Will buffing take out scratches?

PureDope

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Jul 27, 2010
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US
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MKVI JSW
I'd def recommend the claybar. It's actually not that bad, just make sure you're thoroughly lubed and it's a breeze.
 

TDIinMA

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Sep 1, 2010
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Plymouth, MA
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2011 JSW 6MT; Black uni, Cornsilk
TDIinMA, did you give the 3M a shot?
This is what I picked up ... I may need to get some small deep cutting pads and compound, but I'm starting with this:

I finally pulled the trigger on this kit and added a six pack of 4" cutting pads and a 3.5" backing plate for tighter areas as the scratches are all over both cars:

Meguiars Porter Cable XP Ultra Polish Kit with 5.5 Inch Pads FREE BONUS

Kit Includes:

Porter Cable 7424XP Variable Speed Polisher
Porter Cable 7424XP Wrench
Porter Cable 7424XP Counter Weight
Dual Action Flexible 5 Inch Hook & Loop Backing Plate
32 oz. Meguiars Mirror Glaze #105 Ultra-Cut Compound
32 oz. Meguiars Mirror Glaze #205 Ultra Finishing Polish

3 CCS 5.5 Inch Orange Light Cutting Foam Pads
2 CCS 5.5 Inch Gray Finishing Foam Pads
2 Cobra Microfiber Detailing Cloths, 16 x 16 inches
 

TDIinMA

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Location
Plymouth, MA
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2011 JSW 6MT; Black uni, Cornsilk
Well, I gave it a shot and decided to get some pads that cut more. I ordered the yellow CCS and also the maroon Meguiars in 5.5 and 4". I have added some pics of my efforts thus far. After about five passes on the left side on the hood you should be able to see the difference. The scratches are not readily visible, only when you get real close and put your head down near hood level.

First attempt to remove:

http://pics.tdiclub.com/showgallery.php?cat=5257

Compare to the before pic here:

http://pics.tdiclub.com/showphoto.php?photo=77096&title=b6-passat-wagon&cat=500
 

HaveBulldogWillTravel

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Chesapeake, VA
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2011 Tornado Golf DSG 4dr
After about five passes on the left side on the hood you should be able to see the difference. The scratches are not readily visible, only when you get real close and put your head down near hood level.
I think it's safe to say that you have made an improvement but you still have a long long way to go. You need a more aggressive cut and if you ultimately go through the clear it needed to be wet sanded and re-cleared anyway. Go for it!
 

TDIinMA

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Plymouth, MA
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2011 JSW 6MT; Black uni, Cornsilk
I think it's safe to say that you have made an improvement but you still have a long long way to go. You need a more aggressive cut and if you ultimately go through the clear it needed to be wet sanded and re-cleared anyway. Go for it!
Yes, that is my thinking as well. I'm pretty sure I can get it to an acceptable level without having to go that route (in fact, it's close to that now). We shall see...
 

AndySRT

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cary il
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2010 cup car
Is that with just the compound or is that with both compound and polish? Remember to move slowly with your passes and keep a even pressure. what speed did you use on the 7424?
 

TDIinMA

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Plymouth, MA
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2011 JSW 6MT; Black uni, Cornsilk
Is that with just the compound or is that with both compound and polish? Remember to move slowly with your passes and keep a even pressure. what speed did you use on the 7424?
That's just the 105. I do need to work on my technique. I started with an "X" pattern of moderate amount on speed five. Then after a couple passes of slow, steady work I got a bit impatient and switched to a 4" orange pad and did some at 6. But when I did this I noticed the compound was beginning to break down much faster. I then quit and ordered the more aggressive cutting pads and also read that the passes need to be slow and consistent. I think I went too fast here.
 

AndySRT

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cary il
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2010 cup car
Keep in mind just using the compound will leave behind marring. After polish it will clean it up more. 105 is not a diminishing compound. Try just taping a 2x2 area with tapers paint and practice your teknique. Maybe on different areas of the car where the paint is damaged. 2x2 is the max area in which I work. Also it seems vw clear is very hard.
 
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TDIinMA

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Plymouth, MA
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2011 JSW 6MT; Black uni, Cornsilk
Well, I can attest to this being a fact (the clear coat is HARD). ;)

Thanks for the added advice. The new pads arrive Tuesday. I'll start on a fresh set of scratches, to practice better technique, just to be safe.
 

TDIinMA

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Sep 1, 2010
Location
Plymouth, MA
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2011 JSW 6MT; Black uni, Cornsilk
Ok, I think I have the Passat's hood to what I would say is "acceptable". Some of the marks are still there, but ever so faintly and only visible with extreme reflection and viewing at an angle. I'm not gonna sweat that when the paint job was far from flawless to being with. I will be more exacting and demanding with my JSW though.. ;)

The following made the difference:

- Harsher cutting pads

- Better technique - I used a higher speed and moved much slower. This seemed to work better.

I also used the polish and then waxed and it makes it look even better.

Thanks again to everyone who extended their sincere advice and sympathy. :)
 

TDIinMA

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Location
Plymouth, MA
TDI
2011 JSW 6MT; Black uni, Cornsilk
Spent a few hours yesterday working on the nose of the JSW. Not bad..

BEFORE:



AFTER:



BEFORE:



AFTER:



BEFORE:



AFTER:




MORE AFTER SHOTS:







 
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nikhsub1

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Sep 21, 2010
Location
Los Angeles
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2015 Golf R
Wow, you did a pretty amazing job! From the photos, you can not even see scratches in the after shots.
 

TDIinMA

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Sep 1, 2010
Location
Plymouth, MA
TDI
2011 JSW 6MT; Black uni, Cornsilk
Wow, you did a pretty amazing job! From the photos, you can not even see scratches in the after shots.
Thanks!

Well, the longer you work it, the shallower and fainter they become. There are still some there, but the worst are gone. It's going to take a long time to get the entire car back to showroom condition.
 
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