Scratch-x question from a complete newbie

[andremw]

Hi! I have always owned very rusty, beat up cars (college student), so I have never really worried about body car (a mistake, I know). I just recently got a cobalt, and drove it on the turnpike. It's white, so I can see every speck of dirt. It appeared that some sort of road paint got on it, orange specks, that I couldn't get off. I thought it may be brake dust, but upon examining my brakes, I don't think it was. Anyways, after several products not working, I took it down to an auto shop to see if they had any advice. They tried a tube of scratch-x, and the spots came right off!

However, I've noticed that the paint where it was used, when viewed from an angle, seems a little "dull" and stands out a bit. Did this product remove the wax? If I clean and wax the car, will these areas still stand out?

I'm sorry if this is a silly question, I don't know too much about auto detailing, but would love to learn!

[Murr1525]

Re: Scratch-x question from a complete newbie

It also depends what they applied it with? Did you happen to see what they used?

ScratchX is gentle, but if you apply it with a very coarse material, then marks can still be left behind. It may just need followed up with a more gentle applicator if that was the case.

[andremw]

Re: Scratch-x question from a complete newbie

I think the guy at the store tried it with one of their soft "paper towel" sort of applicators. I later went over it with a very soft terry cloth towel. I only noticed it when coming out after eating lunch, from the angle I was approaching my car, I could see the area where the scratch-x had been applied, it looked almost matte compared to the rest of the car.

[Murr1525]

Re: Scratch-x question from a complete newbie

Is it just in kind of one area, or did they have to do spots all over?

[andremw]

Re: Scratch-x question from a complete newbie

Well, they only applied the Scratch-x in one area. Somehow, this substance got on the whole back of my car, and the lower side doors. It appeared after a heavy rain, so I was thinking it was brake dust, but I checked out the brake areas and they didn't appear too bad. (The marks are tiny orange dots, at first I thought it was rust, until I realized it was on the plastic bumper as well). I figured I would ask for some advice before attempting to remove any more. I had planned on cleaning the car next weekend, repairing the paint chips, removing the spots, then waxing.

[Murr1525]

Re: Scratch-x question from a complete newbie

Still could be rust.... it doesnt come from the brakes, it comes from the trains and ships carrying the car, so it can land anywhere.

The best thing would be to clay the car, then go back over that area with some ScratchX yourself and a gentle applicator like a Hi-Tec Foam applicator. Working it in properly with a good applicator should solve it.

Then could just cleaner/wax the car, then top it with a good wax like Nxt 2.0 and enjoy.

[andremw]

Re: Scratch-x question from a complete newbie

I myself would have sworn it was rust.

Just got the car from the dealer monday, so this upsets me a little. Is this a hugely common problem with white cars?

So going over it again, and then waxing it should help? I wouldn't want to seal something bad in.

[Murr1525]

Re: Scratch-x question from a complete newbie

It is on every car... but white shows that kind of thing more.

You might like to read "A Lesson from White Paint" by Mike Phillips over at autopia.org, while you are in the reading mode.

The clay should remove any rust/dirt that is left, and the ScratchX should clean up any swirls left in that dull area.

[andremw]

Re: Scratch-x question from a complete newbie

After seeing all of these issues, I wish I didn't have a white car, but I guess it's too late. I would really like to keep it looking nice. I'm very worried that dull area won't come out, hopefully it just stripped off a bit of the wax.

[andremw]

Re: Scratch-x question from a complete newbie

Just had a thought, do you think the swirl marks are because it wasn't really buffed?

[Murr1525]

Re: Scratch-x question from a complete newbie

Some fine swirls can easily be removed by hand, just need to put a little passion behind the pad. You can read the how-to links for ScratchX, plus do a little search for other folks experience.

[andremw]

Re: Scratch-x question from a complete newbie

I think when I wax this car, it will be the first time for it in awhile. Should I be purchasing some sort of polish for it?

I have to admit, having never waxed a car, I'm a bit nervous about it.

[Murr1525]

Re: Scratch-x question from a complete newbie

To keep things simple, that is where the cleaner/wax would come in. I would look at a process like this:

1. Wash - 2 bucket system, good quality sponges ,towels, etc, good soap like Gold Class.

2. Clay - Smooth Surface Clay kit. I might buy an extra bottle of Quick Detailer as well.

3. ScratchX for the dull spot. Work it in with some passion, really working it in till it is mostly a greasy clear color. Then remove with a good microfiber towel. Might need a couple applications, so just repeat once or twice.

4. ColorX - Go over the entire car, working it in a bit, but dont apply it super thick. Just work in thin coats. Use a soft terry cloth or something like a Hi-Tec Foam applicator to apply. Let it dry to a haze completly, then buff off with a good quality microfiber towel.

5. Wax - A thin coat of a good wax like Nxt 2.0 will top everythign off nicely. Apply a thin coat, then let dry and remove.

I like to use the Ultimate Quick Detailer after future washes to get that fresh waxed shine back.

(Keep wax off any black rubber or textrured plastic, as it can dry white.)

[andremw]

Re: Scratch-x question from a complete newbie

Now, polish has some sort of slight abrasive, right? would you use that everytime when waxing, or would that wear down the paint?

[Murr1525]

Re: Scratch-x question from a complete newbie

Then future details in a couple months would just be: (assuming no more scratches)

1. Wash
2. Clay if needed
3. ColorX
4. Wax - Nxt 2.0

Leaves decent results: