Which Product To Use for This Scratch?

[fruitycups]

Hello Everybody!!

I recently came across two long scratches on my car. While they aren't super visible, if you know where the scratch is, the eyes can easily pick it up. Also in sunlight, it seems as though the scratches are black lines instead of clear so I am hoping it didn't cut through my clear coat


Anyways, so my question is, which products do I have to use to get these scratches out (its a 2013 328i in silver if it matters)? I read countless threads but the methods and options are just overwhelming. I did eliminate Turtle Wax compound because they said its a bit overkill for my needs.


So right now, Im stuck between, scratch X, swirl X, and Ultimate compound. A friend said to use ultimate compound+ultimate polish but I don't want to use something stronger than needed.


Again, there are so many areas Im confused in. For example, once I use scratch x/swirl x/ or UC, do I wipe away the excess with water and soap or just I just wipe it with a microfiber? Wouldn't that technically be smearing it more and not wiping it off?


Im also paranoid that using those polishing products will leave the area duller than the rest of the car. Im also confused on whether or not I can just stop at one product or if I need a wax/polish after doing step one (I was hoping there was one does it all type product.)


Thank you in advance!


Image - TinyPic - Free Image Hosting, Photo Sharing & Video Hosting (http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2lnhld1&s=5)

Image - TinyPic - Free Image Hosting, Photo Sharing & Video Hosting (http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=14mckk7&s=5)

[Mike Phillips]

Good talking to you via e-mail and welcome to AutogeekOnline!


Here's your pictures "inserted" to make them easier to see...


http://oi39.tinypic.com/2lnhld1.jpg


http://oi44.tinypic.com/14mckk7.jpg



This scratch looks pretty shallow and should be pretty easy to remove via by hand or machine.

ScratchX actually works pretty good, it's just you need to start out with a fast hand motion going about 90 degrees across the scratch with firm pressure. As the scratch disappears, lighten up on your pressure.

Might take a couple applications as clear coats are pretty hard, modern paint isn't like paint in the old days. This is one of the reasons most people move up to machine polishing.


:)

[Mike Phillips]

See this article,

How to use a hand applied abrasive polish or paint cleaner by hand (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/26612-how-use-hand-applied-abrasive-polish-paint-cleaner-hand.html)


See this picture? This is my hand moving very fast as I rub out sanding marks by hand.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/834/RemvovingSandingMarksbyHand01.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/834/RemvovingSandingMarksbyHand02.jpg


After you remove the scratch then you'll need to re-apply some protection, wax, sealant or coating.


:)

[fruitycups]

Same! It was nice talking to you over email.

The folks at another forum recommended white wax, but that was before I told them my nail catches on the scratch. I went ahead and still bought the white wax with my fingers crossed that the scratch is light enough to be fixed via WW. Something tells me though that my nail catching on the scratch is not a good sign at all :(

I really hope I don't have to go through the three step process