Help on scratchX

T

TonyLS

New member
My black 04 lincoln LS is 6 months old. I have a few light scratches on one side, can't feel them with my finger nail but they are noticable. I used Meg#7 Polish on the entire care. The scratches are less noticable but still there. The rest of the car looks awesome (it should, it's still new). If I want to remove the light scratches all together should I use Meg ScratchX ? If so should I use it on just the scratch area, and then follow up with another application of Meg#7 Polish?

Also how do you feel about an orbital buffer? as opposed to the high-end machine Meguires is selling.

Thanks for your suggestions?
 
TonyLS said:
My black 04 lincoln LS is 6 months old. I have a few light scratches on one side, can't feel them with my finger nail but they are noticable. I used Meg#7 Polish on the entire care. The scratches are less noticable but still there. The rest of the car looks awesome (it should, it's still new). If I want to remove the light scratches all together should I use Meg ScratchX ? If so should I use it on just the scratch area, and then follow up with another application of Meg#7 Polish?

Also how do you feel about an orbital buffer? as opposed to the high-end machine Meguires is selling.

Thanks for your suggestions?
Click to expand...
Meg's #7 doesn't remove flaws, it fills them and leaves great looking finish for a wax to go over.
Scrtch X will probably remove them and is a good place to start since you are doing it by hand.
Personally, I would only use it on the areas where it is needed.
The #7 would be a good next step and then follow the #7 with the wax you are planning to use.

Orbital buffer, save your money. The same basic machine that Meguiar's sells is available at Lowes for about $100, give or take $10.
Do some reading and ask questions before you start spending a lot of money.:)

Charles
 
I was just on the Meg website and found a product called "Deep Crystal System Paint Cleaner". Here is what it says about it:
"This non-abrasive paint cleaner safely removes road grime, surface contamination, light oxidation, swirls and light scratches to restore damaged and dull finishes. Deep Crystal System Paint Cleaner prepares all paint finishes for polishing and waxing."

Since my car is new the paint isn't dull or damaged, except for the light scratches. So you think I should stick with scratchX and use it on just the area that is scratched or use the Deep crystal?

Meg has so many products, makes it difficult to decide on something.
 
Hey Tony!

I certainly understand your concern. Scratch-X is actually a fairly abrasive product that can remove the flaws that you speak of but, it may be a bit too abrasive IMO.

A very common practice within the detailing world is to use the least aggressive product first to yield results. Often times, you may have to move 'up' a product in order to achieve those results.

Here's my recommendation...

From what you've described, your swirls are very light and not very noticable. You're looking to achieve perfection with your paint and will be doing it by hand. This isn't a lofty goal and you should be able to obtain it.

I'd recommend going with a product like Meguiar's #9 Swirl Remover 2.0. Premiumautocare.com is a very reputable online vendor and can supply this product to you if you are unable to locate it locally (or, just do what I do and forget about the local suppliers and go straight to PAC!).

#9 (as it's commonly called) is specifically designed with this type of surface imperfection in mind and features diminishing microscopic abrasives that break down as you 'work' the product. Now, when I say 'work', I don't mean that you simply wipe it on and wipe it off. What I mean is that you continually rub this product within a smaller area until it is almost dry or has a very slightly wet nap to it. What you're doing is removing a very small, thin layer of clearcoat to bring the swirls (which are actually microscopic scratches) out of the paint. It's a VERY safe process and is VERY easy to do by hand in my opinion. #9 is one of my STAND BY products as I've achieved great results oodles of times with it.

As a hint, it may take one, two, maybe three applications based upon the severity of your swirls. Don't loose faith in the product. I can assure you that, if you're working it correctly, taking your time, and paying attention to the area you're working upon, you will achieve results. Be patient.

Feel free to fire any other questions that you may have...

Good luck!!!

RP :D
 
Meguiar's does have a lot of products and some seem to be better than others.
To get started without buying a lot of stuff you might never use, you might want to try the following routine.
1. Remove the scratches with the Scratch X
They probably will require spending some time on them so don't get discouraged if they don't come out in just a minute or two

2. Since you are on the Meg's track, buy some Meguiar's Color X for a polish and some Meguiar's NXT Tech Wax for the final step.

3. Use them according to the instructions. Admire how good your car looks.:)

4. Read and ask questions before you go much further.
Here's a real good place to start:
http://www.detailcity.com/showthread.php?t=3136

Charles
 
I think you should just use the Scratch X on the areas and then the #7 and rewax. The Deep Crystal system I believe wouldnt help on removing the scratches since it has no abrasives to remove paint or round off the scratches. The orbital (PC) that Megs offers is backed by a lifetime warranty I believe and that is why it cost more.
 
Don't waste money on cheap orbital buffers from Walmart or Autozone. I tried several a couple years ago, returned them all, and went back to hand polishing. In 2004, I followed advice to get a Porter Cable (the same type that Megs sells) from Lowe's for about $100 and never looked back. No wax or polish you can buy will do as much good as a PC.

If you choose to get a PC, then you could use Megs #80 followed by your favorite wax or sealant. I find #9 almost useless even with a PC -- doesn't get rid of most swirls and doesn't clean as well as ColorX or add gloss as much as high end products such as Vanilla Moose.

Otherwise, use ScratchX in spots, ColorX on the whole car, then seal and/or wax.
 
Rockpick said:
Hey Tony!

I certainly understand your concern. Scratch-X is actually a fairly abrasive product that can remove the flaws that you speak of but, it may be a bit too abrasive IMO.

