got some scratches in the clear coat from cleaning dust off and sand. anyone know any easy tips or products to getting them off with out clay baring. their just the swirly ones you catch at the right light

 

pick up some Meguiar's ultimate compound and an applicator. If that doesnt work, you will need to take a Dual Action Polisher to it

 

 

That wont remove minor scratches, it may "hide" them with any fillers it may have. But he is gonna need a polish or a compound to remove swirls and scratches

 

This stuff does wonders for swirls

 

Yeah to get swirls (spider webbed look) you will need a good compound and a DA.

Even though it's not a super polisher/buffer, my Porter Cable 7336SP does a great job. You can, but I don't waste my money on all of the different pads you can get. It comes with a good quality foam one. I just bought two more of those. So now I have 1 for compound, 1 for cleaner wax (or whatever), then the last for sealant/wax like Griots Best of Show. However the best way to prep your paint is to CLAY it! Smooth surface to start with, even with clear coat defects, is a MUST to getting slick as glass paint.

But that's just my method and it has always yielded excellent results for me.

Like this.....sorry for truck whoring.

 

If I were you, Id just buy a cheap dual action buffer/polisher and just use swirl remover/polishing compound/etc.
Also look into different ways on how to prevent scratches like that from happening. A good two-bucket cleaning system and a pre-wash foaming can go a long ways.(:

 

+1 on doing two-bucket wash system. I always do this method to prevent swirls and scratches on the paint. Also try the optimum poli-seal. It's an all-in-one product that's not expensive.

 

And a +1 on the Poli-Seal, ive never used it but Ive heard good things about it. My friend in Boston uses it all the time and his Volkswagen is picture perfect. i always use Meguiars Pre-wax Ultimate Polish and it does wonders too.

 

Another thing to consider is the condition of "Filth". if its just a little bit of dust, then something like the California Duster is just fine, however, I personally refuse to use dusters. if it has heavier dust or some dirt/sand, then a quick detailer or spray wax and a microfiber towel will work. Never use a dry towel on the surface of a dusty or dirty vehicle, because most times the microfiber will either push the dust/contaminants around (instead of picking it up), or will leave the undesired scratch marks. If the Vehicle is just too dirty to dust or quick detail, then a wash is needed.

 

Clay the affected part and make sure to use the least abrasive method. Meguairs Swirlx, Ultimate Compound and Scratch X 2.0.