Crown

Board: Porsche - 911 - 997 Language: English Region: Worldwide Share/Save/Bookmark Close

Forum - Thread

    Oct 24, 2007 8:21:15 PM

    MMD
    Rennteam VIP
    MMD
    Loc: usa
    Posts: 9652, Gallery
    Registered on: Dec 16, 2004

    Touch your paint: scratch it.

    Geez, the sun was shining just right in my garage and I saw billions of scratches on my two-month-old clear coat.

    Then I dusted off an area and merely ran my thumb across it a few times. Guess what? MORE scratches: from my thumb! I tried to eliminate those new scratches, thinking they were "grease" from my thumb but..., no..., they were microfine scratches. Wow.

    I know you can't see the paint getting dull until fine scratches accumulate for a few years, (I'm very careful with my paint too) but is there anyway to "harden" the surface by using say, ureathane (?) or "poly" type sealants? Maybe my carnauba wax is too soft?

    Do you think the 997 clearcoat is too soft? Do I have a bad clearcoat?

    BTW, car is Slate Grey , so I guess the darkness doesn't help. Fisrt time I had a dark-colored Porsche. Maybe this is normal?

    Oct 24, 2007 8:31:36 PM

    STRADALE
    Rennteam VIP
    STRADALE
    Loc: NY , United States
    Posts: 11075, Gallery
    Registered on: Mar 9, 2005
    Reply to: MMD

    Re: Touch your paint: scratch it.

    Quote:
    MMD said:
    Geez, the sun was shining just right in my garage and I saw billions of scratches on my two-month-old clear coat.

    Then I dusted off an area and merely ran my thumb across it a few times. Guess what? MORE scratches: from my thumb! I tried to eliminate those new scratches, thinking they were "grease" from my thumb but..., no..., they were microfine scratches. Wow.

    I know you can't see the paint getting dull until fine scratches accumulate for a few years, (I'm very careful with my paint too) but is there anyway to "harden" the surface by using say, ureathane (?) or "poly" type sealants? Maybe my carnauba wax is too soft?

    Do you think the 997 clearcoat is too soft? Do I have a bad clearcoat?

    BTW, car is Slate Grey , so I guess the darkness doesn't help. Fisrt time I had a dark-colored Porsche. Maybe this is normal?






    Didn't want to listen to me.......

    Oct 24, 2007 8:38:56 PM

    Moogle
    Rennteam Master
    Moogle
    Loc: Bay Area , United States
    Posts: 5019, Gallery
    Registered on: Aug 9, 2003
    Reply to: STRADALE

    Re: Touch your paint: scratch it.

    Have it professionally detailed once in awhile. Keep a layer of wax on it. Rejex works well, or maybe try a synthetic wax, they will last longer and provide more protection.

    Oct 24, 2007 9:35:55 PM

    SrfCity
    Expert
    SrfCity
    Loc: Orange County, CA
    Posts: 1339, Gallery
    Registered on: Jul 21, 2004
    Reply to: Moogle

    Re: Touch your paint: scratch it.

    Yea, the CC is not too hard on P's. Everything scratches on a dark color.

    Oct 24, 2007 9:52:11 PM

    JoeRockhead
    Rennteam VIP
    JoeRockhead
    Loc: Topside , Monaco
    Posts: 8033, Gallery
    Registered on: Sep 17, 2007
    Reply to: SrfCity

    Re: Touch your paint: scratch it.

    Agreed. Mine is Basalt Black and has scratches on it from washing it. I use a new mitt every two washes, use a synthetic chamois to dry and have a coat of Turtle Wax on it. You can still scratch the paint with your finger nail.

    Oct 24, 2007 11:14:16 PM

    MMD
    Rennteam VIP
    MMD
    Loc: usa
    Posts: 9652, Gallery
    Registered on: Dec 16, 2004
    Reply to: STRADALE

    Re: Touch your paint: scratch it.

    Quote:
    STRADALE said:



    Didn't want to listen to me.......



