Buffing out swirls/scratches on the B, C, and D panels.

[Siouxsie]

The other day I was complaining about the bird poo that was all over my Bronco, because it seemed to be gummed on there and I couldn't just easily wipe it away. My son decided to do me a favor and go out to clean it off for me, except he used one of those sponges with the green abrasive side to it. I don't blame him, obviously, but now there are multiple circular spots on the sides where there are swirls and scratches. I've included a photo to kinda show where they are. There are some on the plastic pillars, and on the metal itself.

Does anyone have any tips on how to buff these scratches out on the plastic pillar pieces? I've never done it before, so it would be my first time. What kind of products should I buy, and what steps should I take?

There are only a couple spots on the actual metal that I will probably just bring into a shop to get covered up(one on the hood, one on the back, and one on the side).

Only 15,000km on her too. Never have kids lol

Sponsored

 

[Dude]

Bummer!! Btw if you are unable to buff out the swirl marks .. a good quality paint protection film (PPF) applied over all the pillars and above rear hatch hides swirl marks so they become invisible - they don’t need to be removed before PPF is installed
There are several posts on that topic (can search for: swirl), here is one:

https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/ob-bl-black-roof-who-hates-‘em.13238/

 

[Mark S.]

It'll take some elbow grease, but this product can help you get rid of scratches in the plastic.

https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G12310EU-Plast-Polish-Plastics/dp/B00F653HGS?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&gQT=3

 

[NMhunter]

Let us know how it works. I have a few scracthes in the black plastic as well.

 

[Meanderthal]

If this is the only time you ever intend to buff paint and/or plastic, you are probably better off to just take it to a detailer and ask them to do it. If, on the other hand, you are using this as a starting point and want to learn a bit as you go, then you should look at an orbital polisher, polishing pads, and buffing compounds.

I own a Rupes orbital polisher. They are pretty good but there is always something "better" out there and I'm sure some lesser machines would also do the trick.

I have found the Meguiars microfiber polishing pads to work pretty well and they can be cleaned and reused. Not super expensive and readily available on Amazon.

Menzerna has been my go-to for compounds. Yes, you want to start with something a little more aggressive and work your way up to a polishing compound. I'm guessing that 3 steps would bring in all back to a good polish.

 

[errgnomeous]

If you're going to be doing this yourself and not seeking out help from a shop that does professional detailing, then I would recommend getting help from the DIY Detail guy. They have a youtube channel but you might be needing help from their facebook group: facebook.com/groups/Detailingfordummies

Sponsored