T-cut; allow to haze or not allow to haze? That is the question.

[jonathan63]

Going at it this weekend (between getting "jobbed" by SWIMBO).

Ive APC the car, rinsed and dried.

Its now in the workshop. Ive started to T-cut it but what an asre!
The instructions say to work on a small area, allow to dry to a haze and polish off. But it almost impossible to remove it all if its allowed to dry to a haze.

Do I follow the instructions or buff off while still damp?

PS; after i have finished the T-cutting i will be washing with APC again before a "Wash and Wax" followed by a "Spray N Shine" (both Astonish car products).

[suzublu]

IIRC, Tcut is an abrasive polish,so you'd just rub in until you'd "cut" the surface & rub straight off Personally,i wouldn't touch the stuff,far too aggressive

[jonathan63]

Originally Posted by suzublu

IIRC, Tcut is an abrasive polish,so you'd just rub in until you'd "cut" the surface & rub straight off Personally,i wouldn't touch the stuff,far too aggressive

Thanks for that. I have to use it because its all i have. It does make a difference though. on the bits i have done the paint looks more yellowy golden and the rest has a grey cast to it. Polishing out the slight scratches too.

It just SO much hard work.

I think ill buff off as i go along. Unless someone has a good reason to allow it to dry to a haze .

[MangoMan]

Each to their own, but I would not go anywhere near my paintwork with T-Cut! This stuff was designed in the 60's when a car had about 1/16" of paint on it - not 80 microns like our cars have (and that includes the primer and basecoat!) - crazy!

[rovexCDTi]

Personally no I wouldn't use it, its harsh and hard to use, but no don't let it haze, its only a cutting compound, it lays nothing down so there is no reason for it to dry. In fact if you do it can be a right mare to remove.

Do half a panel at a time, or a quarter of a roof or bonnet and remove immediately.

[GJBridge]

T-cut is horrible stuff. 1970's technology!!
It's a cutting compound suspended in an Ammonia based (hence the smell) stripper.
2 ways to use it - wipe on gently; wait until it stops looking wet, then hastily buff it off. Small areas at a time!!!
Or use it as a cutting compound on a machine.
If you're using by hand - 3 microfibre cloths. 1) get any dust etc off 2) Apply 3) buff. Don't rub too hard.

[ianfletcher]

Best thing to use for application is a damp polish sponge applicator then leave for around 5 mins then remove using a clean microfibre cloth.

[jonathan63]

Thanks for all that guys. I appreciate you serious details wouldnt use it but hey, nothing could make my car look worse. It has 183k miles of abuse and very little cosmetic care. The T-cut is making a real difference. Its removing the minor scratches and the grey haze. The gold colour is coming out too.

But what a pig to use! Im finding that doing one panel at a time and actually allowing it to haze is making it easier to buff off.

It does leave stubborn specks behind though. Am I right in thinking that a wash with APC will remove this????

[suzublu]

Jonathan,Halfords currently have G3 polish/scratch remover complete with foam applicator for sale at about £7,a lot easier & less harsh to use.Up to you of course,but that's what i'd use.

[Simondi]

I would not use T cut but as you say nothing to loose.
Interested to see before and after piccies though