ScratchX caused paint to fade

[bill_m3]

I attempted to use ScratchX on my wife's black 2007 BMW 3 series on a small portion of the hood and it seems to have faded the paint. Here's what I did:

1. Used painters tape to isoloate a small section (maybe 1/6th of the hood)
2. Cleaned with clay bar
3. Applied a coat of ScratchX using a micro-fiber applicator
4. Worked each coat in circular motions with strong, but not excessive force
5. Worked in the product for a couple minutes until it started to breakdown
6. Wiped off with clean micro fiber cloth
**REPEATED steps 3-6 about 4 times**
7. Applied NXT wax
8. Removed tape
9. Used UQD

The panel I had worked on was faded a bit compared to the rest of the hood which was a deeper black color (yet I saw no paint rub off on the applicator). I also have a bit of a haze. The micro scratches mostly still seem to be in the paint. Some are gone, but not that many really.

HELP--what did I do wrong?

[OhioCarBuff]

Re: ScratchX caused paint to fade

Scratch-X is an extremely gentle paint cleaner, the application material is the most likely culprit. I used some cheapey off brand microfiber cloths once and they instilled swirls right away, right in the pattern that I buffed. It's also possible that their is dirt in the application material, and/or you didn't use enough lube when using the clay

[Blake Beamish]

Re: ScratchX caused paint to fade

Like OhioCarBuff said just try applying ScratchX with something else. I'd recommend a foam applicator pad.

[Nappers]

Re: ScratchX caused paint to fade

I tried a cheapo MF applicator (blue round ones) and I didn't like the results.

I use the round yellow Meguiar's applicator pads.

Also, could you post a picture?

How big is the haze?

Just curious as I sometimes go over my spray area with the clay and it leaves a mark on the paint and I have to peel the clay off, claying the area removes the residue....

Keep us updated.

[yalerd]

Re: ScratchX caused paint to fade

If you removed the defects with the microfiber towel I would follow it using a foam pad to get the paint looking great again.

So apply ScratchX with a foam applicator pad, gentle a couple of passes and evaluate the results, if you like what you see, wax the area

[Michael Stoops]

Re: ScratchX caused paint to fade

I'd have to dig around to find the thread, but we recently had a member here get similar results using ScratchX on a black BMW - except he started off using terry cloth as his applicator. The terry cloth put the fine marring in the paint. He then stepped up to microfiber and reduced the marring, but he didn't get rid of it until he used a foam applicator. No doubt the foam applicator is definitely the way to go.

[Mister B]

Re: ScratchX caused paint to fade

I'd have to dig around to find the thread, but we recently had a member here get similar results using ScratchX on a black BMW - except he started off using terry cloth as his applicator. The terry cloth put the fine marring in the paint. He then stepped up to microfiber and reduced the marring, but he didn't get rid of it until he used a foam applicator. No doubt the foam applicator is definitely the way to go.

I remember that thread Mike.

I think this is the one you were referring to?

Scratch X Is Killing My New Car. HELP.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: ScratchX caused paint to fade

Actually, threads like this come up from time to time and it's always just a case of modifying either technique or application material and often times both.

Remember, polishing paint is an art form not merely a mechanical process, it requires not only the right products and technique but the human elements of care and passion.

One thing for sure, we're here to help you and see you through to succeess....

Lets start by getting a clean, soft foam wax applicator pad and the re-apply the same product to the affected area working the product firmly but gently and as you work the product go from firm pressure to lighter pressure and then wipe off the residue using a clean, plush microfiber polishing cloth.

[bill_m3]

Re: ScratchX caused paint to fade

I will try the foam applicator and go a little more gentle. I'm actually less worried about the marring than the fading of the paint. The color has clearly lightened in the area I was working. I had taped off the area so I could do a side-by-side comparison of the scratches and you can now see a square on the car that is a ligher shade of black as if SratchX somehow bleached the paint slightly. I'll take a photo tonight and post.

Thanks for the advice.
Bill

[Michael Stoops]

Re: ScratchX caused paint to fade

I will try the foam applicator and go a little more gentle. I'm actually less worried about the marring than the fading of the paint. The color has clearly lightened in the area I was working. I had taped off the area so I could do a side-by-side comparison of the scratches and you can now see a square on the car that is a ligher shade of black as if SratchX somehow bleached the paint slightly. I'll take a photo tonight and post.

Thanks for the advice.
Bill

Bill, I'm sure what you're seeing is just an overall hazing of the paint caused by the applicator. On a black vehicle this fine, concentrated marring will give a grayish appearance to the finish making it look as though it's faded, lightened, bleached, etc. Keep in mind you're working on clear coat - clear paint in other words - so you technically can't "lighten" it up. What you can do is very lightly scratch it so that you can't see the full darkness of the black color coat beneath it.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: ScratchX caused paint to fade

Also remember that while ScratchX is very good at leaving behind a nice finish it's not the last step, application of your wax or paint sealant is the last step which will tend to build on the finish results produced by the prep steps.

Keep us updated...

[bill_m3]

Re: ScratchX caused paint to fade

Okay, you guys are awesome! The applicator was the problem. I thought I had been using a micro fiber applicator but found the packaging and it was actually a Turtle Wax terry cloth applicator! I went ahead and re-clayed, did 3 more coats of ScratchX (with very light pressure on the last coat but still working it in for awhile). I then did a coat of Poorboys Black Hole glaze (sorry Meguiar's) to help hide the remaining scratches and then a coat of NXT wax on top of that and a pass of Ultimate Quick Detailer. The deep color is back and the hazing is gone.

Thanks again! Michael Stoops--your explanation totally makes sense and I think is exactly what happened.

Bill

[Markus Kleis]

Re: ScratchX caused paint to fade

Okay, you guys are awesome! The applicator was the problem. I thought I had been using a micro fiber applicator but found the packaging and it was actually a Turtle Wax terry cloth applicator! I went ahead and re-clayed, did 3 more coats of ScratchX (with very light pressure on the last coat but still working it in for awhile). I then did a coat of Poorboys Black Hole glaze (sorry Meguiar's) to help hide the remaining scratches and then a coat of NXT wax on top of that and a pass of Ultimate Quick Detailer. The deep color is back and the hazing is gone.

Thanks again! Michael Stoops--your explanation totally makes sense and I think is exactly what happened.

Bill

Good to see this was cleared up. The "Mikes" at Meguiar's sure know their stuff

[Michael Stoops]

Re: ScratchX caused paint to fade

Happy to help, Bill, and we won't even bust your chops for using the Poorboys Black Hole glaze (although we think you'll find Meguiar's M07 Show Car Glaze an excellent alternative in the future!)

We're just glad you got the results you were shooting for.