Birthmarks, 12 Volt, and Zaino

[octavia]

Originally Posted by morpheusx

I was also thinking the same thing, but I didn't want to start any sort argument. Likely it was just residue from the sticky white tape from shipping.

It's not from the tape. Both the dealer and myself tried to clean it off the day I picked it up. It was almost like a one of the stress marks you would see on plastic that had been bent but not broken, or an air bubble you would see under a clear coat only it did not move around.

I have not been able to see it again. My concern is mild and mostly about what could have caused it and if that would/will show up later as an issue. It's also been a bit of a challenge to see if I could find it again. I just spent about 45 minutes drying the car off after a rain, hoping to see it again, but nope. There are weird mini scratches over that part of the car too that I don't see anywhere else. Like scratches to the clear on top but not the paint? This is what makes me think I need one of the products from Zainos. They seem to have stuff for those fine scratches.

I don't know about anyone else, but I'm certainly not going to argue about making a bigger deal of something than it is. Not today anyway....

[Tideland Prius]

Well I can't comment on the invisible birthmark but for rock chips, it's wishful budget thinking. You'll want to get the 3M film (which will still leave the dents if the stone hits the car hard enough but it won't chip the paint) or just live with the fact that your bumper will look like the surface of the moon (moon surface may vary)


As with car products, anyone of the suggested ones will work. I use Mother's (just because that's what's available at my local store) and have no issues with it. You'll want pure carnuba wax not carnuba cleaner wax. The pure stuff will give you the nice deep shine. The cleaner one is sort of a polish and a wax at the same time. (it's kinda like all season tyres). It'll give you the shine and clean the paint but it's better if you claybar the paint yourself and coat it with pure wax (pure being relative here... 100% pure carnuba will empty your savings).


Claybarring is super easy.

1. Wet surface with detailing solution (comes with claybar kit)
2. Gently rub claybar over surface until you no longer hear "scratchy" noises (that means it's no longer rubbing against dirt so the paint surface is squeaky clean)
3. Wipe off with a soft cloth


Tips:
1. Do a small area at a time. Don't worry if the solution runs down the paint. You can wipe it off

2. If you drop the claybar on the floor, discard it because it would've picked up all the particles on the floor which will proably scratch the paint

3. Be liberal with the detailing spray

4. Wax immediately after claybarring because your paint is now unprotected

5. Claybar when the surfaces are cool to the touch

[a64pilot]

Carnuba is OLD school. It's been around forever, sometimes will be called "boat wax" We use it here on our fiberglass molds as a release agent to ensure the fiberglass doesn't stick to the mold. I've used it for years and I'm not up on this newer miracle stuff. Carnuba will give you results based on the amount of work you put into it, and it is a lot of work. I would tell you to work on one section at a time and only in the shade.
The "cleaner waxes" have an abrasive in them to clean. The best thing and the most work is what Tideland Prius said, clay bar it and use PURE wax, as in not "cleaner wax"

[JimN]

Octavia, power ports & plugs come in 2 sizes. Sounds like you were able to jam a large plug into a small hole. The port is not hot so you won't electocute yourself if the car is off.

Your description sounds typical. The Prius is a scratch magnet & the paint isn't durable. Get as much of the car covered in VentureShield or 3M film as you can. My front fenders & doors have more scratches than I can count.

[Jon S]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Carnuba is OLD school. It's been around forever, sometimes will be called "boat wax" We use it here on our fiberglass molds as a release agent to ensure the fiberglass doesn't stick to the mold. I've used it for years and I'm not up on this newer miracle stuff. Carnuba will give you results based on the amount of work you put into it, and it is a lot of work. I would tell you to work on one section at a time and only in the shade.
The "cleaner waxes" have an abrasive in them to clean. The best thing and the most work is what Tideland Prius said, clay bar it and use PURE wax, as in not "cleaner wax"

A really good carnauba wax is P21S from Germany... It is also sold as S100 bike wax thru most Harley shops. Easy to apply and remove, fantastic finish.