okay.. what would be the best option for your average joe that doesnt have access to a DA and washes/waxes everything by hand? I'm assuming that Scratch-X and #9 are fairly similar in compostion and purpose, but which one would be better suited for hand application?

The scratch-x is a little more expensive per ounce, but is readily available at most local stores, so I'm kinda leaning towards this.. but is scratch-x too agressive compared to #9? What sort of applicator pad would you use for either? I have a couple unused Meg's yellow foam pads.. would these be safe?

#9
http://www.autobarn.net/meswre16oz.html
Scratch-X
http://www.autobarn.net/megscrat7ozl.html

 

By hand you use Scratch-X. It will never be too aggressive for anything, I promise.

Use Meguiar's soft buff foam pads, and put some "passion behind your pad" - Mike Phillips

If you plan on doing your whole truck, plan on doing 1, MAYBE 2 panels a day because your shoulders will fall off.

 

What about the yellow foam hand applicator pads that they usually sell along with their GC wax and etc? This is all I have laying around right now, I figure it wouldn't hurt the paint considering they give it to you to apply their wax with, right?

 

My experience with M09 showed me that it is a pretty mild, fine polish with some fillers. Not very good at all at removing aggressive swirling. Scratch X would seem to be quite a bit more aggressive to me. I'd ditch both of those and get a trial size M105, seems to be well considered for use by hand as well as with the rotary.

 

He is exactly right, you should be good with Scratch-X and I'm sure it will help out your paint a lot.

 

ScratchX is for doing spot work, not the whole vehicle.

 

okay then, what would be good for doing the entire vehicle? #9? mind you, I'm doing this all by hand.. is Scratch-X too abrasive for the entire vehicle?

 

why would you want to use a filler on your entire vehicle (scratch x)?

 

Hell I dunno, I just read that scratch-x can remove swirls.. thats why I'm asking if I should use Scratch-X or #9..

 

It doesnt remove swirls, it hides them, hence it being referred to as a "filler". Personally I would do it right and save the cash for a g105 or g100 if you can ebay it. then buy some quality polishes and or compounds depending on the depth of the swirls and scratches. Pics would be very helpful.

 

It's a brand new truck.. it only has very light swirls just from dust and etc.. cash isn't an issue.. I live in an apartment complex and I just don't have access to electrical hookups or else I would have bought a DA a long time ago.. as I said.. I'm going to do this by hand.. wouldn't Meg's #9 be good enough to remove light swirling? The product is listed as Meguiars Swirl Remover after all..

 

#9 should be fine. there are other companies as well as megs out there, so dont limit yourself.

 

No offense, but you are not correct on this. ScratchX is a product that contains NO fillers, and intended 100% ONLY to remove fine defects. Any paste or liquid (even water) will "fill" to some degree if not properly removed. When applying ScratchX one must simply make sure to fully wipe the product away after each go at the scratches and it will not leave any fillers. Just a more refined finish.

ScratchX isn't referred to as a filler except from people who do not know how to use the product properly.

Furthermore, a G105 does not exist...so I am guessing you are referring to the G110...which would be a better idea to buy than the G100 since it has about 25% more power and a sweet bale handle.

If you do get a G110 starting with Meguiar's M80 and M83 is probably the way to go.

 

Lumadar, what sort of applicator pad would be safest to use when applying Scratch-X? I have a couple of Megs yellow foam applicator pads that they supply with their waxes. btw.. which is more agressive, scratch-x or #9?

 

Any small foam applicator will work great.

By hand, I think ScratchX will be more effective (read:aggressive) BUT also remember that it uses diminishing abrasives, which is why it is so safe. It will break down and leave a nicer and nicer finish the longer you work it into the paint (until it becomes dry, basically).

#9 is more effective by machine, but I don't think it will work as well as scratchX by hand.

Take a minute to read this: http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/sho...light=scratchx