Hey guys, so I searched around in this section and I have read that scratch X works the best for removing scratches, however some people said that it made theirs worse. How is this so?

Also, my truck doesn't have any crazy huge our obvious scratches, but rather just minor ones at random areas around the truck. Do you guys suggest that I just look at the detailing sticky thread and just do a full exterior detail with clay bar etc.?

Thanks, Andrew

 

Although I think you should do a full detail, I need to address 3 issues:

1. Yes, go ahead and read the sticky. It is only knowledge, and if you decide to use the info, you can when you are ready. But it never hurts to read it now (plus it answers many of your basic questions, which is why I wrote it)

2. I have never heard of S-X making scratches worse-- except when it is being used wrong. It is pretty easy to use, and we are more than happy to help you out if you need help understanding how to use it properly.

3. I cannot tell you if you should go ahead and do a full exterior detail. I can recommend things for you to use/get/do, but only provided the following information:

a) What are you looking to achieve? Showcar finish, more shine than the average car, swirl-free paint, scratch free paint, etc?

b) How much time are you willing to spend doing this?

c) How much money are you prepared to spend to do this?

d) We really like pictures of the subject vehicle-- use lights to show as many imperfections as you can. Show us what we are dealing with and we can best recommend to you a product combination.

I know this is kind of a cop-out answer, but it is a bit necessary. Just answer #3 for us, read the sticky, and we will be more than happy to help you out however we can.

 

Scratch X works best for removing scratches? No, not even close. Scratch X is an OTC temporary fix to some imperfections. To correctly remove scratches it takes several steps using correct polishes, pads, and buffer.

How can Scratch X make things worse? If you dont work a polish in correctly you could run into several problems.

1. The polish might end up hiding imperfections rather then removing them.

2. You might under work or over work a polish, thus causing more imperfections to the paint.

3. Some polishes require a second or even third pass with a finer polish to remove any marring from the original polishing pass.

 

Ok f 150 sport, Here is whats up. My brother had the truck from 2003-2006. I have had it from 07 and on. It has been waxed with just like cleaner wax fairly regularly (every 2 months or so) But has never undergone a full detail with clay bar, and all the different waxes/polishes.


a)Basically I want to just make my truck look better, get its paint to the best condition i can possibly get it to.

b)I'm in high school, I have time, I can devote a whole weekend if I need to haha

c) Willing to spend ... I guess like $100-$200 (I mean I'm not going to use up all of it just one time haha)

d) As for pictures, it is kind of cloudy outside and dark, so I will try to post some tomorrow. The scratches really aren't that bad or deep, and there aren't too many. I just think it is time to give some life to my paint after 5 years.


Thanks for your help.

 

To the OP, listen to Dan....I defer to him often.

 

Andrew-

If you were going to buy it at an auto parts store, the following would run you about $100:

-64oz NXT Wash (Meguiars)
-wash mitt (lambs wool)
-NXT 2.0 Wax (Meguiars) [alternately, you can use Mothers Synwax]
-Steps 1 and 2 of the Deep Crystal System (Meguiars)
-Meguiars #26 High Tech Yellow Wax
-Quick Detailer spray
-Claybar kit
-~1 dozen Microfiber towels
-Plast-X (Meguiars)
-Tire shine

HOWEVER, if you wanted to order online, I would go to ADS (clicky) and get the following:

-Meguiars Wash Mitt (Chenille)
-Meguiars #80 Speed Glaze (remember, it can be used by hand, but when you get the bug and decide to get a DA, you can use it with one of those, too)
-Meguiars #9 Swirl Remover 2.0
-Meguiars #21 Synthetic Sealant 2.0
-Meguiars #26 High Tech Yellow Wax
-Meguiars 200g clay bar (mild blue)
-Meguiars D-55 Last Touch Spray Detailer (32oz) *see note*
-12 pack of ADS towels (not megs)
-Meguiars Plast-X

*note* I usually reccommend #34 Final Inspection, but right now ADS is out of the sampler size. You may opt to get a gallon-- you will want it.

This gets you to $103 AFTER shipping. Note that you still need a wash-- WalMart currently has the best prices on Gold Class wash. (~$3 rather than the ~$6 online)

HTH. If you are interested in getting more, let us know. Also, feel free to ask any more questions-- we are happy to help.

 

Wow Thanks a ton f150 sport, that was pretty much exactly what I was looking for! I have some coral blue carwash soap that my dad had bought, is that fine to use instead of megs gold class? I always kind of wonder how much does soap really matter?

Also, I don't really have many swirls or anything on my truck, would you still recommend I use it.

And what exactly does the last touch spray and the final inspection do?

-Thanks again

 

Oh dear.. I'd spend the 3$ and get the Gold Class. It'll be far superior to the Blue Corral.

 

Um, didn't you just type this....

 

Uhhh... I have blue coral, too. I havent used it in over 2 years. It is great for washing a friend's car (I always somehow end up detailing them, though...), but isnt good for a pre-detail. I guess you could MAYBE get away with it for your routine washes, but at less than a dollar more to get the GC, go for the Gold...

No problem, BTW. Glad to have helped out. I remember not so long ago (~2 years) I was learning from the same position you are and leaning (quite heavily, I might add) on RockPick's advice... I figure that I should try to help out at LEAST as much as I have been helped...sorta keeping the cycle going, ya' know?

 

Yup.. I'm sure I could scrounge 3$ instead of using Blue Corral though.. What I can't afford is another 15$ purchase from Scott. Cause that'll lead to other things that I need.

Like the heat extractor I've been wanting, or the shop vac.

Oh, the list continues.

 

Haha yah I will go out and get the gold class since it is only 3 bucks, I was just wondering if the blue coral would work just as well, but Ill stick to gold class.

A few last questions

1. I don't really have many swirls or anything on my truck, would you still recommend I use it.

2. what exactly does the last touch spray and the final inspection do?

3. I have Chrome wheels, and I have Megs Hot Rims Chrome wheel cleaner. What should I use to wipe off the wheels once I spray that on. I used to use a soft bristled brush, but then it got a bunch of tire gunk on it and it just gets my rims dirty.

4. Did you mean to say to get plast x or scratch x? Should I get scratch X too?

(and I'm reading through the detail sticky tonight )

 

HTH.

 

Sorry about the first question

What I meant was I don't have many swirls on my truck should I still use the
-Meguiars #9 Swirl Remover 2.0


And Exactly What order would I use these in, Like this?
(Clay bar)
-Meguiars #80 Speed Glaze (remember, it can be used by hand, but when you get the bug and decide to get a DA, you can use it with one of those, too)
-Meguiars #9 Swirl Remover 2.0
-Meguiars #21 Synthetic Sealant 2.0
-Meguiars #26 High Tech Yellow Wax

 

My .02 here, if you have a DA, and using 80 you can prob skip the 9 and go to the 21 then 26.

I have NO experience with 80 by hand sorry.