Best Product To Remove Light Swirls/Scratches

[Scott]

I am trying to line up everything I need to get my new car shined up when the weather breaks (it has been a long winter). The car has a lot of light swirl/scratch marks probably from the previous owner using a car wash. I have the clay bar kit, ScratchX, and NXT polish. I am just wondering if I should use Deep Chrystal polish rather than use ScratchX on the whole car?

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Best Product To Remove Light Swirls/Scratches

ScratchX is more effective at removing swirls and scratches then Deep Crystal Polish.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Best Product To Remove Light Swirls/Scratches

Keep in mind most clear coat finishes are harder than traditional single stage paint, not softer. This makes for a paint job that is durable and will last a long time, but it doesn't always mean it will look good a long time.

It also makes it more difficult for you and I to remove scratches by hand and even by machine in some cases. If you've never used ScratchX to remove scratches before, then here are some threads to read beforehand to get an understand as to what's required to remove scratches and swirls by hand.


Start with these,

What it means to remove a scratch out of anything...

How to remove a below surface defect by hand using ScratchX

How To Remove Swirls By Hand

Using the G-100 to remove swirls with the Professional Line

[TrufflePig]

Re: Best Product To Remove Light Swirls/Scratches

I am trying to line up everything I need to get my new car shined up when the weather breaks (it has been a long winter). The car has a lot of light swirl/scratch marks probably from the previous owner using a car wash. I have the clay bar kit, ScratchX, and NXT polish. I am just wondering if I should use Deep Chrystal polish rather than use ScratchX on the whole car?

hi there.

do you have a PC? or is this all by hand?

if you say that they are light swirls, then the DC1 DC2 system might work.

so you could go.

wash
clay
DC1
DC2
wax x 2

using scratch x on the whole car might take you a whole day working on a panel at a time. it might take more than one pass each panel. and you may find that you'll be really tired and your arm will be sore, so you may want to extend that over two days. say start at night, do two or three panels, and then continue in the morning. scratch x requires some passion.

but if you use scratch x then you can go.

wash
clay
scratch x
pure polish like #7
wax x 2

personally, i'd probably invest in M80 and or M83 to help you out a lot more.

if you have a PC then you'll be good to do the following.

wash
clay
m80
m83 if needed
wax x 2

can you post any pictures for us to see and better help you out.

[Scott]

Re: Best Product To Remove Light Swirls/Scratches

I will be doing all the applications by hand. I will try to get some pictures. I have never posted any picture before, so it may take me a while! It goes in the shop tonight, so It will probably take a couple of days. I have thought about getting some kind of a polisher - I am just a little weary of removing too much finish and damaging trim pieces. Wish I were close enough to attend one of the weekend clinics!

[PorscheGuy997]

Re: Best Product To Remove Light Swirls/Scratches

The PC is a very easy machine to use. It can not remove a large amount of paint to cause worry unless you are holding it in the same spot for an eternity.

Here is an excellent thread covering the amount of paint removed:

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4013

Unless you are using a rotary, you can't damage the trim.

[TrufflePig]

Re: Best Product To Remove Light Swirls/Scratches

read the links Mike provided for you and then post any questions you may have.

let's see pics.

GOODLUCK!!!