Laquered moulding 'smudges'

Sherry Lee

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Joined
Jun 25, 2002
Posts
2,228
Loc
Phoenix, Az.
I have some stored laquered moulding in different colors that have long smudges on them, not actual scratches. Is there anything that can be used to buff these out? I did a search, but nothing came up.
 
Laquered mouldings can be tough. If they are not a gloss laquer, you might try a light buffing with acetone. Experiment with other solvents and use a light touch.

If they are glossy, you might try furniture polish and elbow grease.

Experiment with different solvents and you might get lucky and find one that removes the buffs without surface damage.

Good luck.

Dave Makielski
 
Laquer finishes pose a unique problem over other finishes in that many solvents will reflow laquer and ruin it. If you are experimenting with solvents I would practice/test each solvent on a scrap piece before using it on the good moulding.

Otherwise, there are fine finishing compounds used for final buffing of autobody finishes that can be bought at places like NAPA or Auto Zone. Many times you can follow up with a coat of your favorite wax and get good results.

Don't get the "buffing" compounds, they are too coarse, ask for "polishing" compounds. Polishing compounds have a much finer grit in them than buffing compounds. You want as fine a compound as you can get for the final finish on a laquered surface.

3M also makes a line of ultra fine finishing compounds that are buffer applied and need an experienced touch to use but you may have the touch that works. they are called Imperial Finishing compounds and are very very fine. If you try to hand apply them you will be buffing this time next year and still won't have the scuffs out unless they are microfine scuffs!! They are sold in larger quantity plastic applicator bottles (no smaller than a quart if memory serves) so I would check at a local body shop for some small quantities and maybe some free advice on using them.

Good luck.

Framerguy
 
Thank you, thank you all for your input - will set up my "chemistry lab" and get to work!

No sense tossing the moulding wihtout giving it a try!
 
Make that WITHOUT giving it a try!
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NOVUS 2 works wonders with minimal time and work. Many people keep it on hand just for that purpose. Novus 2 is made to remove light scratches in acrylic.
 
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