Scratch X or #9

[MetalSludge]

I will be trying to remove a few minor swirls from the hood of my truck tomorrow by hand. I was wandering if I would be better off with Megs Scratch X or #9?

[Pats300zx]

I would try Megs #9 first if the scratches aren`t to bad. #9 is pretty mild but I believe you are going to have better results with Scratch X.

[MetalSludge]

The scratches arent that bad at all and you cant really see them unless the light is just right. I was told by very reputable detailer around here that he wouldnt even mess with if he was me. But I know there there and they bother me.

[Jngrbrdman]

Is this by hand or by machine? ScratchX is more of a spot check kind of problem. Its not a total body panel solution to swirls. Its is called "Scratch"X and not "Swirl"X. For swirls stick with swirl removers. ScratchX isn`t really for swirls. Its a much heavier abrasive than #9 and will more than likely create some hazing that needs to be removed after using it if you try it on the hood of your car. In other words, it may remove the swirls but its going to leave some marks of its own. Most heavy abrasives are like that.

[MetalSludge]

This will be applied by hand.

[Jngrbrdman]

Don`t use ScratchX then. That will make a mess. #9 can be used by hand. By machine would be better, but you can get results by hand with #9 that won`t require a machine to follow up with.

[MetalSludge]

do you just rub the #9 in a back and forth motion till it dries or do you kind of rub it on let it dry then remove?

[Jngrbrdman]

I can`t help there. I use it with a machine. I`m sure someone can help with the application of #9 by hand though. Fear not. This is Autopia, after all. :bigups

[Bill D]

I used Scratch X to get the most minor of scratches out by hand and all it did was brighten the paint a little. I wouldn`t even consider #9 for me since the scratch X didn`t work. I guess every paint is different. Seems like I`m always stuck with the toughest ones :(

[Jngrbrdman]

The only real success that I`ve had with #9 is in removing the haze left by DACP. That is about it. I was expecting more when I first got it and was pretty disappointed. Its good at really light marks left by other polishes so that`s what I use it for.

[Jcrawford]

would DACP then #9 be the same as FI-II then SMR?? i was thinking of using DACP then SMR on my black truck.

[NXT4now]

I had the same question so I emailed Meguiar`s tech support, and they recommended Scratch X over #9. I had swirl marks viewable at an angle and Scratch X didn`t seem to do too much. But some polish and wax seemed to hide the swirl marks for a while.