So Confused! What Products Do I Use For This Scratch?

[fruitycups]

I recently came across two long scratches on my car. While they aren't super visible, if you know where the scratch is, the eyes can easily pick it up. Also in sunlight, it seems as though the scratches are black lines instead of clear so I am hoping it didn't cut through my clear coat


Anyways, so my question is, which products do I have to use to get these scratches out (its a 2013 328i in silver if it matters)? I read countless threads but the methods and options are just overwhelming. I did eliminate Turtle Wax compound because they said its a bit overkill for my needs.


So right now, Im stuck between, scratch X, swirl X, and Ultimate compound. A friend said to use ultimate compound+ultimate polish but I don't want to use something stronger than needed.


Again, there are so many areas Im confused in. For example, once I use scratch x/swirl x/ or UC, do I wipe away the excess with water and soap or just I just wipe it with a microfiber? Wouldn't that technically be smearing it more and not wiping it off?


Im also paranoid that using those polishing products will leave the area duller than the rest of the car. Im also confused on whether or not I can just stop at one product or if I need a wax/polish after doing step one (I was hoping there was one does it all type product.)


Thank you in advance!


http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2lnhld1&s=5

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=14mckk7&s=5

[Detailing by M]

Re: So Confused! What Products Do I Use For This Scratch?

well first off WELCOME TO MOL!!!!

those scratches are very light.
I'd do with a cleaner wax on a foam pad or a micro fiber towel. Rub gently, check and then harder if needed.
I wouldn't use any compound on that.
If you need anything stronger then a cleaner wax go with a polish.

White Wax or Ultimate Polish would be my choices for you.

[fruitycups]

Re: So Confused! What Products Do I Use For This Scratch?

well first off WELCOME TO MOL!!!!

those scratches are very light.
I'd do with a cleaner wax on a foam pad or a micro fiber towel. Rub gently, check and then harder if needed.
I wouldn't use any compound on that.
If you need anything stronger then a cleaner wax go with a polish.

White Wax or Ultimate Polish would be my choices for you.

thank you for the lightening fast response. So would swirl x/scratch x/UC be overkill in this situation? No need for ultimate wax either if I go with cleaner wax correct?

But IF i do need something stronger and need to go with a polish, then its cleaner wax+ultimate polish or am I just substituting ultimate polish for white wax.

LASTLY,

Whats the dif?

http://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Car-Cleaner-Liquid-Wax/dp/B0002NYE5M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1374605080&sr=8-1&keywords=cleaner+wax

http://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Car-Cleaner-Wax-oz/dp/B0009IQX0E/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1374605080&sr=8-2&keywords=cleaner+wax

THANK U GUYS <3

[Detailing by M]

Re: So Confused! What Products Do I Use For This Scratch?

What you have there is "surface Marring" the "lightest" scratch possible.

Here's the rule we all fallow. "Use the least aggressive method"

So with that scratch being so light I'd use a cleaner wax. I've removed a lot of these with a cleaner wax.
The Deep Crystal is a very good choice. The difference between the two on Amazon is one is a liquid and the other is a paste they are the same product.
Pick either one, liquid or paste is a personal preference.

The order of product use is.

Sanding to remove MAJOR paint defects ie: Orange peal, deep scratches, etching.
Compound is used to remove Sanding marks, scratches and light paint defects.
Polish removes compound marring and to bring the paint to a nice flat surface.
Wax is your Last Step Product. LSP's are a very personal choice and it's up to you what you want, like and is available

So your scratch is falling between wax and polish. Hence a cleaner wax which has wax and polish in it. White Wax is a new and excellent product.

[Detailing by M]

Re: So Confused! What Products Do I Use For This Scratch?

Oh yea, Keep it simple is another rule,

Even as a pro I get overwhelmed. Everyday there's another new product on the market.
I stick with Meguiar's and even that is sometimes overwhelming too,

[fruitycups]

Re: So Confused! What Products Do I Use For This Scratch?

What you have there is "surface Marring" the "lightest" scratch possible.

Here's the rule we all fallow. "Use the least aggressive method"

So with that scratch being so light I'd use a cleaner wax. I've removed a lot of these with a cleaner wax.
The Deep Crystal is a very good choice. The difference between the two on Amazon is one is a liquid and the other is a paste they are the same product.
Pick either one, liquid or paste is a personal preference.

The order of product use is.

Sanding to remove MAJOR paint defects ie: Orange peal, deep scratches, etching.
Compound is used to remove Sanding marks, scratches and light paint defects.
Polish removes compound marring and to bring the paint to a nice flat surface.
Wax is your Last Step Product. LSP's are a very personal choice and it's up to you what you want, like and is available

So your scratch is falling between wax and polish. Hence a cleaner wax which has wax and polish in it. White Wax is a new and excellent product.

Is the cleaner wax something that actually fixes the scratch or temporarily "hides" it? Also in your opinion do you recommend going with the wax or the ultimate polish (and going regular cleaner wax is the same thing as going with white wax right? ((i know white wax is supposed to be for lighter colors))).

Whoa questions galore. Just want to make sure I don't actually make it more worse than it already is. That would **** donkey balls.

[Detailing by M]

Re: So Confused! What Products Do I Use For This Scratch?

