recommendations to remove these scratches

[Bill Davidson]

These are the typical scratches that I have on my truck. They are from taking it through a "soft touch" car wash. I ordered the Meguiar's DA polisherwith 7" cutting, polishing and finishing pads and I already have a clay bar.

Basically I want to know which pad I should start out with and which products I should buy to remove the swirls and scratches. I've read many, many posts and I'm a bit overwhelmed by the choices.

p.s. keep in mind that I have more patience than experience. I'll also want to touch the vehicle up once in a while, as even with 2 bucket washing, it's inevitable that I will introduce new scratches.


Thanks,
Bill

[Tuck91]

Re: recommendations to remove these scratches

You are going to want to use the yellow polishing pad. You also want to do a test spot before doing the whole truck.

Start with either M205 or SwirlX. You may or may not have to use something more aggressive such as Ultimate Compound.

[Shawn T.]

Re: recommendations to remove these scratches

I would start with the W8207 Polishing Pad. Unless it is really needed, do not bump up to the W7207 Cutting Pad as it may cause some marring and other problems. The cutting pad's foam was designed more for rotary use I believe.

I would buy the following paint cleaners: Ultimate Compound, Swirlx, and Scratchx.

Ultimate Compund looks it may be needed for all the scratches shown and maybe the whole vehicle if it is uniform throughout. Those scratches in the fist and third picture (the ones that are whiter than the others) look like they may be too deep to remove. The best thing to do with those perhaps is to reduce them. If you can feel them with your fingernail then it is too deep to be removed via a DA and may have to be wetsanded.

Scratchx is one steo below UC in aggressiveness. I like to use Scratchx for the area inside the door handles as it seems to do a better job then UC or Swirlx (in this area). It also comes in a much smaller bottle as it is used more for random scratches opposed to swirl markes. It can be used however with a DA on an entire vehicle, it may just take more than one bottle.

Swirlx is the mildest of the consumer SMAT (Super Micro-Abrasive Technology) consumer products but is also stronger than M83 Dual Action Cleaner Polish. Even at that though, I consider it quite mild. This product is perfect for light swirl marks or scratches. It also contains some polishing oils which will make the paint clearer and deeper (which is why it is considered a cleaner-polish instead of a true paint cleaner like UC or Scratchx, which contain none of the above oils).

That should be enough about each product to remove the scratches. I assume you have found or can find elsewhere the proper method of using a DA so I will not go into that.




After removing the scratches, be sure to follow up with a wax: Gold Class Carnauba Plus, NXT 2.0, M26, M21, etc.

Before putting on the wax you could perform the optional step of polishing the paint with a pure polish like Deep Crystal Polish or M07 Show Car Glaze. Both products are good and according to Tuck91, M07 has more polishing oils than Deep Crystal Polish (thank Tuck!). You can apply this by hand or machine but since it does not require a lot of effort, I usually do this step by hand as it is very enjoyable. Simply work the product into the paint with a foam applicator but do not let the polish dry. As soon as you have worked it in for a little bit, remove it. Letting a polish dry adds no benefit and the same goes with the paint cleaners and cleaner-polishes. Remember, you did not need back-breaking pressure here. You did the hard part of removing the scratches and now you are massaging and feeding the paint.

I know that is a lot of information but take it one piece at a time and you will get through it. It is not all about patience when doing a detail; you have to enjoy it or else the end result will not be satisfactory. Take your time and stretch it over a couple days if you want and I recommend doing this since it is your truck and not a customer.

Alright, that is enough for now. It will be frustrating in the beginning as you are learning but do not give up. Remember, patience is a virtue and enjoyment is necessary! JJJJJJ

[ClearlyCoated]

Re: recommendations to remove these scratches

Scratchx is one steo below UC in aggressiveness. I like to use Scratchx for the area inside the door handles as it seems to do a better job then UC or Swirlx (in this area). It also comes in a much smaller bottle as it is used more for random scratches opposed to swirl markes. It can be used however with a DA on an entire vehicle, it may just take more than one bottle.

