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-   -   How to get a mirror like finish (https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=881401)

oldman66gto 07-30-2025 11:41 PM

How to get a mirror like finish
 
Hi,

My '66 GTO is "Marine Turquoise", code LL.
Is a base coat, clear coat, and paint has terrific gloss to it
While in my garage, with lights shining on it, there seem to be an ever so slightly noticable (to me) scratches, similar to swirls in the clear coat.
I tried using Meguiar Carnuba Gold wax, hand waxing with application pads and wiping off with microfiber cloths. The thing really shines, but I can still see the slight marks.
Is there a way to eliminate these ultra fine scratches, or am Ijust being to "anal" about it,
Outside in sunlight they cannot be seen
Any advice to correct it, or leave it as is?? It's a fantastic looking car, but maybe not a "concours" car, I have no experience at car shows, but it is period correct, though it has a 428 engine in it.
Thanks
Allan

1965gp 07-31-2025 12:33 AM

I have had amazing success using the Adams polish swirl killer buffer with their blue compound and white polish.

If you would like pm me and I will go into it in more depth. It makes a really, really big difference in the paint.

rwfisher 07-31-2025 10:48 AM

Meguires #9 followed up with #7.

Rachelsdad 07-31-2025 01:28 PM

Back in the day, depending upon the depth of the scratches, of course, I would have used fine machine compound on my buffer, followed by Liquid Ebony before hand waxing.

Today, I'm mostly using Griot's stuff, so I'd use their Correcting Cream on a wool pad at medium speed on the orbital followed by their machine polishing liquid (the name of which escapes me) on a foam pad, followed by hand waxing with a good carnauba liquid (Maguire's is fine).

If you've got any orange peel at all, I would use what we used to call "color sanding paper" and what is now 2500 or 3000 grit on a block first, followed by the above procedure. (Note to self: those rear quarters on the Bonneville could use that...soon.)

tjs72lemans 08-09-2025 10:53 AM

More than likely this is from wet sanding and not fine enough paper. I have the same issue. But, I chose to live with it.

Jeff Hamlin 08-11-2025 05:28 AM

I'll second Meguiar's.

Bought a nice foolproof buffer years ago,
and love the results. I'll do this at least once a season.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...7f32b2c2_b.jpg

1965gp 08-11-2025 10:10 PM

These new buffers make it so much easier- not anywhere near the amount of risk burning the paint.

MUSLCAH 09-08-2025 11:03 PM

Get your self an orbital Buffah. A non experienced

Person can easily buff a car with one of these machines.
Get your self some 3D ( not 3M) compound & the Polish.
Maguires & 3m products for buffing are garbage..because they are full of fillers.

burd 09-09-2025 10:14 AM

Mrguires Mirror Glaze will do it , get an orbital. Foam pad.

Formulabruce 10-13-2025 10:05 PM

When pain shrinks, including base, it can show some sanding scratches. Polisher will not remove them, don't use a buffer unless you really are sure its on the top of the clear coat


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