Scratches and specks

[Dave Cleveland]

I noticed a couple weeks ago that there were some very small, white colored specks on my black stripes. Since I attended a car show or two throughout the summer, I assumed it was something from a nearby tree. I've tried cleaning it with soap and water but that didn't seem to work. I've also tried a little polishing compound, but that didn't work either.
Is rubbing compound and polishing compound the same thing and is that what I should be using?
There is also an area where some circular patterned scratches are visible. Their not deep, but in the right light you can see them.
Can anyone advise me on how to remove this stuff from my stripes?

Thanks,
Dave

[Excaliber]

I had a similiar problem and used some polishing compound to attack it. I got some of the spots off but it left the area I was working on a little "dull". Polishing compound does have some very very small abrasive qualities that act like a "cleaning" agent. Rubbing compound is more aggressive on the same idea of polishing. Of course there are MANY different grades of rubbing compound, like there is sand paper.

I took my car to a professional detailer to finish removing the white marks I had. He wouldn't reveal what he did, but it looked way better than what I did!

[427sharpe]

Sounds like you need detailing clay. It is available at most parts houses now, and has been used by pro detailers for a long time. Meguiars sells it I think at AutoZone. Read the directions, and remember it's harder to put paint ON than take it off!

[Back in Black]

www.griotsgarage.com

They have some of the finest detailing and auto care products around.