Do I need to wax AFTER using Meguairs Scratch X?

[nodule]

Hi,

For the VERY light surface/spider webbing scratches I have on my trunk lid on my 2013
Honda Civic, I brought some Meguiars Scratch X and plan on applying this weekend. Do
I have to than re-wax after using Scratch X?? Or is the Scratch X all I would need?

Also, what type of applicator pad should I use? I will be doing this by hand. What type pf applicator pad work best without creating MORE scratches, foam, terry cloth?
Is there a link to a AutoGeek product you can recommend?

These light microscopic scratches are really ONLY noticeable in direct, bright sunlight and
very few people would ever see them, but they ARE there, and it drives me nuts!

Thanks

[BlackHawk]

good luck removing them by hand, while it will perhaps look better, it wont look idea. But hey this is coming from a person that gets goosebumps seeing any swirls on his car, so take it how you want lol


And yes you have to wax after using scratch x.

[Russ57]

I would use a microfiber pad. Look at the on-line videos on how to do it. It will take a lot of effort but I was able to remove some on my car.

Yes, you need to clean and wax afterwards.

[nodule]

Well, I figured I as least give it a shot. But again, they are so minor I have
to point them out to anyone!

I was told by the manager of a very reputable auto body shop in my town
that you really should NEVER machine polish your car's finish, just to
get rid of light swirling and spider webbing. He said its just a part of
owning a car that is a daily driver and you really cant fuss that much
about the paint finish. He said even in the hands of a experienced detailer, buffing/machine polishing will always do more harm that good
since you are removing clearcoat and paint. Hes says you are just shortening the life span of your car's finish.

I know this is just one man's opinion, but this is what he told me.

[FUNX650]

Well, I figured I as least give it a shot. But again, they are so minor I have
to point them out to anyone!

I was told by the manager of a very reputable auto body shop in my town
that you really should NEVER machine polish your car's finish, just to
get rid of light swirling and spider webbing. He said its just a part of
owning a car that is a daily driver and you really cant fuss that much
about the paint finish. He said even in the hands of a experienced detailer, buffing/machine polishing will always do more harm that good
since you are removing clearcoat and paint. Hes says you are just shortening the life span of your car's finish.

I know this is just one man's opinion, but this is what he told me.

He's right, in a way.
CC-paint is very thin: Anything & Everything that touches it will "harm" it in some manner.
That includes the particles that are in the air as we drive our vehicles through it.

Can't let these facts stop you...
if you want a decently clean/dry vehicle with as little to no marring, that is.

Back to your thread-starter's question:
It's best to always follow-up any polishing steps, including those using ScratchX,
with your choice of a Wax or other LastStepProduct.

Just another Man's opinion.




Bob

[nodule]

Interesting....so ALL the experienced, professional detailers here who are machine polishing out swirls are actually doing more harm that good??
Or with the proper technique, no harm is done?

To me it just seems logical is every time you buff/machine polish, you are removing paint and clearcoat, that would shorten the life of your car's paint finish, correct?

[cleanmycorolla]

Interesting....so ALL the experienced, professional detailers here who are machine polishing out swirls are actually doing more harm that good??
Or with the proper technique, no harm is done?

To me it just seems logical is every time you buff/machine polish, you are removing paint and clearcoat, that would shorten the life of your car's paint finish, correct?

you remove very little paint though. so no harm done dont over think it!

[Jaretr1]

Interesting....so ALL the experienced, professional detailers here who are machine polishing out swirls are actually doing more harm that good??
Or with the proper technique, no harm is done?

To me it just seems logical is every time you buff/machine polish, you are removing paint and clearcoat, that would shorten the life of your car's paint finish, correct?

In theory, yes, everytime one buffs or machine polishes they are removing a microscopic layer of paint or clear. However, this does not need to be done often, its not a monthly process per say. On this forum, I think Mike has written to or responsed to a thread on this topic.

It depends on what is considered harm. To someone who wants a shiny high gloss finish, having it covered in swirls and scratches is harming that appearance. To someone who does not care, then why would they have their paint corrected in the first place? Usually the person who cares is also taking the time or spending the money to make sure their paint is also properly protected vs the person who does not much if anythign at all.

I have corrected one car I own twice and I am not concerned about the paint getting to thin. My cars are always so protected by a wax, sealant, or something that I think my paint will last quite a while.

[FUNX650]

Interesting....so ALL the experienced, professional detailers here who are machine polishing out swirls are actually doing more harm that good??

Interesting...How did you come up with that conclusion?

(Hope it wasn't from my previous post!)



Bob