1. Welcome to 4Runners.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all 4Runner discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other 4Runner owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Black paint polishing

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by Gator, Jun 28, 2025 at 5:11 PM.

  1. Jun 28, 2025 at 5:11 PM
    #1
    Gator

    Gator [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    May 30, 2025
    Member:
    #47309
    Messages:
    7
    Gender:
    Male
    upload_2025-6-28_19-1-56.png

    Does anyone have experience with polishing black paint? My clearcoat has the typical oxidation, but the paint looks to be in great shape. I have a few orbital polishers and want to give it a shot. Tips and advice on what pads and products would be helpful.
     
  2. Jun 28, 2025 at 7:44 PM
    #2
    TrueTexas

    TrueTexas New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 1, 2021
    Member:
    #21753
    Messages:
    569
    Gender:
    Male
    The Woodlands, TX
    Vehicle:
    2021 Magnetic Grey 4Runner TRD ORP
    I do on a Honda Accord. I did the following
    1. Decontaminated the paint with Adam's Iron remover. I don't think it really did much but there were a few spots that turned purple indicating fallout. If you live near industrial areas or a railroad, definitely do this step.
    2. Clay bar. Take your time and get all the junk out of the clearcoat. After doing this rhe paint will look better but will still have quite a bit of oxidation
    3. Mechanical polish with a polishing compound with no fillers. I used another Adam's product here and an Adam's rotary polisher. You can use a buffer but results won't be as good. Make sure to do a small section ar a time and don't linger or you can burn the clearcoat. It's easier than it sounds. Lots of good videos on YouTube.
    4. Wax, ceramic, graphene top coating of your choice. I used Adam's graphene.

    Paint still looks great after 1.5 years. Really flattens out the clearcoat. You may want to use a water spot remover between steps 1 and 2 above if you have hard water mineral deposits in the clear.
     
    Last edited: Jun 29, 2025 at 6:33 PM
    Gator[OP] likes this.
  3. Jun 29, 2025 at 6:57 AM
    #3
    morfdq

    morfdq New Member

    Joined:
    May 25, 2022
    Member:
    #27196
    Messages:
    1,363
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Derek
    Vehicle:
    2022 SR5 Premium
    TRD Wheels, exhaust, Eibach, Cali Raised Skid Plate, Diode Dynamics fog, Sherpa Crestone rack.
    Perfect instructions. All those steps are critical to a nice looking detail.
     
    TrueTexas[QUOTED] likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top