Paint Cleaners

[scroyal05]

I have a black 1999 Camaro SS with several Type 2 water spots on the etched in the hood and rear spoiler. Also, there are several bug splatter marks on the front of the car that can not be removed with normal washing. Which product would work better for my problems, Scratch X or Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner? Are both safe to apply to the entire car? Are there any better products than these two for hand application? I will be applying the products by hand because I have no experience with machine buffers of any kind. Thanks for your advise guys.

[Setec Astronomy]

Type 2?

[Boss_429]

Re: Paint Cleaners

Originally posted by scroyal05
I have a black 1999 Camaro SS with several Type 2 water spots on the etched in the hood and rear spoiler. Also, there are several bug splatter marks on the front of the car that can not be removed with normal washing. Which product would work better for my problems, Scratch X or Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner? Are both safe to apply to the entire car? Are there any better products than these two for hand application? I will be applying the products by hand because I have no experience with machine buffers of any kind. Thanks for your advise guys.

First, both the DC and ScratchX are safe to apply to the whole car... just follow the directions.

Now, if the water spots are indeed type 2 (etched into the paint), you will probably need the ScratchX at a minimum to remove/minimize them. In some cases, you will need something much more aggressive. If the ScratchX doesn't touch them, you may want to consider having them removed by a top notch detailer with a rotary buffer. Make sure he/she is competent, as one can go too far trying to remove water spots.

[Tim Lingor]

Hey,

With type 2 water spots, I would suggest using Meguiar's ScratchX. It may take a few applications depending on how deep the etchings are. Some etchings may be too deep to be removed by hand.

Here is Mike's write-up on the proper way to use ScratchX:

How to use ScratchX by hand to remove defects like these,

1. Scratches
2. Swirls
3. Bird Dropping Etchings
4. Water spots
5. Scuff and Mars

++ = Success!

A couple of important notes to consider,

1) Clear coats are harder than traditional paints. This means they are more difficult to remove defects out of, especially by hand. This is part explains the increase in popularity of the Porter Cable Dual Action Polisher.

2) ScratchX is not a wipe-on, wipe-off product, (WOWO), it's more of a wipe on, work in product, (WOWI). You need to apply with a clean foam applicator pad and work the product in with a little passion.




Here is how to remove a bird dropping etching or an isolated scratch.[list=1][*] Only work a small area at a time - about 6 inch by 6 inch area or smaller[*] You can apply using a combination of circular motions and straight-line motions[*] Work the product against the finish until it looks as you have almost run out of product.[*] Re-apply the product and repeat the above steps 2-3 more times[/list=1]
When I apply ScratchX like I have listed above, I am able to get out about 95% of a bird dropping etching or isolated random scratches.

The trick is to work the product in until it just begins to disappear and to apply more than one application. You see, the ScratchX, like all Meguiar's Paint Cleaners, contain a diminishing abrasive, as you work ScratchX in, the microscopic diminishing abrasives gently abrade the surface removing small particles of paint. But as you work it in, these diminishing abrasives breakdown. Thus, they quit abrading the finish and actually polish the finish to a clear, high gloss. This diminishing action turned polishing action is a benefit to you because it enable you to work out defects without leaving scratches behind.

Because the diminishing abrasive breakdown, you need to re-apply and repeat the process until the defects are removed.

Note: You can rarely remove a bird dropping etching, or a scratch, from a clear-coated finish with one application.

"A little technique goes a long way"

ScratchX works, if you work it. It takes a little practice to get the hang of removing defects out of modern clear coats with hi-tech products like ScratchX. It' not like the old days with a traditional lacquer or enamel paint job where you could apply some old-fashioned rubbing compound and in a few passes, the scratch would be gone, (and so would a lot of your paint).

High gloss clear coats are thin delicate surface coatings that are easily dulled and easily scratched. Once they are dulled down and/or scratched, it takes the right product, the right technique together with the human element of care and passion to massage them back to a glistening gemstone.

Have patience, and if at first you don't succeed, try try again.

Mike

Please keep us posted!

Tim