Scratch X vs Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner

[PWP]

Hi there,

Well I'm a little unsure if I should be using Scratch X or Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner after I clay my car. From what I've read Scratch X is a more powerful abrasive so it will remove "deeper" swirls vs DCPC which removes "light" swirls.

My question is, I'm not exactly sure what I should be using. I dont want to purchase DCPC if its not going to remove my scratchs, and I dont want to purchase Scratch X if its overkill for the typeof swirls I have.

Does anyone have picturs or examples of what type of paint condition would work best for Scratch X and which would be best for the DC Paint Cleaner?

Looking at my finish I do see some swirls on my hood and trunk, althought its not like crazy spider webs everywhere.

Any help would be great!

Thanks

[Plotko41]

Re: Scratch X vs Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner

Check this post out..it should clear up when to use scratch-x

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21321

[roushstage2]

Re: Scratch X vs Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner

Are you working by hand?

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Scratch X vs Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner

You really won't know which one is best until you do a test with one or the other or both to really know. Rubbing out most clear coat paint finishes by hand in an effort to remove all swirls is pretty big job once you understand what it takes to actually remove the swirls.

If the car is a daily driver, then swirls are always going to be an issue, even with good and constant maintenance and careful washing and drying.

Might try the Deep Crystal Cleaner on the hood first, then apply some wax and see if that combo gets your finish to where you want it to be.

Remember to check to see if the paint needs to be clayed also as you'll want to do this before applying a paint cleaner.

[PWP]

Re: Scratch X vs Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner

Sorry forgot to mention that, Yep this will be all by hand... the old fashioned way

[Murr1525]

Re: Scratch X vs Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner

You likely will want both on your shelf either way, so it wont be so bad to get both.

[3Fitty]

Re: Scratch X vs Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner

PWP,

You sound like you are probably in the same boat as me. I don't think it is realistic that you are going to make your "daily driver" swirl free by hand. Even if you do, it will take a VERY long time and it will be exhausting work.

If you've ever seen any of the videos on removing swirls and scratches, sometime the work is very difficult even with DA polisher.

I own both products (you mention here) and I use them differently. I use the Scratch X as more of a "spot treatment". If I see a small area (swirled or scratched) I'll hit it with a few rounds of Scratch X, until I get my desired result.

The DC Paint Cleaner is something I use more on a regular basis. (Although not all the time). My car is garaged parked and only gets about 50-100 miles per week, so I only use the DCPC when I think the exposure to the elements requires it.

On a full detail, I like to use DCPC after I've clayed, followed by #7 and two coats of NXT. Works pretty good for me. During the same detail session, if I notice some swirls or scratches I'll get them with Scratch X (after I've clayed).