For around 8 months my car has been sitting under a tree and had accumulated all type of dirt and grime along with lots and lots of sap. I washed it today only to find out that alot of it wasn't coming off with regular soap and water and a wash mit. Thats when I took purple power and a scuff pad and lightly got all of debris off of the paint. Crazy and stupid I know lol, but it worked. However now I need to get my paint back shiny like it use to be. The sun seemed to dry the purple power on the hood, top, and trunk and of course I have the scratch and swirl marks. This left the paint looking dull and oxidated. What do you guys recommend for getting the color back and the scratches and swirls out. Oh btw the car is white if that makes any difference. Any help is appreciated...

I know it's to late but you should of used clay magic to get all that crap out of your paint. At this point I would take it by a good body shop and ask them how much to buff out the scratches.

It sounds like its time for a good detail.

Be careful on who you use to detail your car, especially if you are meticulous about it. There are some self-proclaimed professionals out there who are simply high paid hacks. Ask around, get references, seek before and after pictures if possible.


IMO - This is the premier detailing forum out there.
You could probably find a reputable detailer in your area through this site.

http://www.autopia.org/


I suspect you are not too meticulous about your car since you used the products you mentioned. You can probably get a decent buff job full of fillers at your local car wash / detail shop.

Best of luck with either route you choose.

It sounds like its time for a good detail.

Be careful on who you use to detail your car, especially if you are meticulous about it. There are some self-proclaimed professionals out there who are simply high paid hacks. Ask around, get references, seek before and after pictures if possible.


IMO - This is the premier detailing forum out there.
You could probably find a reputable detailer in your area through this site.

http://www.autopia.org/


I suspect you are not too meticulous about your car since you used the products you mentioned. You can probably get a decent buff job full of fillers at your local car wash / detail shop.

Best of luck with either route you choose.


:yeah::yeah:

Next time you have sap on your car, use denatured alcohol on a soft towel or microfiber. This will take of the problem very quickly and with no marring induced. I also second autopia.org for a good detailer in your area. Body shops are (sometimes) good at shooting paint, but 99% of the time terrible at the final finishing process. Also, be sure whoever you choose is a legitimate company carrying insurance and not just a weekender. While most full timers (as well as I) started out on the weekend with help from that forum, you'll protect yourself more by finding a real business to do the work.

Autopia appears to market many of the same products as www.autogeek.net down in Palm Coast, FL.

Wash > Clay > Compound > Polish > Wax

Before any of that, you'll need to get rid of the sap. My STS was hit with light sap one summer. There are paint scratches when you look close. In one spot, the clear coat came up on the hood. The sap is a bastard. I cut that damn tree down, too.

You might take it to a detailer to get the sap removed. May as well have the whole thing done there.

Thanks for all the help guys. I really hate the tree because I can't keep any of my cars clean during any of the seasons. I think I need to invest in a carport!!!