Removing Scratches
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,424
Likes: 0
From: Hoboken, New Jersey
RE: Removing Scratches
You always should start with the least aggressive product, and work your way to more and more aggressive as the results dictate.
The PC 7424 is a outstanding tool. Its a random orbital polisher/buffer, and is very forgiving for the novice user, but can still "burn" the paint on irregular surfaces if not used correctly. I have found that on motorcycles its not actually needed....it is a help and more of a help on touring bikes with baggs and tour pack's.
As for what product I like on black colored bikes/cars. Well I like the 3M line....either fine cut compound, Imperial Hand Glaze, or their "swirl mark reducer/remover for dark colors". The Maguires Scratch-X also works well....but the product I like best is called Liquid Ebony, and you can get it in a auto body supply shop. Depending on the location, severity, and color in question I make my choice as to what product I will use. Just remember to use a good sealer or glaze, and then a good wax to finish it. ALWAYS use the highest quality 100% cotton terry cloth detailing towels you can find......I have found the ones that are sold at www.zymol.com are very very good, but any detailing towels should be used ONLY for detailing, and rotate the towel often...also you should only use them to remove product....not to apply it. When you wash them do not use any fabric softener or dryer sheets...they will cause most products to leave a haze behind after final buffing, and then you have to do the job over.
I highly suggest you visit a few detailing forums, and ask plenty of questions before you touch anything.....if you dont you can cause more damage than what you have already.
The PC 7424 is a outstanding tool. Its a random orbital polisher/buffer, and is very forgiving for the novice user, but can still "burn" the paint on irregular surfaces if not used correctly. I have found that on motorcycles its not actually needed....it is a help and more of a help on touring bikes with baggs and tour pack's.
As for what product I like on black colored bikes/cars. Well I like the 3M line....either fine cut compound, Imperial Hand Glaze, or their "swirl mark reducer/remover for dark colors". The Maguires Scratch-X also works well....but the product I like best is called Liquid Ebony, and you can get it in a auto body supply shop. Depending on the location, severity, and color in question I make my choice as to what product I will use. Just remember to use a good sealer or glaze, and then a good wax to finish it. ALWAYS use the highest quality 100% cotton terry cloth detailing towels you can find......I have found the ones that are sold at www.zymol.com are very very good, but any detailing towels should be used ONLY for detailing, and rotate the towel often...also you should only use them to remove product....not to apply it. When you wash them do not use any fabric softener or dryer sheets...they will cause most products to leave a haze behind after final buffing, and then you have to do the job over.
I highly suggest you visit a few detailing forums, and ask plenty of questions before you touch anything.....if you dont you can cause more damage than what you have already.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Removing Scratches
I've used the HD scratch remover, and it works great. Apply a small amount to the scratch, and work it with a clean micro fiber towel in the direction of the scratch. Learned about it at the detail area in Rapid City from a HD rep. I had a pretty deep scratch in the top of my gas tank that disappeared in about 10 minutes.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
From: Upstate New York
RE: Removing Scratches
ORIGINAL: biz44
You always should start with the least aggressive product, and work your way to more and more aggressive as the results dictate.
Depending on the location, severity, and color in question I make my choice as to what product I will use. Just remember to use a good sealer or glaze, and then a good wax to finish it. ALWAYS use the highest quality 100% cotton terry cloth detailing towels you can find......any detailing towels should be used ONLY for detailing, and rotate the towel often...also you should only use them to remove product....not to apply it. When you wash them do not use any fabric softener or dryer sheets...they will cause most products to leave a haze behind after final buffing, and then you have to do the job over.
I highly suggest you visit a few detailing forums, and ask plenty of questions before you touch anything.....if you dont you can cause more damage than what you have already.
You always should start with the least aggressive product, and work your way to more and more aggressive as the results dictate.
Depending on the location, severity, and color in question I make my choice as to what product I will use. Just remember to use a good sealer or glaze, and then a good wax to finish it. ALWAYS use the highest quality 100% cotton terry cloth detailing towels you can find......any detailing towels should be used ONLY for detailing, and rotate the towel often...also you should only use them to remove product....not to apply it. When you wash them do not use any fabric softener or dryer sheets...they will cause most products to leave a haze behind after final buffing, and then you have to do the job over.
I highly suggest you visit a few detailing forums, and ask plenty of questions before you touch anything.....if you dont you can cause more damage than what you have already.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 302
Likes: 0
From:
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 378
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Removing Scratches
Steve, I agree. I have the same basic equipment. I've also had good luck on mhy black cherry with McGuires Sworl Free Poish and a light cut compound. I don't recal the name of that one off the top of my head. Keeps baby looking smooth!!!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,523
Likes: 1
From: South Florida
RE: Removing Scratches
I am fortunate that I have a detailing dept and I have this particular guy that can get anything to shine literally perfect and remove any light scratch, haze, oxidation etcoff anything..
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 179
From: N.E. OHIO
RE: Removing Scratches
ORIGINAL: biz44
You always should start with the least aggressive product, and work your way to more and more aggressive as the results dictate.
The PC 7424 is a outstanding tool. Its a random orbital polisher/buffer, and is very forgiving for the novice user, but can still "burn" the paint on irregular surfaces if not used correctly. I have found that on motorcycles its not actually needed....it is a help and more of a help on touring bikes with baggs and tour pack's.
As for what product I like on black colored bikes/cars. Well I like the 3M line....either fine cut compound, Imperial Hand Glaze, or their "swirl mark reducer/remover for dark colors". The Maguires Scratch-X also works well....but the product I like best is called Liquid Ebony, and you can get it in a auto body supply shop. Depending on the location, severity, and color in question I make my choice as to what product I will use. Just remember to use a good sealer or glaze, and then a good wax to finish it. ALWAYS use the highest quality 100% cotton terry cloth detailing towels you can find......I have found the ones that are sold at www.zymol.com are very very good, but any detailing towels should be used ONLY for detailing, and rotate the towel often...also you should only use them to remove product....not to apply it. When you wash them do not use any fabric softener or dryer sheets...they will cause most products to leave a haze behind after final buffing, and then you have to do the job over.
I highly suggest you visit a few detailing forums, and ask plenty of questions before you touch anything.....if you dont you can cause more damage than what you have already.
You always should start with the least aggressive product, and work your way to more and more aggressive as the results dictate.
The PC 7424 is a outstanding tool. Its a random orbital polisher/buffer, and is very forgiving for the novice user, but can still "burn" the paint on irregular surfaces if not used correctly. I have found that on motorcycles its not actually needed....it is a help and more of a help on touring bikes with baggs and tour pack's.
As for what product I like on black colored bikes/cars. Well I like the 3M line....either fine cut compound, Imperial Hand Glaze, or their "swirl mark reducer/remover for dark colors". The Maguires Scratch-X also works well....but the product I like best is called Liquid Ebony, and you can get it in a auto body supply shop. Depending on the location, severity, and color in question I make my choice as to what product I will use. Just remember to use a good sealer or glaze, and then a good wax to finish it. ALWAYS use the highest quality 100% cotton terry cloth detailing towels you can find......I have found the ones that are sold at www.zymol.com are very very good, but any detailing towels should be used ONLY for detailing, and rotate the towel often...also you should only use them to remove product....not to apply it. When you wash them do not use any fabric softener or dryer sheets...they will cause most products to leave a haze behind after final buffing, and then you have to do the job over.
I highly suggest you visit a few detailing forums, and ask plenty of questions before you touch anything.....if you dont you can cause more damage than what you have already.