car trouble?

[mizfiesta]

The bonnnet of my car is very dull compared to the rest of the car, and is hazy, with fine scratches. A friend of mine told me to buy T-cut(?) as it helps to remove such things. I went to a car parts shop and asked the chap for this and he gave me Autoglym Paint Renovator. I tried to apply this with a soft cloth to the bonnet of the car but it was hard to apply without drying out quick and going all powdery, so I finally gave up. The bonnet on my car is now worse than when I started out! Its duller than ever and looks all cloudy. Does anyone know the best way to apply this stuff? It was also quite hot outside the day I applied it and it does say on the bottle to use it in cool conditions. Maybe that is where I have went wrong?

[robber1]

T-Cut is very good. I was in the trade.T-Cut is the actual name on the bottle.There are two types, one for metallic paint and one for solid colours. Apply it on a clean soft cloth and only use it on one small area at a time (about a 12inch square).Rub it in the square, then with another soft cloth polish it up.Keep on doing the squares,overlapping the edges of the previous square.This way the result is even all over with no smearing, and even in the sun you can get it looking good. Dont try short cuts by doing too big an area, you will take twice as long and not look as good.The nature of these products is to dry and go powdery, but small patches is the secret.(I use T-Cut, not what you mentioned. You can buy it at most auto shops).

[sft42]

The autoglym product is very good and the only problem is that you've let it dry in the sun....the CUT part of the name comes from the fact you are using a mild abrasive to remove a layer of oxidized paint and accumulated grime from the surface, cutting it away to reveal the fresh paint underneath. Robber's instructions are very good if you follow them you should find that your car comes up a treat.

[mizfiesta]

Thanks to Robber and Sft for their responses. Robber, I asked the guy in the shop for t-cut and he gave me the aforementioned Autoglym product (I was confused by that actually, but I said nothing in case I sounded stupid!) But if sft says its a good product then I'll try it again using Robbers instructions. Fingers crossed eh?

[mizfiesta]

No, its dark blue.

[robber1]

Autoglym may be good, I dont know cos I have never used it. T-Cut is the product that others copied though.Some more info if it helps you: T-Cut (or whatever you use) takes off the car wax and a little paint in order to restore the colour. When finished, the treated area needs rewaxing. Applying too much pressure on a tiny area could result in the primer or even the metal showing through. It should not happen so dont let me scare you but it could happen if applied in a cavalier fashion. Just be aware thats all.

[sft42]

I found Autoglym (white box with square logo?) to be even better than T-Cut....it's recommended by Ferrari amongst other so it should be a good product.

[mizfiesta]

I hope that I have not caused any damage to my car bonnet at my last attempt at applying this stuff! I maybe was a bit over generous with it, though only to a small area. I am dreading going near it again, but I will soon....as soon as I can muster up the courage! I'll let you know how it goes.

[Caladon]

T-Cut is the definitive. by the way, ferrari say use autoglym because they are spondered by them in races and such so they would say use it ;)

[robber1]

I did say, mizfiesta, that I did not want to scare you and it looks like I have. T-Cut or whatever similar product you use is nothing to worry about. Apply it on a cloth and clean a small square on the car, polish off. It takes out scratches as well. Maybe I should not have mentioned about rubbing too much in one spot because you would have to really go too far to create any damage. Pretend you are cleaning the top of a wooden table, polish off and if it is not right, do it again. you will soon know how much rubbing is required to cut your paintwork. Rewax surface after cutting.Easy.

[mizfiesta]

Re-wax? Oh my Gawd! I didn't know you had to do that! I think I may have started something and got myself in too deep? Is that difficult to do? And what product should I purchase.

[robber1]

Deary, deary me.If I told you that the top had to be taken off the bottle first I bet you would panic about that as well (only joking).When I said re-waxing, it is not more difficult than polishing the sideboard with Pledge.The T-Cut takes away the wax on the paint surface. If left it would discolour with traffic dirt etc. Buy any car wax from an auto shop (like turtle wax).Wipe on...wipe off. Finished.

[mizfiesta]

Thanks Robber, for your advice and tips. I'll give it a go. (Say a prayer! Lol!)

[robber1]

You're welcome.