QD + Scratchx = Paint Discoloration

[avrxxx]

Hey Guys,

I've read over numerous posts on using ScratchX to remove light scratches so i finally decided to use the product yesterday on a light 1" long scratch on my bumper. I'm working on an '11 lexus IS w/ white paint. I washed the area with Meg's Gold wash, used Megs Ultimate Quik Detailer then proceeded to use ScratchX with Megs foam applicator pad. I applied light pressure the first try, followed by two more applications of medium pressure with each application being 10-15 secs. After the last application, i started seeing a very light green haze surrounding the scratch i tried to remove. Although the scratch did get lighter and less visible, i now have this light green haze that can be seen when you look at the area at different angles up close.


Any ideas on what caused this and how to fix it??? All i used was a blue MF towel + foam applicator pad with the Megs products.

Please help!!!

[wifpd4]

Re: QD + Scratchx = Paint Discoloration

In my experience, Lexus paint is very delicate. From your description, it seems unlikely you've gone through the clear coat and base coat. It also seems unlikely that Ultimate Quik Detailer and ScratchX would tint the clear coat.

When you rub the end of your fingernail over the scratch can you feel it? The area you worked on is it all green or limited to the center? Would you be able to take a photo and post it for some of the experts here to review? Thanks.

[Murr1525]

Re: QD + Scratchx = Paint Discoloration

Dont usually get color transfer from pads/towels.. applicator want green?

[gsaintchar]

Re: QD + Scratchx = Paint Discoloration

This sounds like color transfer from the towel. I'm gonna guess that the towel is new and has never been washed, or only washed a few times. I would use a foam pad and Ultimate Compound, it is good for really cleaning the surface from defects and oxidation, in your case stain. No need to rub real hard, I would say light too medium pressure with slow circular motions. This may take a few passes, but the sooner you do it, I think the better results.

Wipe off each pass with a WHITE towel. Let us know how it's coming.

[avrxxx]

Re: QD + Scratchx = Paint Discoloration

I tried taking pictures but the green haze is so light that you can only see it at different angles... When I rubbed the end of my fingernail on it I don't feel the scratch, the entire area that I rubbed the qd and scratchx has that green haze... I'd say a 1" diameter circle. The megs foam applicator that I used was purple, didn't notice anything on it except the scratchx formula which was white..

Does qd and scratchx cause discoloration? From experience has it happened before?

Not sure if I should go through another application of scratchx in an attempt to remove it.. advice?

Thanks for the help!

[gsaintchar]

Re: QD + Scratchx = Paint Discoloration

If you can't get hold of Ultimate Compound tonight, try using the ScratchX lightly on just one corner of the area that is green, however, you need to change the foam applicator to one that has been frequently used or a different color, change towels to white. If this works, then finish the entire area.

[gsaintchar]

Re: QD + Scratchx = Paint Discoloration

If the haze is that light, Ultimate Polish may work too. When using any of these products, it is imporant too make sure you are rubbing it in until it looks almost completely dissolved, wipe off and proceed with the next pass.

[avrxxx]

Re: QD + Scratchx = Paint Discoloration

Hmm.. Since scratchX is a little less aggressive than the ultimate compound would that be ok to use?

I'll be planning on:
1) Wash area with megs gold wash w/ mf wash mitt
2) Scratchx w/ foam applicator

Will prob try tomorrow cause it's dark out...

[avrxxx]

Re: QD + Scratchx = Paint Discoloration

Thanks will give it a shot, I'll update tmrw!

[gsaintchar]

Re: QD + Scratchx = Paint Discoloration

Hmm.. Since scratchX is a little less aggressive than the ultimate compound would that be ok to use?

I'll be planning on:
1) Wash area with megs gold wash w/ mf wash mitt
2) Scratchx w/ foam applicator

Will prob try tomorrow cause it's dark out...

Yes, remember you are not going to be real aggressive when working with it. Light rubbing, let the compound do the work.

[Murr1525]

Re: QD + Scratchx = Paint Discoloration

I've never seen anything turn the paint a color just from the product.

Did you get any white transfer onto your applicator?

[avrxxx]

Re: QD + Scratchx = Paint Discoloration

There was the leftover white substance of the scratchX on the foam pad, safe to assume it wasn't the paint?

[Detailing by M]

Re: QD + Scratchx = Paint Discoloration

Hum? Is it a pearl paint?
There is no way QD did anything to your paint.
As far as Scratch-X. It might have caused the problem just because it's a compound and you were removing paint. So I can only conclude that the paint doesn't react well to that product. Change product until you find one that works.
I detailed a new Black ISF the day it came home and cared for it for about a year. I only used M205 on it a couple of times and had no problem with it, but again it was black so no real help there.

[Murr1525]

Re: QD + Scratchx = Paint Discoloration

There was the leftover white substance of the scratchX on the foam pad, safe to assume it wasn't the paint?

Yeah, paint would kind of stain the pad white.

So if you didnt go through the clear coat (which with any common sense is hard to do), you certainly arent seeing any primer.

Maybe it is just the towel or something, though that is odd.

Doesnt rub off with a finger or anything though?

[avrxxx]

Re: QD + Scratchx = Paint Discoloration

I washed the foam pad and all the white residue from the scratchx application came off, the foam pad looks brand new again.. (foam pad is purple, brand is megs, the one that came from the nxt box)

Should I try the scratchx again or go with a slightly less agressive product, say swirlx?

Thanks for the responses guys!!