Scratch X and UC help for newbie

[Phimp27]

I need help with the order. I'm brand new to detailing and haven't even waxed a car before. Today I wanted to tackle my front driver side fender. I washed it, Clayed it, and I was using scratch x. My paint hasn't seen wax in at least 7 years so there's a lot of scratches. Should I use scratch x and then UC? Is it safe to just use UC to take care of the scratches? I've been reading to do the least aggressive method first. Should I go over all the scratches w SX first? Or just skip SX and use UC all over? on the fender I got rid of some scratches but some weren't improving even after 3-4 different tries. Also if I have to use SX all over the car it may take a whole year to get the car done. Just on the fender it took me 3 hours and it still wasn't where I wanted it to be. I even went over just the scratches with UC and they still didnt look improved. Im doing this by hand right now until i get my g110. I'm not looking for miracles, just want to be able to comb my hair in the reflection lol. Here's my order of care that I have configured from all the info on here.
Wash- DC car wash
Scratch x 2.0
UC
UP
ULW
Thank for all your help

[Phimp27]

Re: Scratch X and UC help for newbie

Also I'm attending my first TNOG tomorrow. Can't wait to get better techniques.

[Murr1525]

Re: Scratch X and UC help for newbie

ScratchX is probably a waste.

Also, when are you getting the G110/etc. If it is soon, I woulnd even waste time removing swirls by hand, just shine it up.

But yeah, in person tomorrow will be great for you, so most things will get answered there.

[Phimp27]

Re: Scratch X and UC help for newbie

My buddy is lending me his. It's supposed to be this week as soon as he remembers to bring it. I'm probably going to buy it off him cuz he says he doesn't use it anymore. Thanks for your help. Lol I was thinking scratch x was a waste when I was using it. My arm was starting to get tired. Then I was thinking that I still had to do this again with the UC. Almost made me cry

[Murr1525]

Re: Scratch X and UC help for newbie

Well, dont get too excited, UC and ScratchX are kind of close... but the machine should be a bigger help.

If I am detailing by hand, my only goal is shining it up, nothing with defect removal.

[Phimp27]

Re: Scratch X and UC help for newbie

Ok. Thanks for your help. It really helps

[Ryan Dodd]

Re: Scratch X and UC help for newbie

UC is better for a wider range of defects and is more aggressive. ScratchX covers a more narrow range of problems, and is less aggressive. UC is probably the best choice, especially when used with the machine. By the way, UC is my favorite Meguiar's product...and I don't like things that don't work so you can bet UC works lol.
~Ryan

[ethereal45]

Re: Scratch X and UC help for newbie

Definitely stick with the UC -- it's the right product choice for doing defect correction on a majority of cars. If you feel it's too much, you can always dial down by using a different pad or a slower machine speed.

[FRS]

Re: Scratch X and UC help for newbie

Uc all the way.