    Nahhh..., Not true. Stradale, your posts are very interesting.

    Maybe I missed it? Or maybe I was in a bad mood and my reply sounded recalcitrant (oops, sorry).

    Oct 24, 2007 11:32:59 PM

    Popolou
    Co-Pilot
    Popolou
    Loc: London , United Kingdom
    Posts: 161, Gallery
    Registered on: Nov 24, 2006
    Reply to: MMD

    Re: Touch your paint: scratch it.

    Also run with Slate grey and haven't noticed any trouble TBH. Yes, P paint is indeed soft but this is because its all water based nowadays. But, caring for the paint is all about using the right products, and washing with anything other than a mit or MF cloth will leave marks. I wouldn't even allow chammy's to get close anymore.

    Regards

    Pop

    Oct 25, 2007 12:58:42 AM

    MrBonus
    Junior
    MrBonus
    Loc: Delaware
    Posts: 97, Gallery
    Registered on: Oct 4, 2004
    Reply to: Popolou

    Re: Touch your paint: scratch it.

    There are plenty of quality polishes out there that are designed to remove fine scratches that you then can layer a sealant and/or carnauba on top of for protection.

    Oct 25, 2007 1:04:02 AM

    thuggy
    Veteran
    thuggy
    Loc: PA & CA , United States
    Posts: 834, Gallery
    Registered on: Aug 22, 2006
    Reply to: Popolou

    Re: Touch your paint: scratch it.

    Yup clear is ridiculously soft. My car is pure black so you can imagine my frustration. What I was told by my detailer is that with the switch to more environmentally friendly paints they became softer.

    Wash is key, two bucket system, rinse extremely well and use good products. Scratches are inevitable on a dark car so get a good detail a couple times a year

    Oct 25, 2007 9:08:16 AM

    easy_rider911
    Rennteam VIP
    easy_rider911
    Loc: London , United Kingdom
    Posts: 22190, Gallery
    Registered on: Nov 8, 2004
    Reply to: MMD

    Re: Touch your paint: scratch it.

    @MMD, man, you need to follow Stradale's and 69bossnine's advice. I've been using boar's hair brushes from Griot's Garage (never ever used a mitt or sponge) and I use a microfibre towel to dry the car. These things work wonders! I just don't have microscratches from washing.

    Long before I ever took delivery of my 997S, I decided upon one thing...that I would put to one side whatever I knew about washing cars and that I would simply follow Stradale's and 69bossnine's 'Ten Commandments'!! It's a no-brainer. The only thing is the cost of importing all that stuff from the USA. It's not cheap but neither was my Porsche so I wasn't going to scrimp and economise on cleaning equipment.

    I just can't thank those guys enough for what I've learnt from them. When I clean it, my car looks just like it did the day I first took delivery of it in Zuffenhausen.

    Oct 25, 2007 10:37:58 AM

    sws1
    Junior
    sws1
    Loc: USA
    Posts: 83, Gallery
    Registered on: Aug 2, 2006
    Reply to: easy_rider911

    Re: Touch your paint: scratch it.

    I have a dark car with no scratches after a year. Wash myself, 2 buckets. MF towels. Detailed by me when I picked it up. Not touched by dealer. Synthetic with carnuaba layer over top.

    Still looks great.

    Oct 25, 2007 12:26:24 PM

    Alex_997TT
    Rennteam Master
    Alex_997TT
    Loc: Reading , United Kingdom
    Posts: 3320, Gallery
    Registered on: Nov 20, 2005
    Reply to: sws1

    Re: Touch your paint: scratch it.

    Not bothered about scratches!

    My car after Ventureshield...

    Oct 25, 2007 12:44:35 PM

    Turbo4ever
    Senior
    Turbo4ever
    Loc: HK , Hong Kong
    Posts: 723, Gallery
    Registered on: Sep 13, 2007
    Reply to: Alex_997TT

    Re: Touch your paint: scratch it.

