I bought a 2014 Ram Express from carmax with 15k miles. I believe the finish was probably perfect or close to it. However, somebody thought they needed to polish it and there were swirl marks all over the Max Steel finish (PAR paint code) Checked the truck during the daylight, all was good. I took delivery after the sun went down. A week later, I took it back, when they returned it too me they were so proud, they moved the swirls around. I remember seeing cars that once upon a time that really looked nice. however, the owners had polished the finish completely off. In two years I do not want to have that problem that my truck needs to be repainted. At this point the entire OEM finish has been polished by one or two idiots. I have no idea how much clear coat is left. I say OEM finish because there is no tell tail signs of repairs and CarFax was clear.
I do not have a buffer, really don't want to use one. I'm scared to death of burning through the clear coat. I went to a custom shop, asking for a bid to fix it. They refused. Can I use a Meguiar's or Turtle wax scratch remover to hand polish the truck hopefully getting rid of the swirls that cover this truck? Or at least reduce the effect? Should I try to get a shop to shoot a couple coats of clear over it so there is enough to polish?
If you REALLY wanted to know how much clear coat is remaining, you'll need to purchase a gauge to measure. It's pretty tough to tell exactly how much clear coat is left just by sight, but those gauges are pricey. A professional detailer should have a gauge and would be able to give you an idea. To be honest, I would like to think that you would be fine.
As far as far as repairing the damage to your truck, you have a few different routes to take.
1. You could use hand products to try and remove swirling. That would be immensely tiring and I couldn't imagine doing a single panel, much less an entire vehicle by hand.
2. You could buy yourself a cheap orbital, decent pads and compounds. Rough estimate would be ~$100 for some basic necessities depending on what brand you decided to go with. Do your research, don't be afraid! Watch videos, read threads and ASK QUESTIONS!
3. Take it to a detailer. You'll be looking around $300-$400, depending on where you are located, for a professional. But that would depend on how much work you would want done. Correction with sealant and wax? What level of sealant and wax? Depends on the detailer really. I'm no professional, but for a truck like ours, I'll start around ~$200 for a correction alone. That's a proper wash, claybar, single stage compounding and a basic wax. Just to give you an idea.
Remember, no matter how well you take care of your paint, swirling
WILL return. Something as simple as incorrectly washing the truck, the scratches will be back! That's why I recommend getting yourself some basics and trying it yourself first. Give it a shot, you'll see results and you'll be thrilled! When the swirls come back, break out the products and take care of them again. If it's something you enjoy, upgrade your products when funds allow and keep seeing better results! On the other hand, if you don't like it, you don't have too much invested in this. I'm sure you could sell the orbital and supplies to another beginner. You gave it a shot.
Thanks for the compliment Jay!
