OT: PlastX safe to use on Ipod?

[03TRDBlack]

Sorry this is a bit off topic, but do you guys think that PlastX would be safe enough to use to buff out scratches on an Apple Ipod? Seems like it would be since it can be used for the plastic on your gauge cluster and such? Any thoughts on the subject?

[Mike Phillips]

Some plastics don't lend themselves to being abraded and then looking good afterwards.

Note the qualifier at the end of the above statement. You can abrade plastics, but that doesn't alway mean when you're done it's going to look good, or look like you hoped or expected.

Soft plastics like the plastic used to make a convertible window or a Plexiglas window are very easy to work with using ScratchX. As soon as you enter into the realm of specialized plastics like Lexan, or coated plastics, it becomes very difficult to actually abrade the finish, remove the defects and restore a smooth, flat, defect free surface that is clear.

I have not personally worked on an Ipod, but until I Meguiar's tests PlastX on this type of plastic I would not recommend you trying it yourself. I'm sure after this holiday week is over and Meguiar's employees begin returning to work, someone will have received or purchased an Ipod and I'll instigate it being tested and then post the results as I see this to be a common question with the increase in popularity of this new product.

Patience for now, or the next post we see from you will either be a glowing rave or a second request for help...

[Murr1525]

Are Ipods colored plastic, or is there a clear plastic on top? It can be hard to remove scrtches from colored plastics as well, if not impossible.

[03TRDBlack]

I have seen other products that are designed for removing the scratches, hence the question to see if PlastX would work. I believe the plastic is an acrylic plastic that's fairly soft. As to whether or not it is a clear plastic or colored, it may depend on what generation/style of Ipod you have. I just don't have the guts to try it on mine yet

[Paulvr4]

try the plastx first!

in the corner or something...don't use scratch x - it'll make it worse!

[03TRDBlack]

Sorry, I meant PlastiX, not Scratch X. I wouldn't dream of using the Scratch X. Problem is, I just got the Ipod for Christmas this year so I really don't have any scratches on it yet. I was just thinking for down the road when I do develop some.

[Mike Phillips]

As Paul suggested, (and as I usually suggest), you can try a little PlastX in an inconspicuous area to see if you get good results. If it works in a small area then you'll have the confidence to tackle a larger area. If you have problems in the small area, you'll be glad you didn't jump in head first and apply the product to the entire surface.

A note about other products, a lot of times you'll see products promoted to remove scratches out of materials like plastic but in the real world all they do is fill the scratches in temporarily.

PlastX contains a costly and unique diminishing abrasive unlike any of our other products and it truly does have the ability to remove scratches. The problem with plastics, like some clear coat finishes, is that they can be extremely scratch-sensitive, in instances like this, a product like ScratchX will remove the scratches, but the process will still leave behind microscopic scratches and result in unmet expectations and an unhappy customer, thus my initial recommendation to allow us to test first and then make our recommendation before you use your Ipod as the Guinea Pig.

Remember, removing a scratch means removing material and some materials don't lend themselves well to cleaning or abrading.

What it Means to Remove a Scratch

[repo]

I worked up the guts to try some car products on my new nano after a few small scratches. I used NXT on it and it hid the scratches very well. Left it looking dripping wet and the metal on the back doesnt get as smudgey so quick. Once I work up the guts I will try something with some cutting action. Ah, the many uses of NXT...

[Brian Catalano]

but until I Meguiar's tests PlastX on this type of plastic I would not recommend you trying it yourself.

Hi Mike and 03TRDBlack (nice screen name!),

I've owned my iPod since December of 2004, and have used it in a ton of different environments and situations... so needless to say, it's been used a lot! And with this use, it has developed a ton of fine scratches, blemishes, and marks.

Since starting at Meguiar's in October, I had wondered the exact same thing. While I haven't been brave enough to wander in to the training garage to try it for myself, I *did* spot someone from our IT Staff (Quynh) with a bottle of #10 Clear Plastic Polish. So I broke out a little cloth used for cleaning my sunglasses and went at it. It really made a huge difference! It left it looking shiny, 3-d, and new.