    Quote:
    Alex (UK) said:
    Not bothered about scratches!

    My car after Ventureshield...



    What's Ventureshield?

    And wondering how was metallic black vs pure black in maintaining?

    I love pure black, but also worrying about scratches.

    Oct 25, 2007 12:52:03 PM

    Alex_997TT
    Rennteam Master
    Alex_997TT
    Loc: Reading , United Kingdom
    Posts: 3320, Gallery
    Registered on: Nov 20, 2005
    Reply to: Turbo4ever

    Re: Touch your paint: scratch it.

    Quote:
    Turbo4ever said:
    Quote:
    Alex (UK) said:
    Not bothered about scratches!

    My car after Ventureshield...



    What's Ventureshield?

    And wondering how was metallic black vs pure black in maintaining?

    I love pure black, but also worrying about scratches.





    Ventureshield: http://www.ventureshield.com/products.asp

    Before I sold my Carrera my 2 cars were black and basalt black.

    You have to clean the black a lot more. A back car will be dirty the very next day after washing, basalt typically lasts about a week before it starts looking bad.

    Also, I found any small scratches a lot easier to get out with paint restorer on basalt compared to black.

    Oct 25, 2007 1:18:27 PM

    Turbo4ever
    Senior
    Turbo4ever
    Loc: HK , Hong Kong
    Posts: 723, Gallery
    Registered on: Sep 13, 2007
    Reply to: Alex_997TT

    Re: Touch your paint: scratch it.

    Quote:
    Alex (UK) said:
    Quote:
    Turbo4ever said:
    Quote:
    Alex (UK) said:
    Not bothered about scratches!

    My car after Ventureshield...



    What's Ventureshield?

    And wondering how was metallic black vs pure black in maintaining?

    I love pure black, but also worrying about scratches.





    Ventureshield: http://www.ventureshield.com/products.asp

    Before I sold my Carrera my 2 cars were black and basalt black.

    You have to clean the black a lot more. A back car will be dirty the very next day after washing, basalt typically lasts about a week before it starts looking bad.

    Also, I found any small scratches a lot easier to get out with paint restorer on basalt compared to black.



    Thanks...

    Still, I will go for PURE BLACK.

    Just love it!

    Oct 25, 2007 1:40:58 PM

    Turbo4ever
    Senior
    Turbo4ever
    Loc: HK , Hong Kong
    Posts: 723, Gallery
    Registered on: Sep 13, 2007
    Reply to: Alex_997TT

    Re: Touch your paint: scratch it.

    Quote:
    Alex (UK) said:
    Quote:
    Turbo4ever said:
    Quote:
    Alex (UK) said:
    Not bothered about scratches!

    My car after Ventureshield...



    What's Ventureshield?

    And wondering how was metallic black vs pure black in maintaining?

    I love pure black, but also worrying about scratches.






    Before I sold my Carrera my 2 cars were black and basalt black.




    Alex, do you think it is a good idea to have the designation painted in body color? I mean black on black. Can you really see that when painted?

    I don't like the mirror like turbo designation at all.

    Oct 25, 2007 1:47:53 PM

    Alex_997TT
    Rennteam Master
    Alex_997TT
    Loc: Reading , United Kingdom
    Posts: 3320, Gallery
    Registered on: Nov 20, 2005
    Reply to: Turbo4ever

    Re: Touch your paint: scratch it.

    I think black on black, you might as well save yourself a few bob and just delete it. The turbo does indeed stand out a lot in black though...

    Oct 25, 2007 2:00:05 PM

    Turbo4ever
    Senior
    Turbo4ever
    Loc: HK , Hong Kong
    Posts: 723, Gallery
    Registered on: Sep 13, 2007
    Reply to: Alex_997TT

    Re: Touch your paint: scratch it.

    Quote:
    Alex (UK) said:
    I think black on black, you might as well save yourself a few bob and just delete it. The turbo does indeed stand out a lot in black though...





    Can't see at all but still want the black turbo logo there. Maybe I am just Black addicted.

