Scratch X Issues

[Snowman]

So I found a couple small scratches on my gas tank door the other day when I was filling the truck up and decide to break out the Scratch X. Well I did about three applications working the product in very well. I did this job last night and at the time it appeared to have taken care of them so I started to work on other small scratches around the vehicle (about 4 others.) Again I did about three applications on each scratch and worked each area with about the size of the base of a coffee mug so I wasn't really working in big areas. Well when I went out to the truck this morning the scratches had appeared once more and were just as vibrant as before I applied the product. So it almost seems that the Scratch X just covered the scratch up for that moment and after a certain amount of time it wore off?? Did I do the application wrong or have others had this experience??

[Mike Phillips]

How deep are the scratches?

How hard is the paint? Do scratches buff our, or ScratchX-out easily as a normal course of working on the finish?

[Snowman]

well not having much experience in determining the hardness of the paint, I would probably say that the paint is pretty hard in my opinion. From my experience with using the Scratch X on this paint, it is pretty tough on getting it to actually "get into the scratch" and work it out. My luck in that department isn't very good. The scratches are about the length of dime and don't seem to be very deep at all seeing how when I run my fingernail over them I don't notice any dips.

[Mike Phillips]

I've had cars at our Saturday classes with scratches that I have worked out using ScratchX, and the emphasis here is on the word, worked.

I've also wet sanded factory clear coats and then demonstrated removing the sanding marks out by working them out by hand using ScratchX and the emphasis here is on the word, working.

As you know, removing any kind of below surface defect like a scratch means removing the paint surrounding the defect. How hard it is to remove the paint surrounding a defect depends on how hard the paint is an how aggressive you product is plus some technique thrown in for good measure.

ScratchX is a very non-aggressive product, in our classes I always pass around a paint panel to allow people to feel the product between their fingers and then ask them if it feels like Jergens hand lotion or if it feels as though their is something gritty in it, like an old-fashioned rubbing or polishing compound?

The answer is always... hand-lotion

I then explain why this has to be which I'm not going to type up here because it will require a lot of typing that I don't have time for at this moment.

Point being, removing scratches and other defects often isn't easy and I know a lot of people, (not you), are looking for a product the simply wipe of and wipe off and the scratch is gone.

The only product that works like this is Aircraft Quality Paint Remover but the problem with using this to remove scratches is it also remove all the paint.

I'll guess that because of the area you're working on, it's hard or at least more difficult to get a good throw with you hand movement? Also, does the gas tank door move while you're pushing against it?

If the above two factors apply, then this will make it more difficult to work the ScratchX.

If you're using a foam applicator, you might try something like our microfiber Even Coat Applicator with plenty of product and ample passion behind the pad.

What it comes down to is the scratch can either be removed or not and in some cases removing scratches by hand is going to be a challenge and should be looked at from this point of view. This is what I do, I look at scratches as a challenge and then do my best to be the victor, especially when 15 to 30 people are watching!

[Snowman]

Well everything you have noted makes sense and I guess I am just going to have to do more effort in trying even more than the three applications to see if that will get them out. The gas door is very firm and doesn't move on me so that isn't a problem which is nice. I suppose if the Scratch X doesn't work I can break out the DA and try some other methods to see if I can get them out. I guess you just get excited when you are actually doing it and you see them vanish but then get upset the next day when you look and they are there again. It almost seems like the paint is moving slightly but then you stop and once it all has settled, the effort wasn't quite enough.

[roaringlion]

Can i ask if the Scratch X is any good on oxidisation and fading, would it bring back the gloos and shine?

[Tim Lingor]

Originally posted by roaringlion
Can i ask if the Scratch X is any good on oxidisation and fading, would it bring back the gloos and shine?

Hey,

Yes, ScratchX does work on oxidation very well. However, another option would be to use ColorX. The combination of chemical cleaners and diminishing abrasives works very well on oxidation.

Here is a link where Mike uses ColorX:

1986 Ford Bronco II - Extreme Makeover

Tim

[sneek]

does the M/F give the even coat applicator more "bite" than a terry or does a terry have more "bite"?

[roaringlion]

Originally posted by 2hotford
Hey,

Yes, ScratchX does work on oxidation very well. However, another option would be to use ColorX. The combination of chemical cleaners and diminishing abrasives works very well on oxidation.

Here is a link where Mike uses ColorX:

1986 Ford Bronco II - Extreme Makeover

Tim

I was told that the Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner would do the same as the ScratchX does, is this true or have i been had?

[furball]

Originally posted by roaringlion
I was told that the Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner would do the same as the ScratchX does, is this true or have i been had?

Heheh... since I use both of them, I guess I can try and help you with an answer. No, they're not the same. DC Paint Cleaner is a pure paint cleaner with no abrasives. (if I'm not mistaken, it uses chemicals to do its job)
ScratchX is a fine scratch remover/polish, so it has what people would call 'diminishing abrasives'. It removes minor scratches & swirls, and also removes contaminants and such. So, I guess that ScratchX is a bit stronger in the swirl removal department.
Hope this helps!

[roaringlion]

Originally posted by furball
Heheh... since I use both of them, I guess I can try and help you with an answer. No, they're not the same. DC Paint Cleaner is a pure paint cleaner with no abrasives. (if I'm not mistaken, it uses chemicals to do its job)
ScratchX is a fine scratch remover/polish, so it has what people would call 'diminishing abrasives'. It removes minor scratches & swirls, and also removes contaminants and such. So, I guess that ScratchX is a bit stronger in the swirl removal department.
Hope this helps!

Yeah it has sort of helped, the thing is because my car has some mild oxidisation and fading i was told that the DC paint cleaner would do the job of bringing it back up now i have found out that the ScratchX does a similar job but better, so whos right and whos wrong? (man do i feel out of my depth with all this, all i want is my car to look freakin good and shine like no bodies buisness)

[Mike Phillips]

Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner is our most mild paint cleaner for very light cleaning and surface prep.

ScratchX, when applied by putting a little passion behind the pad will give you stronger cleaning action to remove oxidation, swirls and scratches.

Go with the ScratchX for what you're working on and read the "How to remove paint defects using ScratchX" thread in the how-to section of the Information Station.

Best of luck to you...

[furball]

Originally posted by Mike Phillips
Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner is our most mild paint cleaner for very light cleaning and surface prep.

ScratchX, when applied by putting a little passion behind the pad will give you stronger cleaning action to remove oxidation, swirls and scratches.

Go with the ScratchX for what you're working on and read the "How to remove paint defects using ScratchX" thread in the how-to section of the Information Station.

Best of luck to you...

Mike, I was just thinking what to type when your reply came in... that was quick!

[roaringlion]

So what your sayin mike is that i was basicly coned into buy DC Paint cleaner when what i really needed was ScratchX