Can I substitute ScratchX for DCS cleaner?

A

Acura_RL

New member
On my clearcoat surface of the RL, I'm thinking of skipping the abrasiveness of Deep Crystal Cleaner and using ScratchX instead. I've got some swirls that are only visible upon close inspection (I have a light colored car--silver). No PC, only by hand, and I am NOT :nono using a terry applicator--only foam. I had some issues with the terry kind, and frankly no terry cotton product will touch my finish.



Any opinions on this procedure? Do I have to follow up Scratch with something less abrasive before I go to glaze? Will ScratchX remove a significant amount of clearcoat?



:bounce
 
Personally I would only use ScratchX for scratches that are individual. Like when someone opens their door into you and there is some paint swapping and maybe a little clear coat marring. Or when someone leans against the car and a snap or button scratches. Or light key marks. That kind of stuff. I wouldn't really use it on the entire car. Other products like DACP are built more for that kind of stuff.



If you are doing the job by hand then I would use #9 anyway. ScratchX is a beast to work with even on small areas. The hazing is unreal. Its pretty tough to get good results with swirl removal by hand anyway. #9 would be easier to work with than ScratchX IMHO. I wouldn't worry about how much clear coat you are going to be removing by hand unless you have shoulders like an ox and can bench press a bulldozer. Its not as easy as you might think to remove your clearcoat without using sandpaper.
 
Thanks for the suggestion. Unless I find #9 at the store (you never know, that's how I found #26 and #7), I'll just stick with DCS cleaner.



I remember scottwax mentioned using a terry cloth towel for it's "cutting" power. I'm just afraid of that because I saw fine lines developing from using a terry cloth applicator, and my cottons towels scratch the CD. Would using a MF towel be better than a foam applicator?



I wanna remove the swirls, but I just can't use a terry cloth product on my finish. :(
 
I agree with Jngrbrdman!!



I have scratch x and have only used it once. It is too much work. Use #9 or even smr from 3m.
 
Yeah, Scratch-X I've found is quite "grippy" to use and I can't see myself using that by hand over a whole car.



Acura_RL, what kind of terry cloths are these? The cheap bulk kind that come in a bag? Maybe get some discounted 100% cotton hand towels from a major towel name brand.



I personally wouldn't use MF because it's probably hard on the towel and might ruin it. It might work though. :nixweiss
 
Yeah, they're the cheapy kind from Wal-mart from the bottom shelf at the automotive section. They said "100% cotton" on the label but I guess that's not always the case.



Forgetting the brand name etc, what else should I look for to make a towel is safe for the finish? "100% cotton" label is no longer enough I guess.
 
I'm sure there are quite a few "big" name brands that are made in the USA (fairly important point) and make quality bathroom towels. Cannon/Fieldcrest stuff is popular, and I bought some Westpoint Stevens towels but haven't tested them yet. Usually (hopefully?), a quality domestic towel maker will say so if their stuff contains polyester. I bought mine at a dollar store in the hand towel size, which I figure is a good size for general use.



I would demote the cheapies to applying interior stuff, wiping tires/wheels, or other grunge duty.
 
Yeah, the terry cloth products I use for cleaning and conditioning the leather seats.



Anything good that's sold at Wal-Mart? I'm sorry about using wal-mart as my only choice, but with the supercenter 10 minutes away from me, I can't help but go there to buy stuff every week. :D:D
 
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