    What's your new car color?

    Oct 25, 2007 2:04:03 PM

    Alex_997TT
    Rennteam Master
    Alex_997TT
    Loc: Reading , United Kingdom
    Posts: 3320, Gallery
    Registered on: Nov 20, 2005
    Reply to: Turbo4ever

    Re: Touch your paint: scratch it.

    What can't you see? Did the thumbnail pop-up not work for you?

    I went for Arctic Silver with DAJ option in the end.

    Oct 25, 2007 2:10:13 PM

    Turbo4ever
    Senior
    Turbo4ever
    Loc: HK , Hong Kong
    Posts: 723, Gallery
    Registered on: Sep 13, 2007
    Reply to: Alex_997TT

    Re: Touch your paint: scratch it.

    Quote:
    Alex (UK) said:
    What can't you see? Did the thumbnail pop-up not work for you?

    I went for Arctic Silver with DAJ option in the end.



    oops... nice...

    Oct 25, 2007 2:24:18 PM

    atomic80
    Rennteam Pro
    atomic80
    Loc: Bellevue, WA USA , United States
    Posts: 2596, Gallery
    Registered on: Feb 9, 2006
    Reply to: Turbo4ever

    Re: Touch your paint: scratch it.

    Ever since I had my car coated with the matrix nanotechnology coating, it's been resistant to those microscratches. And there's a lifetime guarantee on it too so I'm definitely satisfied with the results! It always has the super wet look after a wash.

    Oct 25, 2007 2:51:16 PM

    MMD
    Rennteam VIP
    MMD
    Loc: usa
    Posts: 9652, Gallery
    Registered on: Dec 16, 2004
    Reply to: Alex_997TT

    Re: Touch your paint: scratch it.

    Quote:
    Alex (UK) said:
    Not bothered about scratches!

    My car after Ventureshield...



    LOL! Funny! Makes me think about getting a bra for my entire car.

    Oct 25, 2007 2:55:17 PM

    MMD
    Rennteam VIP
    MMD
    Loc: usa
    Posts: 9652, Gallery
    Registered on: Dec 16, 2004
    Reply to: atomic80

    Re: Touch your paint: scratch it.

    Quote:
    atomic80 said:
    Ever since I had my car coated with the matrix nanotechnology coating, it's been resistant to those microscratches.



    Niiice..., loooove that Cobalt; looks great even in fluorescent light, wow. Thanks for the nano-clue; will check into it.

    Oct 25, 2007 3:38:40 PM

    Jim48
    Senior
    Jim48
    Loc: Virginia, USA
    Posts: 639, Gallery
    Registered on: Oct 24, 2005
    Reply to: MMD

    Re: Touch your paint: scratch it.

    I use a pig bristle brush, from Griot's, when washing mine. I apply Rejex, to make it easier to remove bug juice. I also use a sponge with the plastic mesh to help remove the bug juice but am careful when using it as it might leave scratch marks.

    But I do have some fine scratches, which can be noticed only in certain sunlight conditions, on the clear coat - I have theBasalt Black Metallic.

    You might want to think about using a wax remover, washing it, and then applying Rejex or go the Carnuba route if you want a harder finish wax. You don't get as bright a shine with the Rejex, but it's a lot easier to apply and buff. You won't need an electric buffer with the Rejex.

    Jim

    Oct 25, 2007 3:54:26 PM

    JAMS
    Pilot
    JAMS
    Loc: LVK , United States
    Posts: 326, Gallery
    Registered on: Dec 21, 2004
    Reply to: Jim48

    Re: Touch your paint: scratch it.

    Is that a Gulf Blue Cayman, lurking in the background?

    Oct 25, 2007 4:07:27 PM

    JAMS
    Pilot
    JAMS
    Loc: LVK , United States
    Posts: 326, Gallery
    Registered on: Dec 21, 2004
    Reply to: JAMS

    Re: Touch your paint: scratch it.

    ??

