[tormax]

I received my 2012 328i (black sapphire metallic) a few days ago and noticed it picks up finger prints easily. I wiped a hand print off the back of the hood with my undershirt and noticed several small, cat hair scratches. You cant see them unless you are looking for them and the light hits the car just right, but there has to be a better way to remove finger/hand prints. I am guessing a fine microfiber cloth works well?

[rfx45]

I always carry a bottle of Meguiars Ultimate Detailer and a couple of microfiber towels in the trunk. Spray and wipe does the trick when getting rid of finger prints, dirt and water marks before they set in.

I never wipe my car with A towel dry, even if it is the most expensive microfiber towel in the world, it is just asking for paint marring and swirl marks.

[TEAShea]

Current automotive paint is pretty soft and scratches easily. The waterborne paints just are not as hard as prior paint. In order to remove the small scratches, you have to remove the top layer of the paint down to the level of the bottom of the scratch. To do this you can use one of the many abrasive polishes. Depending on how deep they are, you can use a very fine polish or one that is more aggressive.

Of course, the best way is to avoid the scratches in the first place. Most scratching occurs when you wash and dry the car. Dust and dirt contain very abrasive particles including silica (which is used in some sandpaper). The idea when washing a car is to ensure that the dirt and dust on the paint is not pressed into the paint. This is done by using a constant stream of water on the area being washed and by using a boar's hair brush. Do not dry the car unless it is absolutely clean. The towel will press any left over dirt into the paint. Never even dream of using a chamois to dry a car. The flat surface will combine with even small particles to make a nice piece of sandpaper. Use microfiber towels. If a towel has any discoloration or dirt on it after you use it, you have been scratching the paint.

And - don't let anyone touch your car. Their fingers will simply be pressing any dust into the paint.

Tom

[ramonE90-NL]

I had the same problem. Someone diceded to remove a splatterd bug with his finger. It scratched imidietly.

I just used meguiars NXT wax to remove the fine scratches

[Anodite10]

Originally Posted by TEAShea

Never even dream of using a chamois to dry a car.

I've always used a chamois to dry my car! I had no idea that it would do that .. Thanks for the great tips

[nick3753]

I would highly suggest watching these videos, especially on washing and drying. There are similar descriptions on detail product sites as well.
http://paintcare-n-detailing.com/pinnacle.html

And OP, welcome to the joys of owning a black car.

[SomeRandomer123]

Battery acid will work to remove finger prints....
Meguires stuff is very good indeed, some tosser put his suitcase on my boot lid when unloading his car so I wizzed it into the field and set to with some Meguires Scratch Remover jizz. Works really well!

[nofuture]

I got my sapphire black 335, my first black car and the last :-)

After reading detailing forums here, the best thing you can do is properly detail your car and that will minimize maintenance.

Best option is to get reputable mobile detailer to come to your house $300/ 6-8 hours of work or do it yourself (avoid at all cost details shops and jobs for $100)

I did it myself (the whole process, washing, claybarring, sealing, etc.) it took 6 hrs (I think I touched every surface of the car 6 times) and at the end I wished I paid someone.

But its worth it. I can see that I will have much easier time to maintain the car for the next 6 months, then I will have to repeat the same process (FUCK yeah)

Welcome to the ownership of the black car which is hell :-)

In a few years if you want to polish out those micro scratches, its possible and can be done. I have seen examples here on the forum. But there is no need to do it now.

[lewishamilton]

After my first wash I am finding that Melbourne Red will be high maintenance as well. Good tips here, will keep it in mind for my next wash.

[Anodite10]

Originally Posted by lewishamilton

After my first wash I am finding that Melbourne Red will be high maintenance as well. Good tips here, will keep it in mind for my next wash.

Damn! I really thought that Melbourne red would be easily maintained! I remember that my sapphire black was a nightmare to maintain!!

[CE750Jockey]

Black? No way, no how. The nightmare you never wake up from.

[shoptb]

Originally Posted by TEAShea

Current automotive paint is pretty soft and scratches easily. The waterborne paints just are not as hard as prior paint. In order to remove the small scratches, you have to remove the top layer of the paint down to the level of the bottom of the scratch. To do this you can use one of the many abrasive polishes. Depending on how deep they are, you can use a very fine polish or one that is more aggressive.

Of course, the best way is to avoid the scratches in the first place. Most scratching occurs when you wash and dry the car. Dust and dirt contain very abrasive particles including silica (which is used in some sandpaper). The idea when washing a car is to ensure that the dirt and dust on the paint is not pressed into the paint. This is done by using a constant stream of water on the area being washed and by using a boar's hair brush. Do not dry the car unless it is absolutely clean. The towel will press any left over dirt into the paint. Never even dream of using a chamois to dry a car. The flat surface will combine with even small particles to make a nice piece of sandpaper. Use microfiber towels. If a towel has any discoloration or dirt on it after you use it, you have been scratching the paint.

And - don't let anyone touch your car. Their fingers will simply be pressing any dust into the paint.

Tom

Great tips...I am now terrified to go within 10 ft of my car. LOL

[Messer-schmitt]

Originally Posted by shoptb

Great tips...I am now terrified to go within 10 ft of my car. LOL

That made me spit out my coffee! (as the owner of a Jet Black model, i'm now nervous as hell!)