I'm looking to finally do a really good spring cleaning on my truck and wanted some opinions from those on this forum. My truck has unfortunately sustained some scratches over the past year, most of which are simply in the clear coat. I've heard about Scratch-X but was wondering what people think is best for a simple scratch in the clear coat. I also have a scratch on the right rear fender moulding (which shows through as black!) leading me to believe that it's through all of the paint, etc., and will need to be repainted in order to fix.

Thanks for your help!

 

If you can feel the scratch with your finger nail then nothing simple of re-painting it will get it out.

As far as the clear coat swirls and blemishes sratch-x can get most of those out... However, you may just want to use that on problem spots.. then polish and wax your truck. That'll remove slight swirls and scratches but cover most of them up for the duration of the wax.

If your looking to fully remove the scratches/swirls in a reasonable amount of time, keep reading here and learn you'll need a DA (Dual Action Polisher).

B

 

Thankfully most of the scratches are blemishes that I cannot "grab" with a fingernail. I'm going to try to use either Scratch-X or something similar on the worst ones, then multiple coats of wax to make it better. I have a couple of spots that will need to be repainted, unfortunately.

I think you're right, though - I'll eventually need a DA in order to really make things look great. Looking forward to learning all about this!

 

I always had good luck with 3M Perfect-It II followed up by a good polish. I haven't used Scratch-X yet but I hear a lot of good things about it.

 

Be prepared for your mind to explode. The DA is one of the best investments you'll ever make for your vehicle(s), IMO. Do a lot of lurking and listening and you'll be good to go. There is a wealth of knowledge on detailing here. I also highly recommend taking the time to read the detailing sticky as well as the dictionary.

 

Thanks Thumper. I actually read the sticky and defs the other day and there is certainly a lot of information and knowledge posted there! Absolutely overwhelming at first but, I'm sure as with anything else, it'll be less daunting as I actually get into doing this stuff more and more.

This forum is great! Thanks again for all the help and advice.

 

This forum, and detailing is like crack.

Be prepared. ADS is basically a Crack Dealer.

 

And after all is said and done I would start washing your vehicle using the "two" bucket system. You would be amazed on how much dirt you wash your vehicle with using just one bucket.