Your vehicle will undoubtedly lose value over time, with the condition of its paintwork being the most visible (and tangible) testament to its mileage. Scratched-up, worn paintworks on cars make them less valuable when selling later too. Thankfully, the Japanese engineers from Soft99 have got you covered.
Paintworks lose their luster due to many different reasons, which can vary based on local climate and weather. Most common culprits of worn paintworks are environmental factors (acid rains, dust, hail etc.), minor scratches, and oxidation. Luckily, there's a few remedies: you can mask, or you can fix. Here's how.
Get waxing: Soft99 Scratch Clear Wax
When dealing with worn paint, it's not unusual for car owners to look for quick remedies, rather than indulge in large and costly campaigns involving paint correction, or even repainting.
The crafty Japanese chemical engineers of Soft99 prepared a solution for an ever-popular wax market in Japan, in the name of Scratch Clear wax. Its formula is nothing short of revolutionary when it comes to rejuvenating worn paintworks through easy-to-use means. Available in variants for both dark and light paints, this wax is a blend of tiny abrasive, cleaning, and filler particles that work together to mask imperfections. At the same time, the product brings the well-known attributes of waxes, in form of water repellency, limited dirt adhesion, and increased gloss.
Why choose Scratch Clear?
- Immediate esults: Scratch Clear requires no binding or curing time. Simply polish it in, and you'll see the difference instantly.
- Versatile use: perfect for dealing with holograms, swirls, slight paint oxidation, and minor scratches. Delivers gloss and hydrophobicity as well.
- Unique, high-quality application: each Scratch Clear comes with a high-quality microfibre cloth, ensuring a smooth and even application.
How to Apply Scratch Clear Wax:
1. Prepare the vehicle by washing it with a pH-neutral shampoo, drying it; cleaning its surface using a clay bar, cleaner or other product of this kind.
2. Apply the wax to the supplied microfiber by lightly rubbing it on the wax's surface.
3. Polish the wax into the paintwork's surface and work until you achieve a desired effect.
4. Polish any residue with the clean side of the microfibre.
As always, there are no perfect solutions in car care, and in this case there are also some obvious drawbacks. A wax will eventually need to be re-applied, and even with that done, you're masking the imperfections, not fixing them. So, what to do when dealing with paintwork that won't be saved with just a layer of rejuvenating wax?
Say hello to paint correction: Soft99 Polishing Paste System
Deep scratches and/or significantly worn out modern automotive paint can only be fixed by paint correction, a much more nuanced process, which is exponentially more time- and labour-consuming than waxing. It also requires proper tools, such as a rotary or dual-action polishing machine. If you're not ready to take the plunge into paint correction, it's a good idea to ask your local detailing studio for help, or to book a paint correction training.
If you're game when it comes to polishing, though, we've got just the solution.
Soft99 Polishing Pastes offer a comprehensive, 3-step polishing system suitable for both beginners and professionals. Whether you're looking to correct severely damaged paintworks or perform a quick refresh, these polishes provide the perfect solution.
The 3-Step Polishing System
Cutting Compound: This is the most abrasive paste in the system, designed to eliminate major paint defects. It's ideal for preparing the paint after the matting stage but requires further processing steps.
Polishing Compound: With medium abrasiveness, this paste strikes a balance between cutting power and finish. It can be used as a stage II paste after the Cutting Compound or as a one-step paint correction paste.
Finishing Compound: This finishing paste has a low cutting force, perfect for removing haze and holograms. It leaves a mirror-like finish in the final stage of the paint correction process.
How to Use Soft99 Polishing Pastes
1. Ensure your car is clean and dry before starting the polishing process.
2. Apply a small amount of the chosen polishing paste to a polishing pad, by evenly spacing 4-6 dots of paste on the pad.
3. Using a polishing machine, apply the polish to the paintwork and then proceed to work the polish into the surface. Follow the recommended technique, suitable for your paintwork and polishing pad. Check the temperature of the bodywork at all times and avoid overheating. Avoid working in one place for too long to avoid rubbing off the paintwork.
4. After polishing, use a clean microfibre cloth to buff the surface if needed.
One could write a whole book about paint correction, the correct use of a polishing machine, choosing the right pads and similar topics. If you are in doubt, there are many resources on the internet to help you at every stage of paint correction. When in doubt, we recommend practising and testing on a separate car part, such as the bonnet. You can find suitable parts at any car market.
Why Choose Soft99 Polishing Pastes?
- Easy to use: Our water-based formula and new generation abrasive particles make these polishes safe and easy to use.
- Versatility: Compatible with all types of polishing pads and suitable for various paint correction needs.
- High performance: With a capacity of 300 ml, our polishes offer excellent performance, making them ideal for large vehicles or multiple projects.
Final thoughts
There's plethora of solutions available when it comes to restoring paintworks to pristine conditions, but it's worth keeping in mind that sometimes the paint is damaged to such an extent, that there will be no other option but to repaint the car. It's not easy, and especially not cheap, but when all other solutions fail, it should at least be considered. If you're not sure which solution to choose, never hesitate to get in touch with a detailing pro and ask him about your vehicle's paintwork condition.
Still, rejuvenating your car's paintwork is a rewarding process that can be a real life-saver for many car owners, especially when it comes to hobby projects or classic cars. With Soft99 Scratch Clear wax and Paint Polishes, you have the tools to achieve a flawless finish. Whether you're dealing with minor scratches or severe paint defects, our products are designed to meet your needs.