A scratch is actual paint removed. Sanding/compounding removes the paint around the scratch so now all the paint is at the same level and therefore the scratch is gone.

You don't have that. You have micro marring/light scratches.
Using a polish or a cleaner wax will remove the paint around that "scratch" but not as aggressive as sanding/compounding.

make sense?

White/Black Wax is not color specific. Neither one of these has any pigments it them.
They are just developed for lighter/darker colors ie: WW has more cleaning agents in it as white/light paint shows more dirt.
BW has more polishing oils in it because darker colors like oil polish more.

Yes lots of questions but that's what we're here for.
Better safe then sorry.

That's why I'm telling you to use a cleaner wax, very safe for amateurs and you should be able to fix your problem in less then a minute.

[fruitycups]

Re: So Confused! What Products Do I Use For This Scratch?

Thank you in advance for the patience you're showing! Im a bit dense, but also overanalyze situations.

Hard to see in that light but when the cars outside when its sunny, the scratch looks darker. Def not one of those invisible clear scratches that only reflect at certain angles. My nail also lightly catches it. My question is, do you think its still a light scratch or could it be something worse (my photo schools are garbage i know lol).

At least one question has been solved. Cleaner wax > ultimate wax.

I'll be going with the regular cleaner wax so hopefully my decision to pass over white wax won't bite me in the ***.

[Detailing by M]

Re: So Confused! What Products Do I Use For This Scratch?

LOL, No worries mate!

WW is very safe.

By you saying you can get your finger nail in it changes it to a "real" scratch and your most likely going to need a more aggressive approach then a cleaner wax.
Ultimate compound on a terry towel is probably aggressive enough to remove the paint around the scratch. After that you'll need to remove the scratches the terry and UC made by using a polish, Ultimate Polish. Then an LSP (wax)

Also more will respond later in the day. So you'll get some more input from others.

[fruitycups]

Re: So Confused! What Products Do I Use For This Scratch?

LOL, No worries mate!

WW is very safe.

By you saying you can get your finger nail in it changes it to a "real" scratch and your most likely going to need a more aggressive approach then a cleaner wax.
Ultimate compound on a terry towel is probably aggressive enough to remove the paint around the scratch. After that you'll need to remove the scratches the terry and UC made by using a polish, Ultimate Polish. Then an LSP (wax)

Also more will respond later in the day. So you'll get some more input from others.

Just bought some WW cause it said it had more cleaning properties. Im holding out that its strong enough to get the scratch out

A bit sad I already have such a long scratch on my baby. WW doesn't need to be followed up with anything correct? No ultimate wax? etc etc.

Im really hoping this will be enough. UC, Ultimate Polish, Wax would be a hassle. NOOOOoOOoOooOoOOOO.

[Detailing by M]

Re: So Confused! What Products Do I Use For This Scratch?

Well it will remove some of the scratch but it's not a compound.
Give it a try and hopefully it will solve your problem, if anything it will make it discreet.
It's a wax/LSP, Last Step Product. It just has polish/cleaners in it.

[fruitycups]

Re: So Confused! What Products Do I Use For This Scratch?

Well it will remove some of the scratch but it's not a compound.
Give it a try and hopefully it will solve your problem, if anything it will make it discreet.
It's a wax/LSP, Last Step Product. It just has polish/cleaners in it.

Now you have me doubting whether I should have bought the UC to start with haha.

If I buy the UC, could I follow it up with the ultimate polish and stop there or will I have to use a LSP? Will my paint look dull just stopping at UP?

Stupid scratch.

[BillE]

Re: So Confused! What Products Do I Use For This Scratch?

Now you have me doubting whether I should have bought the UC to start with haha.

If I buy the UC, could I follow it up with the ultimate polish and stop there or will I have to use a LSP? Will my paint look dull just stopping at UP?

Stupid scratch.

I must assume that you are working by hand, correct?

IF you need, I say again IF you need to step up to something that is more aggressive than WW, no NOT over rub in just one tiny area. Meaning don't concentrate all you effort on just the scratch itself. By working on only 'that scratch' area alone, you stand a chance of removing too much of the clear coat. Maybe said better is, spread your work area over a larger area. You don't want to make 'divot' in the paint.

As to using an LSP after compound/polish...yes!

Bill

[fruitycups]

Re: So Confused! What Products Do I Use For This Scratch?

I must assume that you are working by hand, correct?

IF you need, I say again IF you need to step up to something that is more aggressive than WW, no NOT over rub in just one tiny area. Meaning don't concentrate all you effort on just the scratch itself. By working on only 'that scratch' area alone, you stand a chance of removing too much of the clear coat. Maybe said better is, spread your work area over a larger area. You don't want to make 'divot' in the paint.

As to using an LSP after compound/polish...yes!

Bill

Thanks for the reply bill.

So im a bit more confused now. So cleaning wax/white wax can be put on on a isolated area and a LSP is not required while if I use a compound/scratch x I have to not only use a polish but also a LSP (wax) afterwards? Not only that, I have to spread and work it in a greater area, even if that area has no scratches in it because I could dull the paint if i use it in a small concentrated area?

[Murr1525]

Re: So Confused! What Products Do I Use For This Scratch?

If you put product on one little spot and focus on rubbing it with your finger and some pressure, you have a chance to go through the clear coat. So you have to spread out, and even out the pressure to work safely.