Meguiar's ScratchX - How to not get scratches off?

[Callaway23]

I previously used Meguiar's ScratchX to remove some scratches and swirls attained during the use of ScratchX and body scrub to get rid of some tree sap. IT DID NOT WORK.

Originally, I just had a few straight line scratches which I figured came about due to removing some of the bulk of the tree sap when I originally used ScratchX. I figured no big deal. When I get all of it off, I'll Just go over again and remove the scratches. Well after hearing somethings about the Clear Coat Body Scrub from someone at Meguiar's. I used it to try and remove the very slight bumps left on the car from the tree sap. Well .... I was left with a *** (Edited for unacceptable language -Mike). load of scratches..... cob web I believe you guys call them.

I was using a brand new "MEGUIAR'S HIGH TECH APPLICATOR". So there was no "particle" trapped in the applicator. So, now more worried about the millions of scratches on my brand frigin new car than the initial two little bumps I had from the tree sap. I went back to the ScratchX. . . . NOTHING!


I have read all the posts about applying ScratchX and other products. I'm sorry but the application is not rocket science. I am done making excuses for Meguiar's. Saying, oh it was me. Or a dirt particle. OH by the way, my "somewhat of a better half" just notified me that the surface was clean. LOL She has been going through all of this with me.

You know, I bought Meguiar's for everything. Don't get me wrong. I like the smell of everything. As well, most of the products seem pretty decent so far. Well, not quite sure of the glass cleaner being so "absolutely wonderful and haze and streak free". But...it smells good. But this stuff I don't know.

WHAT NOW!?! BUY SOMETHING ELSE!?

I'm not really trying to bash Meguiar's. I am just really upset that I feel like my new car has just become used. I trusted in Meguiar's that it was going to make something small better.
Yet, now like everything else. I feel like there is only one thing perfect. Trying to make something perfect just leads to disappointment and in most cases making it worse.

[Mike Phillips]

Hi Justin,

We spoke on Friday and I told you I would call you today, and I will. We can discuss all of your previous questions plus tackle this issue.

Are you by a phone right now?

[Callaway23]

....

I wanted to hear what people had to say.

I tried calling you ealier....and yes. I am by a phone lol

[Murr1525]

Sounds odd.. I have never had any problem. Sorry about your experience though...

Besides something like the PC, the only other thing would be more ScratchX, possibly applied by a terry cloth instead.

[benhui86]

ur suppose to rub scratch x in and not just spread it and wipe off..... and if the yellow pads are not aggressive enough go w/ a terry cloth.....

[Mike Phillips]

I spoke with Justin over the phone about this and he's going to try a few things we talked about and see if he can improve the area...

[BenP]

All I'd say is I wouldn't go about removing tree sap with a product such as ScratchX or Clear Coat Body Scrub. It would surely get in the applicator and cause additional problems.

Ben

[Wayfarerwalk]

I spent Saturday using Scratch-X for the first time on the old 50. I spent 5 hours on just the hood and top of the front fenders. I have excessive scratches on the 15 yr old paint and Scratch-X took most of them out except for the deep scratches that will need a rotary. I started on one of the fenders and didn't like the result at all. Then I remembered someone on here saying you had to work it in. After I got the hang of it, the improvement was amazing. I hope to finish it off this weekend and I'll post a few pic's. Callaway23, I hope you get the results you are looking for.

[grover]

I had dried-on tree sap on the trunk of my car a long time ago. What got it out was clay bar, Scratch-X, elbow grease, multiple applications and time. No excessive scratches on my trunk either. The key was patience. It's one of the many reasons I've come to trust Meguiar's products completely.

[MandarinaRacing]

One question while on the subject (maybe two )

-Would ScratchX's "power" be diminished if applied to a freshly waxed surface?

-Is it always better to clay before using ScratchX?

Alex

[the other pc]

Originally posted by BenP
... I wouldn't go about removing tree sap with a product such as ScratchX or Clear Coat Body Scrub. It would surely get in the applicator and cause additional problems...

I agree. Something that was on the finish must be getting dragged along. I would clay first. For some types of sap I've used a solvent type tar remover.

Originally posted by MandarinaRacing
...Would ScratchX's "power" be diminished if applied to a freshly waxed surface?...

Nah, it'll cut right through the wax and remove it.

Originally posted by MandarinaRacing
...Is it always better to clay before using ScratchX?...

If you have above-surface bonded contaminants I think it would be. It's been said that if you have really severe oxidation it will load up the clay too fast and waste it so you should use a cleaner first. But we're talking "chalky bad" oxidation. In that situation you won't be using ScratchX anyway. You'd use a heavy compound cleaner with a rotary buffer.


PC.