Color-X didn't work like I expected

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Color-X didn't work like I expected

Here are some excellent ScratchX threads to read through also...

Not very happy with ScratchX j

ScratchX Works! - I Stand Corrected


As for editing, how about we fix everything so everyone's happy? As this thread will be around for a long time.

Will be offline for a few hours as we drive to a customer's storage facility to work on 2 Rolls Royce automobiles today, so read through the above threads and we'll get everything going in the right direction.

[Daniel Kinder]

Re: Color-X didn't work like I expected

hi paradox, like mike and alot of the members said before everything has it's own way of being applied and used. i've been in your shoes before learning the wrong way of using the products,but i didn't give up because i know it was me doing it the wrong way not the products. anyway i recomend buying the dvd (how to use the pc) it will show you just about everything you need to know about polishing paint the correct way plus give you alot of pointers on the little things over looked that really make a great detailing job. and for the scratchX start with claying your paint and then using scratchX work on a small area about 16''x16'' and use a meguiars foam applicator, put a quarter size of scratchX on the applicator and spread it over the area to be worked. then using back and forth motion with your hand using about 10 to 15lbs of pressure work the product in.you will have some product at the end of your throw get it and bring it back down to your work area and keep working it in until the product becomes some what clear, wipe off with terry cloth or microfiber towl and inspect, you may need to repet a couple of times, but you will see a big difference.like i said before get the dvd (HOW TO USE THE PC) hope i've helped...DANIEL

[Paradox]

Re: Color-X didn't work like I expected

Hello Daniel. Thanks for your help. I will try the Scratch-X by hand. It is small enough of an area that I should not need a PC. I will post back my results. If is doesn't work for me, I will resist the urge to post anything.
Thanks to all. James.

[soonercivic]

Re: Color-X didn't work like I expected

Remember that scratchX sometimes needs to be applie 3 or 4 times to achieve the desired results. It does a great job, but is somewhat labor intensive when working by hand. You will need to make sure you work it for a few minutes in a small area, then wipe off and try again until you get what you want. Hope all goes well!

[Mayur]

Re: Color-X didn't work like I expected

Hello Daniel. Thanks for your help. I will try the Scratch-X by hand. It is small enough of an area that I should not need a PC. I will post back my results. If is doesn't work for me, I will resist the urge to post anything.
Thanks to all. James.

If it doesnt work then you should come back here and ask for some help. It should work as long as you use it correctly. It takes alot of passion. Check out the two threads that Mike posted about Scratch-X.

[gb387]

Re: Color-X didn't work like I expected

If it doesnt work then you should come back here and ask for some help. It should work as long as you use it correctly. It takes alot of passion. Check out the two threads that Mike posted about Scratch-X.

I agree.... don't give up come back and let us know whats going on. Also keep in mind doing this process isn't going to give you 'perfect' results but it will make a noticeable improvement there is only so much you can do by hand.

[mini44]

Re: Color-X didn't work like I expected

Don't throw out your Color-x , while it is true that its not great at removing scratches, for an oxidized finish there is nothing easier. I like to use it on faded bumper paint , door jams, mirror covers, paint under the hood. You get the idea. I'm sure the TR-7 can use some. Meguiars does have the products that will give you the results you want and they'll help you here on the forum or over the phone. What's not to like.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Color-X didn't work like I expected

Paradox, I know first hand the frustration of thinking you're doing things right and after all your hard work you end up very disappointed with the results. I had seen so many posts about getting an incredible shine using the PC and M80 that I was sure I manage at least acceptable results on my own car. First time out I polished up a panel, stepped back and.................what the ___???? It didn't look any different than before. I knew it just had to be me, not the products I was using. There was no other explanation - if everybody else could get these great results, why couldn't I?? By the way, it still sort of bugs me to admit all of the above, even after what I've since learned and am able to accomplish today. But I digress............

Fortunately I live close enough to Meguiar's HQ that I was able to attend a Saturday Clinic and learn first hand what was holding me back. That made all the difference in the world. Well, that and some practice. I have since gotten pretty awesome results on not only my own cars, but those of my friends and neighbors as well.

Now, I fully understand that I was using a PC and M80 and you're trying to get whatever results you're looking for by hand with Color-X, but the principles are the same. You need to make sure you're really using the right product for the problem, and you absolutely need proper technique even if you're doing the work by hand. There are so many variables here - paint hardness, severity of defects, product used, applicator used, technique (which has its own subset of variables!!). This is why the term "the art of paint polishing" is so apt; it really is an art. Honestly, Meguiar's is full of truly great products, but not any ONE of them can do everything, and each has its place. Use it in the wrong situation and the results will be less than stellar.

