Questions about scratch and swirl removal

[ag0240]

Hey guys I have a 2012 Mercedes C300. The car has some swirls damage and sum scratches that I'd like to remove. I have the Meguiars DA polisher. My question is which product should I use? The ultimate company or the scratch X? I do not want to use the wrong product and hurt the cars paint. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[Evan.J]

Re: Questions about scratch and swirl removal

As always try your least aggressive pad and products first. So scratch x on a polishing pad do 6-8 section passes and check your results. If that doesn't work then try UP. If that doesn't work the UC

[Murr1525]

Re: Questions about scratch and swirl removal

I wouldn't bother much with ScratchX.

I would rather have Ult. Polish and UC on the shelf. You can try the milder product if you like, but probably will just end up using UC anyway.

[ag0240]

Re: Questions about scratch and swirl removal

Should I compound the entire car or just the spots that's need it?

[Evan.J]

Re: Questions about scratch and swirl removal

Should I compound the entire car or just the spots that's need it?

That's up to you and what the condition is of your entire car.

[013impreza]

Re: Questions about scratch and swirl removal

Well, the more I read the less I know. I did use Cult Comp on my new Subaru today. Just a test patch. Not raving over the results. Not bad just not great.
Still looking and reading for that one product to makes good almost perfect finish really pop. Ultimate Polish, 205, No. 7 or something else. Still no clue.
Help me O-meguiar-kenobi you're my only hope.....

[Evan.J]

Re: Questions about scratch and swirl removal

What was your process for the test spot you did?

What pad?

What Speed?

What downward pressure?

How many section passes?

DId you follow up with anything after? Im assuming not but thats ok at this point.

[Murr1525]

Re: Questions about scratch and swirl removal

Well, the question will be "what is the issue to be fixed?"

If it is still swirls/defects, then more work with UC, different technique, etc may be needed.

If it is dirt/grime, then claying, and even a stronger cleaner to help with tar, etc could be needed.

If it is all clean and just not popping, then moving onto #205 or Ult. Polish would be a normal step.

[C8N]

Re: Questions about scratch and swirl removal

Generally, and someone can correct me if I am wrong but Subarus are somewhat known for soft paint?
Perhaps UC/pad selection/amount of pressure you have used was too strong.
If my guess is right, you will probably need to go over with UP with finishing pad to refine your paint.

[Murr1525]

Re: Questions about scratch and swirl removal

Well, easy to correct, or easy to etch deeply... take your pick.

[013impreza]

Re: Questions about scratch and swirl removal

Well, I used a MF pad and a small amount of Ultimate Compound. I'm pretty sure mistake number one was the MF pad. I made a small test area on the passenger side of the hood. It came out a bit more swirled but nothing the follow-up wax didn't almost totally fix.
I was looking for Swirl X. I can find UC and UP anywhere. I thought Swirl X would be the fix I needed. But the more I read about it maybe not.
I keep reading about pure polishes and cleaner waxes and polishing oils and polishing compounds and finish glazes and show car glazes and varying kinds of abrasives that break down or don't break down; things that dry too quick or don't dry at all. Somewhere in this jumble of Ultimates and Numbers is what I need.
If only Meguiars would sell samples.

[davey g-force]

Re: Questions about scratch and swirl removal

Well, I think you were on the right track with SwirlX, especially if you have the suspected soft Subaru paint.

Sounds like when you used UC on a MF pad, it probably marred the finish.

- Go get yourself some foam applicator pads, SwirlX and/or UP.
- Start with a test spot of UP via the foam pad and see if that gives the results you're after;
- If not, step up to a test spot with SwirlX and see if that gives the results you're after;
- If not step up to UC;
- If UC creates any marring, you'll have to finish down with UP (another step);
- Apply wax.

[013impreza]

Re: Questions about scratch and swirl removal

........on the hunt for the elusive Swirl x.

Thanks Davey.

[C8N]

Re: Questions about scratch and swirl removal

On soft paint, UC and MF pads are probably not the best option.
SwirlX may be a bit difficult to find but Ultimate Polish should be pretty easy. Have you checked Walmart or Sears?
Another alternative might be to try Black Wax or White Wax as they are AOI products.