I've begun restoring the finish on my 2007 350Z Coupe (red). After claying the car and applying the least abrasive polish available from Griot's, a pattern of scratch marks gave way to the actual finish of the paint. The top, sides and rear deck have cleaned up very well. Only a few sctraches remain and one more pass with the number four polish should complete the job.

The hood has turned out to be problem. I've suspected the finish on this part of the car for some time. Viewing the hood under harsh direct light showed an odd pattern of scratches, some paralell, none circular. The fine polish had little effect. I applied the next most abrasive and the actual paint finish began to show through. I applied the most abrasive polish and enough of the surface scratches were removed to reveal severe orange peel.

Here's my question: Is there a step in the finishing process that calls for a technician to apply a coarse polish when the paint is marginally acceptable or am I looking at the result of the dealer ordering the lot boy to spiff up a car that has to be shipped later in the morning? The damage I'm working to remove is not circular or swirling so I'm inclined to dismiss the possibility of someone using a dirty buffer. Any thoughts on what may have been done to create the scratching? And how far can I go, using an orbital machine to apply an abrasive polish before I replace one problem with another?

The scratches are not so deep that you can feel them. On the other hand, they are clearly the result of a mechanical process. Is there a way to tell how deep the scratching goes?

 

I asked a tech at a well-respected custom paint shop to diagnose the problem. His conclusion: Unskilled or indifferent use of a wet sanding block to create the final finish. Repainting will solve the problem, if the factory paint is removed completely.

 

With out seeing some pics of what you are talking about is useless to give you any info on what to do.