Michael Schumacher and John Force both drove really, really fast cars. But Schumacher's Ferrari Formula 1 car can't do the 1/4 mile in 4.6 seconds @ 325mph and John Force's NHRA Funny Car can't go around a corner. But both won multiple world titles using the right tools for the right job.

[Paradox]

Re: Color-X didn't work like I expected

Thanks, Mike-In-Orange for your thoughtful reply. I have given up on the Color-X, not because of the product, but the scratches are deep, and I don't think I have the patience, or power buffer, or the time to try Scratch-X. (my elbow would give out) Just going to "bite the bullet" and have a pro detailer do the car. Already talked to the fellow, based on what I have read here, seems to know what he is doing. Perhaps then I can start fresh with all of the great Meguiar's products. I already have the Color-x, NXT, and something I bought today, the Meguiar's Endurance for my tires. Nice to try rather than a spray. Thanks again.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Color-X didn't work like I expected

You know Paradox, I think you've chosen a great compromise: let a pro correct the existing major problem and then you can do your best to maintain it from then on. Who knows, you may spring for a full detail from this pro once a year, or every 18 months, and get into your own maintenance routine in between.

[Cheetah]

Re: Color-X didn't work like I expected

Paradox, don't give up. It takes a little practice to get good results. With that said, let me be the first to say that there is NOOOOOOOOO WAY that your cars' paint is in good condition if you have been using dawn, the occasional cheap wax and a blade for drying. Impossible. I'm sure your paint is swirl city. Why don't you post some pics here and let us take a look. I'm sure you'll get good advice on how to better care for your finish. But let me again state, I haven't seen your cars but I can safely say that they are not what I would consider without fault or even shiny for that matter.

[Cheetah]

Re: Color-X didn't work like I expected

Paradox, don't give up. It takes a little practice to get good results. With that said, let me be the first to say that there is NOOOOOOOOO WAY that your cars' paint is in good condition if you have been using dawn, the occasional cheap wax and a blade for drying. Impossible. I'm sure your paint is swirl city. Why don't you post some pics here and let us take a look? I'm sure you'll get good advice on how to better care for your finish. But let me again state, I haven't seen your cars but I can safely say that they are not what I would consider without fault or even shiny for that matter.

[Paradox]

Re: Color-X didn't work like I expected

Paradox, don't give up. It takes a little practice to get good results. With that said, let me be the first to say that there is NOOOOOOOOO WAY that your cars' paint is in good condition if you have been using dawn, the occasional cheap wax and a blade for drying. Impossible. I'm sure your paint is swirl city. Why don't you post some pics here and let us take a look? I'm sure you'll get good advice on how to better care for your finish. But let me again state, I haven't seen your cars but I can safely say that they are not what I would consider without fault or even shiny for that matter.

Thanks Cheetah, and you might be somewhat correct concerning the LeSabre, however since it is silver, any swirls are not noticeable to me, and the car DOES shine quite nicely. As for the Lucerne, it is new, albeit with several scratches, and never washed with dawn or dried with a wiper blade, so you really cannot "safely say it is not even shiny". It does shine beautifully. As for pictures, once the Lucerne is professionally detailed as I mentioned in my previous post, I will take a picture of it, and the LeSabre together. I am betting they both will look equally as good. We will see.

[Cheetah]

Re: Color-X didn't work like I expected

Paradox, I really think you should give the color x / nxt combo a try. It's a really nice look. Color X is excellent for cleaning your paint and it leaves a nice base coat to put sealants and/or waxes on top of. Color X will bring out the color of your paint. When you put the color x on work it in with a little passion (not too hard though) to get the best result. Then the NXT on top of that will be like eye candy. Also, don't wait too long to wipe off the NXT and most importantly make sure you put on a really thin layer. And by thin I mean THIN!! If you think you are putting it on thin then you are putting it on too thick. Think thin. Trust me or you'll get tired from trying to remove it and then you'll be saying that NXT *****.

See my thread here for some pics of my car with Color X topped with NXT.

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17739

Those pics were taken w/ a crappy camera and that was my first time to detail a car. My car looks much better now that I know what I'm doing but you'll get an idea of what those products can do for someone with no knowledge or technique.