A very common practice within the detailing world is to use the least aggressive product first to yield results. Often times, you may have to move 'up' a product in order to achieve those results.

Here's my recommendation...

From what you've described, your swirls are very light and not very noticable. You're looking to achieve perfection with your paint and will be doing it by hand. This isn't a lofty goal and you should be able to obtain it.

I'd recommend going with a product like Meguiar's #9 Swirl Remover 2.0. Premiumautocare.com is a very reputable online vendor and can supply this product to you if you are unable to locate it locally (or, just do what I do and forget about the local suppliers and go straight to PAC!).

#9 (as it's commonly called) is specifically designed with this type of surface imperfection in mind and features diminishing microscopic abrasives that break down as you 'work' the product. Now, when I say 'work', I don't mean that you simply wipe it on and wipe it off. What I mean is that you continually rub this product within a smaller area until it is almost dry or has a very slightly wet nap to it. What you're doing is removing a very small, thin layer of clearcoat to bring the swirls (which are actually microscopic scratches) out of the paint. It's a VERY safe process and is VERY easy to do by hand in my opinion. #9 is one of my STAND BY products as I've achieved great results oodles of times with it.

As a hint, it may take one, two, maybe three applications based upon the severity of your swirls. Don't loose faith in the product. I can assure you that, if you're working it correctly, taking your time, and paying attention to the area you're working upon, you will achieve results. Be patient.

Feel free to fire any other questions that you may have...

Good luck!!!

RP :D
Click to expand...


to my knowledge and from speaking with meguiars customer support a while back, SCRATCHX is by far not abrasive. it cleans and safely hides swirls and scratches by filling them ina nd not letting light reflect from the edges of the swirls.... by no means does it remove them. meguiars recommends u top it with some protection so that the area does not become visible again.
 
I think you are mistaken (maybe for ColorX). ScratchX is abrasive, at least to my recollection. Of course, I might be wrong. :)
 
hmmm now that i saw u're post count i feel like i should stand down. maybe someone should find out now because im pretty sure it wasnt abrasive!
 
Post count has nothing to do with it. :) Taken from the Meg's website.....'ScratchX is not a “cover up” and will not cause additional scratches to your paint surface.' Like I said, I might be wrong about this. I haven't used it in a while. :dunno
 
I used scratch X recently around the door handles and it basically did nothing for me. It doesnt seem that abrasive.
 
From Mike Phillips at Meguiar's online.....'You see, the ScratchX, like all Meguiar's Paint Cleaners, contain a diminishing abrasive, as you work ScratchX in, the microscopic diminishing abrasives gently abrade the surface removing small particles of paint. But as you work it in, these diminishing abrasives breakdown. Thus, they quit abrading the finish and actually polish the finish to a clear, high gloss. This diminishing action turned polishing action is a benefit to you because it enable you to work out defects without leaving scratches behind.'
 
Yes Scratch X is abrasive. It is more abrasive than #9 or# 82 but not quite as aggressive as #80. I asked this question to Meguiars themselves.
 
CarDesign said:
I used scratch X recently around the door handles and it basically did nothing for me. It doesnt seem that abrasive.
Click to expand...
You may want to make several "attempts" with it by hand or try changing your applicator. Ex: from foam to terry. Just a suggestion.
 
I was of the same opinion of ScratchX. I was a big skeptic of this product. It filled more than fixed. Then I read Mike Phillips write up on how to use properly. That made all the difference in the world.

The bottle's directions are similar to a wax meaning the directions say let dry before removal. So that's what I did. I spread an even coat then removed.

Here's a clip of the article from MOL written by Mike Phillips: (I'm not sure how to post a portion of an article I didn't write plus its from a different web site. I'm sure one of the moderators will edit as needed)

"Here is how to remove a bird dropping etching or an isolated scratch.


Only work a small area at a time - about 6 inch by 6 inch area or smaller

You can apply using a combination of circular motions and straight-line motions

Work the product against the finish until it looks as you have almost run out of product.

Re-apply the product and repeat the above steps 2-3 more times


When I apply ScratchX like I have listed above, I am able to get out about 95% of a bird dropping etching or isolated random scratches.

The trick is to work the product in until it just begins to disappear and to apply more than one application. You see, the ScratchX, like all Meguiar's Paint Cleaners, contain a diminishing abrasive, as you work ScratchX in, the microscopic diminishing abrasives gently abrade the surface removing small particles of paint. But as you work it in, these diminishing abrasives breakdown. Thus, they quit abrading the finish and actually polish the finish to a clear, high gloss. This diminishing action turned polishing action is a benefit to you because it enable you to work out defects without leaving scratches behind.

Because the diminishing abrasive breakdown, you need to re-apply and repeat the process until the defects are removed.

Note: You can rarely remove a bird dropping etching, or a scratch, from a clear-coated finish with one application.

"A little technique goes a long way"

ScratchX works, if you work it. It takes a little practice to get the hang of removing defects out of modern clear coats with hi-tech products like ScratchX. It' not like the old days with a traditional lacquer or enamel paint job where you could apply some old-fashioned rubbing compound and in a few passes, the scratch would be gone, (and so would a lot of your paint)."

I tried this technique and no problems. Minor scratches and swirls removed. I even tried the 50/50 test to verify my results (not filled but fixed) and the scratches were removed. These were light scratches from cat claws.

Good luck and I hope I didn't bend any forum rules on quotes from other sites.
 
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