[SamarthVader]

Hello fellow Cadillac owners,

My 2002 Eldorado ETC has the White Diamond paint that I absolutely love. It's been in pretty much mint condition since I've had the car, but I'm noticing really fine scratches now. Most people would not be able to tell, but as a fanatic, they just stick out to me.

I'm thinking they should be easy to get rid of with some polishing, but I have no experience with polishing. I dont want to ruin the paint even more. What polishing compound or polish/wax would be best for the White Diamond paint? The pearl has to be something special, because I don't see it on any other cars on the road.

 

[vincentm]

Try mequiars cut cleaner. Id do it by hand but if you use an orbital, use the lowest speed setting

 

[basscatt]

Hello fellow Cadillac owners,

My 2002 Eldorado ETC has the White Diamond paint that I absolutely love. It's been in pretty much mint condition since I've had the car, but I'm noticing really fine scratches now. Most people would not be able to tell, but as a fanatic, they just stick out to me.

I'm thinking they should be easy to get rid of with some polishing, but I have no experience with polishing. I dont want to ruin the paint even more. What polishing compound or polish/wax would be best for the White Diamond paint? The pearl has to be something special, because I don't see it on any other cars on the road.

--------------------
the ONLY way to remove scratches - is to REMOVE PAINT -

the scratches you see are in the clear coat -
to remove the scratches - you must use an abrasive compound -
and remove the paint down to the level below that of the scratches -

on a 14 year old car - with unknown history -
I would STRONGLY recommend seeking the expertize of a professional detailer -

if you don't know what you are doing -
you can destroy the paint REALLY QUICK
by using rubbing compound either by hand or with a machine -

wax - by itself might brighten up the paint -
and it might "fill-in" some of the really fine scratches to a minor degree -

for you - I would recommend sticking with Meguiars Liquid Gold wax -

 

[oldcaddybuyer]

http://www.autogeek.net/how-to-remove-scratches.html

I use this website as a guide for most of my detailing questions. I would start with a wash, clay bar, then compound applied with an orbital buffer. I had some scratches on my black 4Runner and this did the trick. I followed with glaze and 2 coats of carnauba wax.

 

[Tankboy40]

Hello fellow Cadillac owners,

I'm thinking they should be easy to get rid of with some polishing, but I have no experience with polishing. I dont want to ruin the paint even more. What polishing compound or polish/wax would be best for the White Diamond paint? The pearl has to be something special, because I don't see it on any other cars on the road.

Dont take chances with your paint! Using an orbital polisher IS your best bet to remove the scratches USING LIGHT PRESSURE....

Or do the smart thing, take the car to a professional detail shop, point out your main areas of concern, and pay them the $200.00 to have the car detailed inside and out.

It will return to you like new, and your issues addressed.... With out pulling your hair out.

After all... it IS a Cadillac. :thumbsup:

 

[Submariner409]

Study this website and get their CD on paint work and preservation.

www.autogeek.com

If you're gonna do it right, have it look stupendous, and last for more than a month, you WILL spend some bucks. I have over $450 invested in detail supplies and equipment.

For a necessary, basic start, get a twin pack of these - www.gritguard.com - and find a couple of drywall mud buckets at a local home construction site.

 

[Tankboy40]

Thats why I"m paying someone else $220.00 to get mine done...

and they will get rid of the swirl marks i put in it trying to save some $$$

 

[Submariner409]

No swirl marks if you use an orbital, correct pad, speed, and polishing compound grade.

 

[Tankboy40]

Agreed Sub, but if I have someone else do it and there is something not right, I have someone to cuss at. :thumbsup: :rant2:

 

[Submariner409]

Heh, heh ............. things automotive - - - - When (not if) I screw up I mumble to myself. Karen leaves the area.

 

[Yaemish]

Like Sub, I do mine myself and have become somewhat of an expert. It costs money, but I think that I do a better job than professionals. Keep in mind that time is a major factor for a professional and because of this, a lot of them use oil fillers. By doing it myself, I can use products without fillers and actually remove the light swirl marks and imperfections and they will stay removed as long as I follow proper washing techniques.

Having had a White Diamond Deville, I can tell you that you should avoid touch up paint or repainting anything at all costs. Outside of stone chips, don't do lines of touchup paint. You will never get it to match. Additionally, having taken the time to review a lot of products I have found ones that work better than others. I would advise you to read up at autogeek, autopia.org is another good source. My new polishing preference is Meguiars M105 with the appropriate foam cutting pad or wool pad, followed by Meguiars M205. The M105 with get rid of the swirls and fine scratches that you are talking about, the M205 will remove the holograms that the M105 left.

Unfortunately, with White Diamond you can't skip the M205 step. Some colors don't benefit from the second polish, White Diamond is not one of them. I trust that you will research it, but I want to add that the M205 uses a polishing pad. The M105 used a cutting pad. Good luck and post some pics when you are done!

 

[Ranger]

Swirl marks are almost impossible to see on White Diamond unless you specifically look for them. Meguiar's has some excellent products for that very purpose if you are that concerned about it.

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Outside of stone chips, don't do lines of touchup paint. You will never get it to match.

:tisk: Don't even try touching up a stone chip with it. It'll come out looking grey. If you must touch up a stone chip, just use the base coat, which I believe is Cotillion White.

 

[oldcaddybuyer]

I spent over $300 on supplies last year and it took around 9 hours for each vehicle. Wasn't in a hurry or anything. No swirl marks either.

Working all week in a building without windows, behind a cypher lock staring at 8 computer screens, spending the weekend in the garage just cleaning and polishing is relaxing. When you finish there is an instant gratification for finishing a project that didn't require political manuevers or meetings about meetings. I can understand some folks don't have the time or desire to do it yourself, but for some of us I believe it to be more a pastime instead of a chore.

Good luck on getting her touched up. My Aurora was that color and I still miss her.

 

[cadi509]

Welcome to the world of paint polishing there's a good long video down in detailing from the junk man that explains alot on this...... Now try all this on black its the ultimate experience training