A quick detailing question

[Sp!ke]

After a year of use and despite careful two bucket washing with a lambswool mitt, I've noticed a bit of crazing on the paintwork of my little smart.

Looking closely, I think that some of the panels aren't actually even painted with the finish being a high sheen black plastic.

Given the unusual material, how best to polish and what with?

 

[Pitts Pilot]

The fact that all the body panels are plastic does not stop you using regular brand name cleaning/detailing products.

Here's a link that you may find helpful:

Cleaning & polishing the smart - Smart Mania

Cheers

 

[Sp!ke]

So products designed to cut back painted surfaces work just as well on a non painted surface?

Not sure that makes total sense in my mind.

 

[Deleted member 6183]

Won't the plastic have a gel coating or something similar?

 

[Krystal-K]

Won't the plastic have a gel coating or something similar?

even gel coating can be polished up nicely with the right products...

 

[Deleted member 6183]

even gel coating can be polished up nicely with the right products...

Sorry wasn't clear.

My point was that the clear coat could be polished.

 

[Krystal-K]

After a year of use and despite careful two bucket washing with a lambswool mitt, I've noticed a bit of crazing on the paintwork of my little smart.

Looking closely, I think that some of the panels aren't actually even painted with the finish being a high sheen black plastic.

Given the unusual material, how best to polish and what with?

Alot of people presume that because they use the two bucket method they wont inflict swirls. Unfortunately this isnt the case.

The more careful you are in your washing regime means that your paintwork retains its brillaince longer...the two bucket method helps minimise any wash damage ...its damage control at its best.

 

[Pitts Pilot]

So products designed to cut back painted surfaces work just as well on a non painted surface?

Not sure that makes total sense in my mind.

I had a Smart "For Two" a few years ago and I remember that there were some black plastic body panels that looked as if there were just plain plastic, ie no paint.

However, as already stated there will be a clear coat on the plastic which can be cut.

My advice is that if you are unsure about any particular panel, then test the product, ie polishing/cutting product in a small area first.

On a different note, you mentioned "Crazing" in your Post and I'm wondering if you meant that exactly, as it could be cracking in the 'flexible' paint they have to use on the springy plastic panels. Obviously no end or polishing/cutting is going to remedy that. (Just checking... )

Elsewhere, a fine polish/cut followed with a wax would enhance the looks significantly.

Cheers,

 

[davidsw]

There is no such thing as a quick detailing question.