I had used a Polish from the Meguiars 3-step system but I ran out. I looked around in my garage closet and all I have is Scratch X. Would this work in the following steps?

1. Dawn wash
2. Clay bar
3. Scratch X
4. Gold class Wax

Is the Scratch X a polish since its purpose is to abrade? Or should I go out and purchase a "polish" polish?

 

scratch X is border line a very fine compound. I would go:

Dawn
Clay
Scratch X
Klasse AIO (something to take the haze that Scratch X will leave behind) You need some sort of a fine polish. Meguiar's Scratch Remover 2.0 would also work.
Wax

 

Wow... I didn't know Scratch X was that hardcore.

 

I used Scratch-X on my car two days ago and followed it up with gold class. It looks great. It had a bunch of really bad swirl marks that the Scratch-X took away. From what I hear though, Scratch-X is really only to be used if you have really bad scratches or swirls. That's why I used it. Couldn't be happier.

 

Yes and it works wonders!

I need to do it on some spots but it saved my Hatchs 15 year old paint job

 

That's originally why I bought it too. I really don't need to take care of of all that, now, though. So, should I go out and get a regular polish? Is Scratch X too abrasive to be used just as a polish instead of a swirl/scratch troubleshoot item? Because what I wanted was just a good polish before waxing... Should I start heading to Autozone, then? I will if I have to. I was just wondering about the Scratch X before I made the trip.

 

the problem is, I am assuming you are doing this by hand? If so, you might want the scratch x, but I would strongly recommend Meguiar's #80 speed glaze for you. Great product that is a middle of the road abrassive. I use it as one of my steps on almost every car that I detail. I also use a PC and that is why I am worried for you if your doing it by hand. I dont think your arm will ever work again if you do it by hand but if it does, you will have one strong arm!

 

Good, I can even out the "other" strong arm.

jk

I don't remember the Scratch X being a bitch by hand... Do you mean the #80?

 

I meant the #80. I am 95% sure the scratch x is made to be used by hand.

 

Thanks for the tips.

 

If you are using ScratchX by hand, follow these directions...

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/sho...?threadid=7011

 

I'm also doing this by hand, i'm glad I found this thread.

Wash
Clay
Wash
Scratch X
(Polish?)
ICE
Maintain with ICE spray quick detailer

Do I need a pure polish after the Scratch X? That thread linked above tells me I do. Of course they mention the Meguiar's polish but i'm sure there are others. What should I use for this step?

This definetely will not be a one day process. There is not enough energy in a person's body to do all in a single day

 

Yes, you will need (get best results) to use a polish after the scratch x. If you get it, Klasse AIO would work wonders for ya. Otherwise, you can get some kind of meguiars polish (from their professional line) like the scratch remover 2.0. #80 speed glaze would work just fine but you wont get the results from it that you would if you were using a buffer.

 

I need whatever will work best by hand and preferrably carried in town (AutoZone, O'Reiley's, Advance).

I wonder how that acrylic Klasse stuff would do under a coat of ICE. Don't think anyone has tried that yet.

 

What an awesome thread!

 

AIO begs to be toped with some form of wax (preferably a carnuba), but it really shines (although not as deep of a look) when topped with its very own Sealant Glaze.

 

I personally preffer to do the following

Dawn
Clay (if necessary)
Scratch X
#7 Show Car Glaze
NXT Wax

All with the Meguiars cordless orbital buffer (worth every penny)

This will give you a finish that cannot be beat.

And use the NXT wash and every couple of weeks use the NXT spray wax.

 

if you think the ScratchX is a bit hard core .. then try Meg's ColorX .. it is also designed to be applied by hand if desired.

whichever one you apply, make sure you apply it until the product breaks down, and do not let the ScratchX dry .. work it in, then wipe it right off.

 

carefull with the #7. That is only meant to last a week max. It is a HUGE filler that is VERY oily. Does it look great for the first couple days? Hell ya it does, but it is a "show car" glaze. It was designed for just that. Made to just look outstanding and wet for a weekends worth of showing a car. It does give it an extremely wet look though that is real nice, it just doesnt last long compared to other products.

 

That why you apply the Glaze before the NXT Wax. The NXT Wax seals the glaze in.