Paint job?

[billberry12]

I just bought a 2008 used Avalon. Cassis red. Washed it yesterday for the first time and I noticed that there are swirls on the driver side that look like someone pressed too hard on an electric buffer. It seems to have gotten into the clearcoat. Looks bad if the suns hits it just right. Seems like they were trying to cover up some hairline scratches. Only shows when car is clean and sitting in the sun a certain way.

What is the best way for me to try to correct this? Should I take it to a body shop for them to look at, or a professional auto detailer. I really don't have the equipment or knowhow to do anything much. The last thing I want to do is make things worse than they are.

Thanks for your input.

[AvyLimited]

Bill,
There are products available to remove the swirl marks, but it really will depend on how deep they are in the clear coat. If you go this route, the one thing you will want to try to do is chose a direction to rub and only go back and forth in whatever direction you chose. It is actually pretty easy to get minor scratches out of clear coat, it just takes patience and some elbow grease. Clear coat polish has almost no abrasive in it, so it can take a bit of time and rubbing to take out a mark, but I have had great success many time with everything from minor door scuffs to scratches from my kids brushing up against the car when taking their bikes out of the garage. If you are not comfortable doing it yourself, you could take it to a detailer and have them give you an estimate. You are not out anything but some time to have someone else look at it.

Good Luck.

Steve

[Tom in Tacoma]

Go take a look at Adamspolishes.com. They have a 'how-to' section that is quite helpful and my just give you the answer you're looking for. Their products ROCK as well!

[billberry12]

Thanks for the replies. I think my best bet is to take it to someone that knows what they are doing. Problem is, finding out who that is. How can one know if a shop knows its stuff?
Thaks again,
Bill

[PhatRoyale]

check out autopia forums, they can recommend a good detailer in your area

[billberry12]

Thanks. I took it to a detail guy yesterday. He waxed or polished (not sure which) it and buffed it. Looks good as new. All I saw Sunday is gone. Cost me $60.00.

Strange yesterday morning before I took it to him. I could not see the swirls and scratches at all. No matter how hard I tried. I assume it must have been the "perfect storm" of direct sunlight Sunday when I saw it. Just to be sure, I drove to the exact spot at the same time yesterday, and parked the car in the same direction, and the problem is definantly gone after the new wax job today.