suggested products to use (with pics)

[BISHY]

what products should i use to get rid of the scratches/ marks. the car is a late 01 ford falcon xr6 ute in black. i have been reading and need some help.
i was thinking-
ultimate compound for the deep marks
deep crystal system polish
NXT paste
deep crystal system wax






any help would be great. also what pads / applicators would be best to use these products by hand ?

cheers

[Calais]

Re: suggested products to use (with pics)

First and foremost: do any of those scratches catch your finger nail if you lightly drag it across the grain of the scratch? If so they are probably not fixable; you can make them less apparent but not polish them entirely away.

If not: you should start with the least aggressive method (a paint cleaner), start with SwirlX. Although I've never used it, I've seen other members get great results with it and it is a rational starting point. If this isn't effective, step it up to ScratchX or Ultimate Compound. Be careful with how passionately you work the paint by hand with these products because while you may be taking out the one scratch you may be instilling hundreds of smaller ones. If Ultimate Compound does not fit the bill then you may have to live with the scratches, have a professional look at it or get it repainted.

Judging by your level of experience (correct me if I'm wrong) I would not recommend using something more aggressive than Ultimate Compound. More aggressive compounds are in the pro-line for a reason and if used incorrectly can really damage your paint. Definitely don't be afraid to approach a talented professional and ask his opinions/prognosis.

You can use the yellow foam Meguiar's Hi-Tech applicator or a terry cloth for added "bite". Good luck, working out messes like this by hand can be a huge PITA. Be sure to post some after pics.

[Andrew C.]

Re: suggested products to use (with pics)

Follow what Calais said. The Products you should be looking at are Swirl X, Scratch X 2.0, and Ultimate Compound. (Those were in order from least aggressive to most aggressive)

Start out with the least, if the marks persist, go a little more aggressive, and so on. If you end up using Ultimate Compound, there is a chance that your paint may look hazy, but the marks are gone. If this is true, then follow it with a less aggressive Product like Scratch X 2.0 or Swirl X.

And as calais said, try using a Meguiar's yellow applicator pad, but if you want a little more cut and aggressiveness, try a clean terry cloth. (I wouldn't suggest doing this unless ultimate compound on a foam pad doesn't work, and if UC on a terry cloth doesn't work, as calais said, contact a pro)

Hope This helps!

[BISHY]

Re: suggested products to use (with pics)

thanks guys.

most don't catch my fingernail but some do and i realize they are too deep.
i have tryed a mild polish and it wasn't harsh enough. i think it needs UC. i have been reading about UC and it doesn't need to be broken down - correct ? rub it in, keep it moist, wipe off, asses the area, go again if needed, wipe off. this sound about right.

then as suggested, go over area with a pure polish, then wax ?


hope got it right

[Murr1525]

Re: suggested products to use (with pics)

UC may need followed with a milder product, never know for sure until you try it.

And dont rub it in... work it in with some passion.

[BISHY]

Re: suggested products to use (with pics)

could you explain 'rub it in' and work it with passion ?

[Murr1525]

Re: suggested products to use (with pics)

How to correctly apply ScratchX to remove swirls and scratches

This is the original ScratchX, which is a milder product than UC. So dont go all out at first, but I think you see the idea.

[BISHY]

Re: suggested products to use (with pics)

got it. thank you.
the products above the best choices ?
- UC with a foam pad
- DC system polish
- DC system wax

[Murr1525]

Re: suggested products to use (with pics)

I tend to like Nxt Wax 2.0....