratches on Wood Trim?

WestEnd said:
Update and I am excited!!! This new SMAT Scratch X is amazing. The old one did hardly nothing and this new formula is quite different.

But, WOW! This hand working takes a lot of time and patience. But considering my hand RPM versus a machine, it all makes sense. For the Pros to charge accordingly this would be a costly process with small area results.

I noticed it took many applications and talk about working small areas. I noticed two inches by two is all the larger I could go to feel effective and smaller than that was better. I got my best results with fast movements and a lot of pressure with a sponge applicator.

I still need to work on reducing haze if I can. Maybe a little more time with 205??? Or M21??? Some more experimenting to go but wanted to show this is coming along nicely.

After Scratch X 2.0
picture.php


After 205
picture.php
Click to expand...


Wow, good job.
 
Re: Hair line scratches on Wood Trim?

benzer77 said:
Wow, good job.
Click to expand...

Sorry Benzer, I didn't mean to steal your thread but you got me all excited to give this a try. :props:

Thanks everyone. Now that it's cleaned up I will keep trying Different LSPs to see what works best.

Kurt_s said:
Very impressive. How long did this 2" section take between the SwirlX and 205?
Click to expand...

That one spot was time consuming with all of the trial and errors. Overall I spent about an hour and a half on that little section.

I finished the rest of it today with the same process and I got it done in three hours, plus lunch break. :) I stayed somewhat cautious on RIDS, etc since I didn't know the thickness of the clear.

Here is one reflection, my bike out the window hanging from the ceiling. Couldn't get both the bike and buttons in focus, so of course I went for the bike.

picture.php
 
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Re: Hair line scratches on Wood Trim?

WestEnd said:
Sorry Benzer, I didn't mean to steal your thread but you got me all excited to give this a try. :props:

Thanks everyone. Now that it's cleaned up I will keep trying Different LSPs to see what works best.



That one spot was time consuming with all of the trial and errors. Overall I spent about an hour and a half on that little section.

I finished the rest of it today with the same process and I got it done in three hours, plus lunch break. :) I stayed somewhat cautious on RIDS, etc since I didn't know the thickness of the clear.

Here is one reflection, my bike out the window hanging from the ceiling. Couldn't get both the bike and buttons in focus, so of course I went for the bike.

picture.php
Click to expand...

Very nice! Now I know how long to to allot for my letter project.
 
Re: Hair line scratches on Wood Trim?

2008 Audi with Gray Birch wood trim and lots of fine scratches. I used my Polishing Pal with Novus #2 Fine Scratch Remover on a white pad followed by 205 on white pad, followed by 205 on gray pad and finally by KAIO on gray pad.
 
Re: Hair line scratches on Wood Trim?

dougaross said:
2008 Audi with Gray Birch wood trim and lots of fine scratches. I used my Polishing Pal with Novus #2 Fine Scratch Remover on a white pad followed by 205 on white pad, followed by 205 on gray pad and finally by KAIO on gray pad.
Click to expand...

I was thinking about a polishing pal but don't have one. I bet that would be useful. Do you have some pics, would like to see that.

Curious, do you still get a little haze look when you take pics straight down? I don't on paint but with the wood I still do but it only shows up in the pics. Curious if it is the finish?? It's almost like mine seems to be under the surface where it is a little hazy. Of course it's not bad at all I am just being super critical.
 
Re: Hair line scratches on Wood Trim?

View attachment 6771
I'm not quite sure if there is haziness here or not. This actually the first pic I posted. But there were many small scratches (especially above the Quattro) that are not there now.
 
Re: Hair line scratches on Wood Trim?

dougaross said:
View attachment 6771
I'm not quite sure if there is haziness here or not. This actually the first pic I posted. But there were many small scratches (especially above the Quattro) that are not there now.
Click to expand...

Looks great. yeah, ok, that is the exact same look mine has. I also looked at a brochure and saw the same thing so I am good with it.
 
Re: Hair line scratches on Wood Trim?

WestEnd said:
Sorry Benzer, I didn't mean to steal your thread but you got me all excited to give this a try. :props:

Thanks everyone. Now that it's cleaned up I will keep trying Different LSPs to see what works best.



That one spot was time consuming with all of the trial and errors. Overall I spent about an hour and a half on that little section.

I finished the rest of it today with the same process and I got it done in three hours, plus lunch break. :) I stayed somewhat cautious on RIDS, etc since I didn't know the thickness of the clear.

Here is one reflection, my bike out the window hanging from the ceiling. Couldn't get both the bike and buttons in focus, so of course I went for the bike.

picture.php
Click to expand...
Thanks for trying, looks great!!
 
Re: Hair line scratches on Wood Trim?

Thanks to everyone that participated in this thread and then went out into their garage and got to work and then shared their before and after pictures plus process and technique.

This type of detailing issue doesn't come up too often as most people are more interested in working on the outside of the car but it does come up and this will be a helpful resource thread moving into the future.

I'm going to add the words "How To" to the title of the thread and move this to the "How To" forum.

Just to ensure the pictures don't disappear if they're hosted on Photobucket, I'll upload them to their perspective owner's galleries here on Autogeek so they don't turn into red x's into the future.

:dblthumb2:
 
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