Yes and No. ScratchX 2.0 falls between SwirlX and Ultimate Compound in the order of aggressiveness. The original ScratchX (sometimes familiarly called ScratchX 1.0) is very mild and has less cut than either SwirlX or M205.

I know you meant ScratchX 2.0 in your post, but for a new detailer reading these posts and then goes out to buy ScratchX, he or she could very well end up buying the original ScratchX (still available at many outlets) and then not achieve the results of the much stronger 2.0 product.

[Shawn T.]

Re: recommendations to remove these scratches

Sorry, my bad. Yes, I meant scratchx 2.0.

If that's the only thing that was incorrect then I guess know a little more than I thought.

[Tuck91]

Re: recommendations to remove these scratches

Ultimate Compund looks it may be needed for all the scratches shown and maybe the whole vehicle if it is uniform throughout.


Swirlx is the mildest of the consumer SMAT (Super Micro-Abrasive Technology) consumer products but is also stronger than M83 Dual Action Cleaner Polish. Even at that though, I consider it quite mild.

If the paint is soft, then you might even be able to remove the swirls and scratches with either SwirlX or M205. Using the least aggressive method to get the job done is something you want to keep in mind.

You wont know how hard or soft the paint is until you actually start working on it. Ultimate Compound may not even finish LSP ready and may need to be followed up SwirlX or M205.

I dont consider SwirlX mild at all. Yes, its more aggressive than M83 Dual Action Cleaner/Polish so that should tell you it has the ability to remove moderate swirls and scratches.

What you have to keep in mind is that Ultimate Compound is pretty aggressive, its a compound.

[BrianPow84]

Re: recommendations to remove these scratches

and one more thing once you remove them wash your own truck!!!! your lucky thats all the soft touch did. IT can also remove your side mirrors and other things keep that in mind.

[Bill Davidson]

Re: recommendations to remove these scratches


What about #9 Swirl Remover 2.0.? The reason I ask about this is it is easy for me to purchase (Canadian Tire). I'd like to try to stick with the professional product line if possible. I already have some Scratch X 2.0 that I could move up to if needed. I also have NXT 2.0 wax.

Keeping in mind that the truck is black, would this be a good way to go. I don't mind spending the money (if advisable) but being it's so tough/expensive to get some of of these products in Canada, it would be nice to work with products that are easy to access and affordable.

[Tuck91]

Re: recommendations to remove these scratches

You could give M09 Swirl Remover 2.0 a try, but it is a very mild cleaner/polish.

If you can, purchase SwirlX and Ultimate Compound. But if you really have to stay within the Mirror Glaze line then I would say to look at either M205 or M80 Speed Glaze.

[Bill Davidson]

Re: recommendations to remove these scratches

Thank you very much for the recommendations. Autogeek didn't ship my order yet, so I was able to add a few items to the list.

I'll be getting:

1 - G110V2 DA Polisher
1 - 7207 cutting pad (which I won't use)
5 - 8207 polishing pads
3 - 9207 finishing pads
1 - 32oz M205
2 - 16oz SwirlX
1 - NXT tech wax 2.0 liquid

I already have:
1 - 16oz Ultimate Compound
1 - ScratchX 2.0
1 - NXT tech wax paste
12 - microfiber towels

I think I'm pretty much set. The only other thing I can think of is a dedicated polish.
I'll post some nice before and after shots, hopefully in effort to inspire other newbies.

Do you guys think I should try the M205 or the SwirlX first?

[Tuck91]

Re: recommendations to remove these scratches

Try M205 first, if its not strong enough to remove the swirl marks then step up to SwirlX.

[Bill Davidson]

Re: recommendations to remove these scratches

Try M205 first, if its not strong enough to remove the swirl marks then step up to SwirlX.

Thanks, I'll do that.

I forgot to mention that I have a clay bar and detailer as well. I'll be sure to clay it first.

[Bill Davidson]

Re: recommendations to remove these scratches

I have another question regarding fixing paint chips.

Should I fix paint chips after I polish and wax or before? I only have a few paint chips.

I'm thinking if I do it before the paint won't have time to cure. If I do it after the paint may not bond to the vehicles surface. Suggestions?