OK, last week, I washed the '06 IP Coupe for the first time after getting it. My plan was to wash (cannot remember what brand it is now) and just put on some Mother's gold wax for the shine. I skipped the clay step as I felt the car and didn't feel very "bumpy" at all.

Anyhow, as I was washing the hood, I noticed a small speck on it. It's on the hood and definitely does not look/feel like a paint chip from a rock or something. Running my finger over it, it is slightly bumpy, but not detached enough to remove it with some light scrubbing. It feels embedded into the paint but still bumpy. I wish I had noticed it earlier, but I'm pretty sure it came from factory like this. What the heck is that? Any ideas to remove it? Would clay do the job? Keep in mind I have now waxed it already, so do I need to use a wax remover now first....

 

Tough to say without seeing it, but Claying the area would be the best bet! Be sure to seal it right after!

 

Try clay - you don't need to remove the wax before claying, clay will strip it right off. If clay doesn't work take a picture of it if possible. It's kind of touch to say what it is without seeing it. Could be a bubble in the clear or something as harmless as rail dust.

 

Deisel1 stole my brain!

 

Guys I am going to take a pic of this speck...wish you could feel it too somehow cuz not sure how much justice a close up pic will do it. But as I say, best descrption is that it's bumpy, so it seems like something foreign (and not a paint chip), yet embedded into the paint so cannot be removed easily.

 

Hard to say without seeing it, I'll give a more definite recommendation when I see the picture. Preliminary evlauation in this order:

- Goo Gone or Poorboy's World Buq Squash to loosen it
- Clay Bar
- Abrasive Polish like Poorboy's World SSR 2.5 followed by SSR 1.0

 

Ok guys, here is the pic as promised...I really don't know what anyone can make of it, but it's a close up shot of the hood. If someone wants a sharper version, I will try to take one.

 

I'd definitely try clay on that. I don't see any distortion of the clear around it, so I doubt it's a rock or a bug that got lodged into the clear. It could be a factory defect but those are pretty rare. If clay doesn't do it then try Punchits suggestion of a mildly abrasive polish (ScratchX is ok if you want to get something locally).

 

I had some thing similar on my DG. I tried some mild polishes, then to a rubbing compound, then to wet stand, and then to ...primer.

If you're at all new to using these products, just be careful, I ended up getting the door repainted to the tune of $500. Good luck.

 

Thanks for the warning shook. Picus/Punchit, though I am willing to try anything at this point to remove this spot, I'm failing to see how smooth clay will be able to remove such a stubborn speck in light of already attempted mild scrubbing. This speck seems embedded. Maybe I just fail to see how clay works other than picking up dirt particles already loose on the surface....can one of you guys enlighten me?

 

I don't know why clay works the way it does. I really should, considering the amount of cars I use it on - I just know it works. It isn't a miracle or anything, but I've used it to take off totally hardened tree sap, rail dust that has embedded itself into the clear, overspray, spray paint, you name it. Even if it doesn't work it won't harm the paint in any way and you'll only be out $10. ScratchX won't hurt the paint either.

If neither of those do it I'd say it's probably a paint defect and would bring it to the attention of the dealer.

 

A few tips with clay. There are other options besides over the counter clay. I found that for over the counter, clay magic works the best. For that spot, you may need a commercial clay that can remover coarser contaminants. Try an autobody supply or detailing supply shop.

For the OTC clay, they typically provide a quick detail spray to use as a lubricant. This usually works well 95% of the time but if that doesn't work, you may need to switch to a solution of a car wash soap & water. The more soap you add, the less effective the clay will be. I would start out with a small capful to about 16ozs of water. Then dilute from there.

Remember, you don't need any elbow grease when using clay! Just let the clay do the work!

 

Again I would try the clay bar if you can because its a very easy way to remove contamination and safe. Most clay is actually the same exact from brand to brand its just relabeled and dyed different colors. There are some differences but not much. I have the Clay Away from Pro which is a little firmer clay compared to Clay Magic or Clear Kote's Clay Bar Kit.

If that doesn't work, which it may not you should get the Poorboy's World SSR 2.5 and SSR 1.0. I have found this combo can take just about anything off the paint. The SSR 2.5 is a medium cutting polish that will remove just about anything from the clear coat no matter how tightly its bonded to it. Follow up with the SSR 1.0 to ensure all the surface gloss has been restored and looks/feels smooth as glass. I think this will be a sure fire way to remove the mark. Additionally you can use these two products on fine scratches to treat them or most commonly people will apply this to their whole car to reduce swirls and scratches.

 

Hey Punchit, not to hijack the thread but have you tried that Diamondite window cleaner (the 3 step)? Just wondering how good it is. Will it get etched water marks off glass or will I need to rely on a good polish for that?

 

Compound Polish- Comes right out...