    Oct 25, 2007 5:09:50 PM

    MMD
    Rennteam VIP
    MMD
    Loc: usa
    Posts: 9652, Gallery
    Registered on: Dec 16, 2004
    Reply to: Jim48

    Re: Touch your paint: scratch it.

    Quote:
    Jim48 said:
    [edited]

    You might want to think about using a wax remover, washing it, and then applying Rejex or go the Carnuba route if you want a harder finish wax. You don't get as bright a shine with the Rejex, but it's a lot easier to apply and buff. You won't need an electric buffer with the Rejex.

    Jim



    Thanks..., maybe I gotta rethink my "waxing."

    I'm leaning toward this "Klasse" stuff because it is an _acrylic_ coating. It's gotta be harder than carnauba though c. is supposedly very hard(?). Maybe it's harder than the usual non-carnauba-based waxes.

    I use RejEx on front bumper for the bug jerky removal: works great, looks great too. Amazingly easy to apply.

    If it's "harder" than Klasse products, I'll do the whole car with RejEx. Don't care too much about 80% shine vs. 95% shine (whatever "% shine" is).

    Shine comps are very hard to find satisfaction with. I put a light-tack masking tape down and wax one side with one thing and the other side with something else to compare. I've never been blown away by differences (sad for me? ), especially when the car is seen, without the tape, in real world lighting.

    Oct 25, 2007 5:16:04 PM

    Jim48
    Senior
    Jim48
    Loc: Virginia, USA
    Posts: 639, Gallery
    Registered on: Oct 24, 2005
    Reply to: MMD

    Re: Touch your paint: scratch it.

    Quote:
    MMD said:
    Quote:
    Jim48 said:
    [edited]

    You might want to think about using a wax remover, washing it, and then applying Rejex or go the Carnuba route if you want a harder finish wax. You don't get as bright a shine with the Rejex, but it's a lot easier to apply and buff. You won't need an electric buffer with the Rejex.

    Jim



    Thanks..., maybe I gotta rethink my "waxing."

    I'm leaning toward this "Klasse" stuff because it is an _acrylic_ coating. It's gotta be harder than carnauba though c. is supposedly very hard(?). Maybe it's harder than the usual non-carnauba-based waxes.

    I use RejEx on front bumper for the bug jerky removal: works great, looks great too. Amazingly easy to apply.

    If it's "harder" than Klasse products, I'll do the whole car with RejEx. Don't care too much about 80% shine vs. 95% shine (whatever "% shine" is).

    Shine comps are very hard to find satisfaction with. I put a light-tack masking tape down and wax one side with one thing and the other side with something else to compare. I've never been blown away by differences (sad for me? ), especially when the car is seen, without the tape, in real world lighting.



    Agree. Maybe my eyes are not as discerning as those of others, but I hardly notice the differences in the level of shine. That and the fact that I am basically a bit lazy makes me lean towards Rejex, which I use on the whole car.

    And I apply it with a clean soft cloth and buff it with a microfiber cloth. I hope the microfiber cloth doesn't cause scratches (I don't think it does).

    Jim

    Oct 25, 2007 8:38:12 PM

    69bossnine
    Rennteam Pro
    69bossnine
    Loc: FL, USA , United States
    Posts: 2028, Gallery
    Registered on: Jan 27, 2005
    Reply to: Jim48

    Re: Touch your paint: scratch it.

    Don't sweat the small stuff, it happens, but it's so easy to remove on a periodic (yearly, or every 6 months) basis...

    Just treat the car as gently as you can, and with each polish/wax, you should be back in business...

    Oct 25, 2007 10:41:39 PM

    uzj100
    Co-Pilot
    uzj100
    Loc: California, USA
    Posts: 169, Gallery
    Registered on: Sep 28, 2005
    Reply to: Turbo4ever

    Re: Touch your paint: scratch it.

    Quote:

    Alex, do you think it is a good idea to have the designation painted in body color? I mean black on black. Can you really see that when painted?