Here is the picture before (note the big scratch across the front of the screen):



And here is the shot after (note the scratch is greatly reduced in appearance):



And then I proceeded to use the NXT Generation All Metal Polysh on the chromed back. This took a lot of time, and I think I ended up with some really fine scratches all over the back, but it really took out the big blemishes on the metal surface, it did NOT discolor or remove the apple logo or writing, and it all looked shiny and clean.

Of course, none of this should be construed as official "Meguiars Advice"... I'm just letting you know what worked for me.

Mike, the next time you're in the office, if you want to cruise by to check out the results, just let me know.

PS - how about a huge THANK YOU to Mike P for putting time in on the forums on his WEEK OFF. 8-) Most of us are off this week at the Irvine office.

Brian

[03TRDBlack]

I have to agree on using the NXT wax on it. I put a coat on the plastic surface of mine as soon as I got it to help ward off some small damage. I also LOVE using the NXT wax on my golf club driver and fairway wood heads. Makes the paint look amazing and they become super easy to clean. I also put some on the graphite shafts to help them slide in and out of my bag better. 1001 uses and counting for NXT

[Shiny Lil Detlr]

I know this isn't a Meguiar's product, but I've had good luck with Novus plastic polishes on my black iPod Nano....

I wouldn't use anything but the #1 and #2 though -- as soft as the plastic is, I'd be afraid #3 would be too aggressive!

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by Shiny Lil Detlr
I know this isn't a Meguiar's product, but I've had good luck with Novus plastic polishes on my black iPod Nano....

I wouldn't use anything but the #1 and #2 though -- as soft as the plastic is, I'd be afraid #3 would be too aggressive!

Where's that Novus discussion forum?

Do any of the above Novus products contain diminishng abrasives or even non-diminishing mechanical abrasives?

Are the #1 and products similar to our #10 and #17?

Here's Meguiar's offerings for working with plastics for now...

Meguiar's Clear Plastic Products
Here is the complete collection of products Meguiar's offers for working with clear plastics both by hand and machine.


Mirror Glaze Clear Plastic Polish



The finishing touch for maximum clarity and brilliance. Meguiar’s Plastic Polish provides the second step in our two-step restoration process for clear plastics. One easy application protects surfaces previously cleaned with our M-1708 Plastic Cleaner. You will reveal the materials natural brilliance, while leaving behind an anti-static coating that helps repel damaging dust and dirt.

M-1008 ....................8 oz. (237 ml) $9.98


Mirror Glaze Clear Plastic Cleaner



Safely removes hairline scratches, dirt and grime. Clear plastic that has lost its clarity due to significant contamination and fine scratches should be treated using our two-step process. Meguiar’s non-abrasive, alcohol-free Plastic Cleaner aggressively cleans and removes scratches without harming the surface. Follow up with our M-1008 Plastic Polish for a perfect finish.

M-1708 ....................8 oz. (237 ml) $9.98


Mirror Glaze Clear Plastic Detailer



A single-step solution that keeps clear plastic surfaces pristine. Regain the original crystalline clarity of plastic in need of restoration, using this convenient all-in-one product specially formulated by Meguiar’s. Simply spray it on and wipe it dry. You will safely remove surface contamination and achieve dramatic results on everything from window panels and instrument lenses to eyeglasses, CDs and picture frames.

M-1808 ....................8 oz. (237 ml) $8.98


PlastX



This easy to use, rich gel formula quickly restores optical clarity to both rigid and flexible plastics. Cutting-edge advancements in Meguiar's exclusive Microscopic Diminishing Abrasive Technology, (MDAT), removes light oxidation, chemical degradation, surface contamination, stains and light surface scratches with ease. In addition, because our microscopic diminishing abrasives breakdown as you use them, PlastX Clear Plastic Cleaner & Polish is safe on plastic rear windows on convertible tops, aircraft windows, motorcycle fairings, face shields, headlights and taillights, instrument panels, all clear plastic boat surfaces and aquariums. Meguiar's PlastX also contains highly water-resistant polymers. These specialized hi-tech polymers provide long lasting durable protection to keep your clear plastics clear and beautiful longer. PlastX is non-toxic and does not contain any harsh solvents.

