I have a huge oxidation area right in the middle of my hood. I need help to remove this.....I know it can be done because I have a neighbor who details cars. He was outside doing his car, So i stoped by to see if there was something he could do. He pulled out some cleaner, that he mixed up himself, and rubbed a little on a small area of the hood. It looked like new it that little area. That was 2 month ago and that little spot he cleaned is still clean. The only problem is that he wants me to pay him to detail the whole car to fix the spot....... Anybody have a guess what he used?


I know i am being cheap but any help would be appreciated.......

 

Have you tried 3M Scratch and Swirl Remover?

 

He may buy the product in bulk and just tells you it is his own mix.

Like Carl said, it will take a mild abrasive.

 

It doesn't take any specific magic formula to remove oxidation. Any good abrasive product will do the trick. A good paint cleaner or polish will work fine in most cases. Since I can't tell how bad the oxidation is, I'll recommend some products to check out from least abrasive to most and let you be the judge. Meguiar's #9 SMR or Medallion Premium Paint Cleaner and 3M SMR #39009 are about the least agressive cleaners. Next, 3M Finesse-It II Finishing Material or Meguiar's Dual Action Cleaner Polish work great with buffers and are medium or moderately agressive for a little more severe applications. You can also use the Meg's D/A C/P by hand in a pinch, whereas the 3M is recommended for use with a buffer. Next are compounds that are used as a last resort for the most severe damage to the finish. Products that work great here are 3M Fine Cut Compound (by hand or buffer), 3M Medium or Heavy Cut, and Meguiar's Fine Cut, Medium, or Heavy Cut Cleaners. All of the Meguiar's compounds are recommended to be used with a buffer though as well as the Medium and Heavy Cut 3M.

Restoring a damaged finish isn't easy work, but with some elbow grease and the right products, you can have it looking like new in time. Here is a link that you can use to read up on each of these products in more depth: polishes or Compounds

 

I also recommend an orbital (better) or rotary (the best) buffer to help with the job unless you have iron fingers and arms of steel. Much quicker that way too.

- Brent