Scratch-X - How to use?

[dalemccl]

I have some light swirl marks in my 3-month old bright red car. They look like spider webs. Probably from improper washing and drying tools and techniques.

I bought some Scratch-X that I plan to use for the swirl marks -- is that the right product for an inexperienced person to use by hand and not risk making the problem worse? (I think the paint/clearcoat on my model of car is considered "soft".)

If I use the Scratch-X, how hard do I rub, and how long would I rub in any given area?

Thx.

[Jorge Sanchez]

Re: Scratch-X - How to use?

Here's a good write up on Scratch X, let us know how it works out.

How to use ScratchX by hand to remove defects like these,

Scratches

Swirls

Bird Dropping Etchings

Water spots

Scuff and Mars



A couple of important notes to consider,

1) Clear coats are harder than traditional paints. This means they are more difficult to remove defects out of, especially by hand. This is part explains the increase in popularity of the Porter Cable Dual Action Polisher.

2) ScratchX is not a wipe-on, wipe-off product, (WOWO), it's more of a wipe on, work in product, (WOWI). You need to apply with a clean foam applicator pad and work the product in with a little passion.



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).

High gloss clear coats are thin delicate surface coatings that are easily dulled and easily scratched. Once they are dulled down and/or scratched, it takes the right product, the right technique together with the human element of care and passion to massage them back to a glistening gemstone.

Have patience, and if at first you don't succeed, try try again.