Just bought a 1990 Lexus LS400, 130k. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hope it will be a dependable first car for my daughter.

The finish is severely scratched. The PO may have been only half kidding when he said he sometimes used a broom to wipe off leaves from the car. The damage appears to be to the clear coat and not down into the paint.

I just ordered that Porter Cable polisher, thru the link given by suginami.

What product should I start with to try and revive the finish?

Thanks,

glenmore
1991 300CE
1990 LS400

You can wet sand the clear with 2000 grit paper and then compound it . Take it to a Pro if your not confortable doing it yourself.

I'm not sure I'd use 2000 grit sandpaper.

I'd try the Porter Cable and Meguiar's 6.5 inch compounding pad and DACP (dual action cleaner polish), then #9 and a 6.5 inch polishing pad, then #20 with a 6.5 inch finishing pad.

The DACP might not remove all of the scratches in the clear coat, but it's always a better idea to leave some minor imperfections and have some clear coat left, which is your only UV protection.

If the scratches cannot be removed with a PC, then you're going to have to use a rotary buffer, which will remove more paint. For this, I'd go to a professional. I have a DeWalt electronic variable speed rotary buffer, and I've used it with much success, but I have a lot of experience. It is a powerful machine, and it is easy to burn through the paint. I have seen people do it, including my neighbor who thought it was easy by watching me.

I don't know how bad your paint is, buy you can only achieve whatever the maximum potential your finish will allow. Once you get close to that level, it is a point of diminshing returns.

__________________
Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

Aaaaaah, Glenmore.

I just recognized your name.

We met at Alon's house at the last GTG.

Feel free to PM me for further advice.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

2000 grit paper if used right will not remove all the clear on the car and finishing the job with 3M's microfinishing compound will not hurt it either.
I have personally done this many times and was never disapointed, but like anything if done wrong it can do damage this is why i suggested a Pro.
Why not take it to your local body shop and see what they suggest.

I have done a lot of color sanding in my time.

I have even used 1000 grit sand paper on paint.

It has always worked out well for me.

The problem is that the Porter Cable cannot remove grade 2000 sanding marks. It is not aggressive enough because of the built-in clutch.

You would have to use a rotary buffer to remove the sanding marks.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

If you want to DIY and be extra careful, you can get Griot's Garage machine polishes. Comes in 3 degrees of aggressiveness. Very easy to use and virtually novice proof (as I can personally attest to!)

__________________
Steve
'93 400E