What compound is best for buffing out scratches?

[ManBearPig]

Any specific compounds you suggest? Preferably cheap as hell. Any special tips for applying it?

 

[Howard]

Befriend a detailer.

Otherwise, Meguiar's 105 if you can borrow a DA.

 

[disappoint]

If you can feel the scratch with your fingernail, and if it's passed the clear and base coat it won't buff out.

If you're asking this question, my guess is you don't have a DA polisher or rotary buffer. To do this by hand you might need to use a lot of elbow grease.

I recommend Meguiar's Scratch X 2.0 if doing this by hand but that's without actually seeing the scratch myself.

http://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G1030...ords=scratch+x

You can find this in almost any local auto parts store. Good luck finding M105 there. Also Scratch X 2.0 is cheaper and specifically formulated for concealing scratches.

You cant "remove" what isnt there! A scratch is a void. I always had an issue with the term "scratch remover". (no such thing)

Im an amateur auto detailer. A hobbyist who loves cars. I must hear "you take good care of this car" at least 3 times per week.

I have been using Meguiars products for 2 decades and Scratch-X (1.0) is the best concealer created. YOU JUST HAVE TO KNOW HOW TO USE IT.

Scratch-X is NOT an abrasive polish. It is more of a glaze with very very fine polishing properties. Therefor it will not take off things like 'bird dropping stains' etc. Wrong product for that job.

Scratch-X is a "finesse product". And it will save your butt on almost ANY size scratch or blemish that isnt through the base coat of color.

The product "burnishes" the paint back into shape rather than rubbing it away - this is what makes it SOOOO good in the right hands.

Use a microfiber cloth, available along side the Scratch-X. Anything else will put more scratches in the finish then you are trying to remove.

Roll a corner of the microfiber cloth into a tiny ball. Create a little pad for yourself so you can apply pressure without hand cramping. Put a nickle size dallop on the center of your "pad".

Rub......rub gainst the scratch criss crossing the scratch line. DO NOT GO WITH THE DIRECTION OF THE SCRATCH.

When you feel the pad drying out, put more product on. Dont rub dry.

Hard pressure and elbow grease is only at first, lighten up your pressure when you see the scratch starting to disappear. Finesse.

For DEEP scratches it will be impossible to "level" the scratch or make it disappear. Instead, you will soften the hard edges and smooth it out so it is "invisible" from 3 feet away.

This is "minimizing" or "concealing" the scratch.

I have removed or concealed the most HEINOUS blemishes and cuts in fresh clearcoat.

Remember, FINESSE. If this is something you dont possess, seek professional assistance from a pro detailer.

-A review on Amazon.com

 

[sontakke]

If you do not have M105 or do not want to get it, Meguiars Ultimate Compound is the second best and it is available at your local Walmart. Just buy foam applicator and follow the directions on the bottle especially the part about applying to small section 1ftx1ft and rubbing it until it becomes clear. If you have never used it, you will be very impressed the first time you try it. You will be actually shocked.

 

[Howard]

If you can feel the scratch with your fingernail, and if it's passed the clear and base coat it won't buff out.

If you're asking this question, my guess is you don't have a DA polisher or rotary buffer. To do this by hand you might need to use a lot of elbow grease.

I recommend Meguiar's Scratch X 2.0 if doing this by hand but that's without actually seeing the scratch myself.

http://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G1030...ords=scratch+x

You can find this in almost any local auto parts store. Good luck finding M105 there. Also Scratch X 2.0 is cheaper and specifically formulated for concealing scratches.

You quoted an Amazon review where the reviewer says the product "burnishes the paint back into shape rather than rubbing it away"? I've heard of polishing compounds, and fillers, and products that do both, but never a burnisher.

 

[disappoint]

bur·nish/ˈbərniSH/

Verb: Polish (something, esp. metal) by rubbing: "burnished armor".
Noun:The shine on a highly polished surface.
Synonyms:verb. polish - furbish - buff - gloss - glaze
noun. polish - sheen - gloss - lustre - luster

I think he just used it as a synonym for polish. Scratch X is a polish with some filler.

M105 is really good stuff too. Though you might need to follow it up with a fine polish as it is pretty high cut.

 

[Howard]

I think he just used it as a synonym for polish. Scratch X is a polish with some filler.

M105 is really good stuff too. Though you might need to follow it up with a fine polish as it is pretty high cut.

A fine polish makes surfaces shinier but doesn't hide scratches. A rubbing compound or coarse polish gets rid of scratches by taking away material around the scratch. The reviewer believes that the product does something which is neither.

 

[sontakke]

Ultimate Compound costs less than ten dollars at your Walmart and the foam pad would costs another couple of bucks. Try that and come back. There is a review of this against mother's and 3m's on youtube. UC hands down was the winner.