G-12310 ....................10 oz. (296 ml) $4.99


Medium-Cut Cleaner



For machine removal of tough surface defects. Buffered Abrasives™ provide just the right degree of cleaning power for jobs that demand a solution between Mirror Glaze Fine-Cut and Heavy-Cut Cleaners. Medium-Cut Cleaner quickly removes swirls, water spots and water sanding marks. It also leaves the silicone-free surface essential for proper painting. For use with a rotary buffer only.

M-0116 ....................16 oz. (473 ml) $9.99
M-0164 ....................64 oz. (1893 ml) $18.99


M-03 Machine Glaze



The ultimate machine-applied shine. Meguiar's Machine Glaze lets you achieve a deep, rich gloss unmatched by any other polish, glaze, wax or sealant. Rich nutrients penetrate and revitalize all paint finishes, as well as fiberglass and plastic. Buffing residue wipes off easily to reveal the original brilliance and clarity of your finish. For use with a rotary buffer only Made For Professionals

M-0316 ....................16 oz. (473 ml) $10.99 add to cart
M-0364 ....................64 oz. (1893 ml) $25.99 add to cart


W-8006 foam polishing pad



Soft Buff® Foam Polishing Pads

• Active polishing action removes minor surface imperfections
• Restores high gloss
• Exclusive foam cell structure improves air flow
• Quick change Velcro backing system

W-8006 ....................6.5" dia (16.5 cm) $10.95
W-8000 ....................8" dia. (20.32 cm) $11.95


Unigrit Finishing Papers



Unigrit Finishing Papers

• Precisely uniform grip particles leave a smooth, even sanding pattern that buffs out in seconds
• Eliminates the risk of deep sanding scratches that require compounds to remove
• Safe and effective for use on all paint finishes, including clear coats

S-1025 ....................1000 Grit (25 sheets) $18.99
S-1225 ....................1200 Grit (25 sheets) $16.80
S-1525 ....................1500 Grit (25 sheets) $18.38
S-2025 ....................2000 Grit (25 sheets) $21.99
S-2525 ....................2500 Grit (25 sheets) $21.99
S-3025 ....................3000 Grit (25 sheets) $24.99




#00 Hi-Tech Wash



Astute car collectors and highly particular professional detailers named this their product of choice for gentle washing action. Just a few precious drops of this detergent-free formula will guard your carefully prepared finish with the safest wash you can possibly find. Pros will find Hi-Tech Wash indispensable for serious restoration projects

M-0016 ....................16 oz. (473 ml) $6.99

[sneek]

lol i keep the ipod in the case 99% of the time

[SVT Lightning]

Originally posted by 03TRDBlack
Sorry, I meant PlastiX, not Scratch X. I wouldn't dream of using the Scratch X. Problem is, I just got the Ipod for Christmas this year so I really don't have any scratches on it yet. I was just thinking for down the road when I do develop some.

My son who is the best kid (well, he's 19 ) let me test ScratchX on his 2 year old Ipod. He got a new one for Xmas. I tested a small corner of the white part first. Could't really tell any difference. So, I went to work on the clear screen. Did one treatment, not being aggressive at all. No difference and no marring. Did a second treatment with a little elbow grease. Minor improvement and no marring. 3rd time, I worked it HARD. Then a bit of NXT to top it off. I showed it to him and "WOW" was his comment. "It looks alot better" I took it out in the sun and there are still a few scratches but all the finer ones are gone.

[sneek]

shouldnt you use protectant on Ipods not wax???