    I don't like the mirror like turbo designation at all.



    Here's a photo of my black/black with body colored script
     
    Edit

    Forum

    1. All 

    Boards

     
    Board Subject Last post Rating Views Replies
    Porsche Sticky SUN'S LAST RUN TO WILSON, WY - 991 C2S CAB LIFE, END OF AN ERA (Part II) 4/17/24 7:16 AM
    GnilM     		761810 1798
    Porsche Sticky Welcome to Rennteam: Cars and Coffee... (photos) 4/7/24 11:48 AM
    Boxster Coupe GTS     		435052 565
    Porsche Sticky OFFICIAL: Cayman GT4 RS (2021) 5/12/23 12:11 PM
    W8MM     		260333 288
    Porsche Sticky OFFICIAL: Porsche 911 (992) GT3 RS - 2022 3/12/24 8:28 AM
    DJM48     		257426 323
    Porsche Sticky The new Macan: the first all-electric SUV from Porsche 1/30/24 9:18 AM
    RCA     		80885 45
    Porsche Sticky OFFICIAL: Taycan 2024 Facelift 3/15/24 1:23 PM
    CGX car nut     		5318 50
    Porsche The moment I've been waiting for... 2/1/24 7:01 PM
    Pilot
     
     
     
     
     
    		 871894 1364
    Porsche 992 GT3 7/23/23 7:01 PM
    Grant     		807256 3868
    Porsche Welcome to the new Taycan Forum! 2/10/24 4:43 PM
    nberry     		386905 1526
    Porsche GT4RS 4/17/24 8:53 PM
    GaussM     		385101 1452
    Others Tesla 2 the new thread 12/13/23 2:48 PM
    CGX car nut     		368087 2401
    Porsche Donor vehicle for Singer Vehicle Design 7/3/23 12:30 PM
    Porker     		366091 797
    Ferrari Ferrari 812 Superfast 4/21/23 8:09 AM
    the-missile     		288885 550
    Porsche Red Nipples 991.2 GT3 Touring on tour 4/11/24 12:32 PM
    Ferdie     		286006 668
    Porsche Collected my 997 GTS today 10/19/23 7:06 PM
    CGX car nut
     
     
     
     
     
    		 259062 812
    Lambo Huracán EVO STO 7/30/23 6:59 PM
    mcdelaug     		237156 346
    Lotus Lotus Emira 6/25/23 2:53 PM
    Enmanuel     		225225 101
    Others Corvette C8 10/16/23 3:24 PM
    Enmanuel     		219806 488
    Others Gordon Murray - T.50 11/22/23 10:27 AM
    mcdelaug     		166934 387
    Porsche Back to basics - 996 GT3 RS 6/11/23 5:13 PM
    CGX car nut     		138880 144
    BMW M 2024 BMW M3 CS Official Now 12/29/23 9:04 AM
    RCA     		115648 303
    Motor Sp. 2023 Formula One 12/19/23 5:38 AM
    WhoopsyM     		107451 685
    Others Valkyrie final design? 4/28/23 2:45 AM
    Rossi     		99312 219
    Porsche 2022 992 Safari Model 3/7/24 4:22 PM
    WhoopsyM     		83610 239
    AMG Mercedes-Benz W124 500E aka Porsche typ 2758 2/23/24 10:03 PM
    blueflame     		74895 297
    Porsche 992 GT3 RS 3/3/24 7:22 PM
    WhoopsyM     		53166 314
    Motor Sp. Porsche 963 3/16/24 9:27 PM
    WhoopsyM     		24694 237
    Ferrari Ferrari 296 GTB (830PS, Hybrid V6) 1/21/24 4:29 PM
    GT-Boy     		20949 103
    BMW M 2022 BMW M5 CS 4/8/24 1:43 PM
    Ferdie     		19220 140
    AMG G63 sold out 9/15/23 7:38 PM
    Nico997     		16468 120
    129 items found, displaying 1 to 30.