Heather knows her stuff... if we ever contradict, believe HER over me.

All I know, I learned from asking endless questions in here and doing some hands-on polishing with another NAM member's RO polisher. It really is easy and fun, and leaves even factory-new paint gleaming like a mirror!

 

<blush> Thanks for your confidence in my advice, ImagoX. You clearly know what you're talking about out there too. Indeed, you learn alot by asking questions and then doing alot of the stuff over and over (and then asking more questions, then doing, etc, etc!).

And, it's even better getting the experience when you're using a friend's polisher! LOL

-Heather

 

On your friends car!

 

wow...I recalled seeing this thread before I ever got MINI...now that I have her and swirls...I hunted this bad boy down and started reading.

I guess I just need to try one and see what I think.

thanks for the good info...I may try Meguiars because I am anxious to try it and I see I can get it at most local stores...ex. Target.

 

just read through this...my paint has very very minor swirls which are only rarely visible in direct sun reflections and get filled in by Z5 pretty nicely so I'm not planning to address this now, but has anyone compared Srcatch-X to Zaino's Z-PC? (both for use by hand)

 

I've used both by hand on my MINI. I believe that the Z-PC is more aggressive than Scratch-X. The Zaino seemed to work quicker. When I say more aggressive, I don't mean that to sound scary - I did not get any hazing. The Z-PC removed the swirls in an area with 2 applications versus 4 applications of the Scratch-X. Both got the swirls out and both are similar in that the use a diminishing abrasive, however the Zaino worked faster by hand.

 

Heh heh, sorry for replying to an old thread, but I kinda missed all these comments that definitely need addressing.

This isn't correct. ScratchX is fine on both "show cars" and daily drivers. The diminishing abrasives in ScratchX are very mild. Please carefully read the "diminishing" part--not directed just to you ImagoX--- not all polishes that contain abrasives break down to finer and finer grits as you work with them--which is important to achieve a high level finish.


Predmini--thank you so much for the kind comments on my DVD!! It's amazing how in 2.5 hours that an entire perspective on paint care can change for the better simply by watching a pro work his magic.

Every manufacturer defines the term POLISH differently. Some interchange the term wax with polish. Meguiar's likes to define the polishes as products that improve the appearance of your paint but don't offer any protection. You've got a pure polish like #7 Show Car Glaze which just deepens the color and richness of your paint and adds gloss but doesn't contain any abrasives. Then you got Paint Cleaners like #80 Speed Glaze that contains polishes and fine diminishing abrasives to remove swirls while adding gloss.

As has been mentioned-- no, Scratch X contains very fine diminishing abrasives.

Yep very good point---Meguiar's polishes actually remove swirls and fine scratches. That's why you have to work ScratchX in. You don't just apply it, and wipe it off.

Another thing to realize---atleast for Meguiar's products. When working with a polish/paint cleaner, you use it, then wipe it off immediately. If you're applying a wax, then you let it dry before wiping it off. This helps you remember which product needs to be left to dry or not when working.

 

After my first clay bar, I notice my black top has more swirls, etc. than I'd care to admit! Black seems a lot worse than the red for showing this kind of stuff (CR/B MCS 2006).

I have a couple of products "in stock" - ICE Liquid Clay Bar, Kit Scratch Out and NuFinish Scratch Doctor - and need some input on what to use.

I read the current posts about different levels of abrasive and the wood/sandpaper analogy but I don't know where these products fall. I have no idea how to rate ICE Clay Bar but the Scratch Out and Scratch Doctor seem VERY close. By "feel" I'd say the Scratch Out is a little less abrasive.

Thanks!

 

ICE Liquid Clay Bar is NOT a clay bar at all. It's about as effective as using a paint cleaner/polish on your paint. Don't bother with it if you're trying to clay your finish and make it smooth as brand new class.

It's true that black shows everything! That's why finding a swirl free black car is pretty rare unless it's a show car!

As for the polishes you've listed, why not save them for a friends car and just use what works?? Scratch X from Meguiar's or get a PC and go at it with Swirl and a white or orange pad??

Richard

 

Excellent! That's exactly what I needed. Some definitive advice! Was wishing I ordered some Swirl with the Hydro and Epic I just received today! Doh!

I've heard different stuff about ICE "clay bar". Was glad I checked in with the folks here first. I used real clay bar and find it amazing. I'm still finding bits here and there but I just go over the bumpy area again. Not sure exactly what to do with the ICE stuff now though. Use it when I need a cleaner?

Thanks again Richard. For now, I'm off to get some Scratch X!

 

I started a review here to test the claims. My results though not posted in that thread was that it didn't do the claims--it didn't remove swirls, and it wasn't effective as a claybar either.

http://www.showcardetailing.com/foru...light=ice+clay