Need a Polish

[ekkoville]

I just spent about 30-45 minutes using my PC with a green Edge pad and Scratch X. I was removing some nice scratches and marks around the trunk entry and the front fender. Just as described in other threads, it was a time consuming effort and it worked well. I would like, however, to get a product one step up in terms of cut so as to reduce time and product usage. Does anyone recommend that or just continue with the Scratch X? So many products, I am just not sure which one would be the natural progression. I also thought there was a table, similar to the one that shows the pad color/cut and how they progress in cutting action. Any help would be great.

Erik

[Beemerboy]

Erik

I would get PB SSR 2.5 and SSR 1...both are good polishes that will cut and polish

[CharlesW]

I have no idea as to how aggressive the ScratchX is nor do I know what a green Edge pad is intended for, but....
I have had good luck with:
Poorboy's SSR 2.5 or Meguiar's #83 DACP and a polishing pad. Some paint will finish ready for your LSP, but you might need to follow up with a less aggressive polish.
I have never needed to do an entire vehicle with the SSR 2.5 or the #83. I usually just had to hit a few spots with something that aggressive.

In most cases, Meguiar's #80 Speed Glaze and a polishing pad is as aggressive as I have had to be on an entire vehicle. The #80 has finished up to where I could go directly to my LSP.
I would not use a sealant over the #80 without using a paint cleaner prep between the #80 and a sealant.
The one exception has been Meg's NXT and I don't know how the new NXT 2.0 will work over #80.

For a paint cleaner prep I use Klasse AIO, Optimum Poli-Seal or Poorboy's Polish with Sealant. All have worked good and it's just a matter of which one I pick up for me.

[Stephan]

I was under the impression that Scratch X was some pretty agressive stuff that would actually be strong enough to work by hand. So I am not sure if with a machine trying to use it like a polish might be too much.

I would go with Charles and Dave's advice.

[CharlesW]

Originally Posted by Stephan

I was under the impression that Scratch X was some pretty agressive stuff that would actually be strong enough to work by hand. So I am not sure if with a machine trying to use it like a polish might be too much.

I would go with Charles and Dave's advice.

The new ScratchX is supposed to be OK for use by hand or with a DA polisher.
I haven't used it, so I can't comment on how it works.
I do know the products I listed do work.

[JaredPointer]

Originally Posted by Stephan

I was under the impression that Scratch X was some pretty agressive stuff that would actually be strong enough to work by hand. So I am not sure if with a machine trying to use it like a polish might be too much.

I would go with Charles and Dave's advice.

It's nowhere near as aggressive as something like SSR2.5 - at least by the feel of a drop of it between my fingers. I actually think it's along the lines of a mild polish. Maybe a tad more aggressive than something like SSR1.

I second or third the SSR2.5. I got around to trying a lot of different polishes, and I think as far as user-friendliness and results go, the Poorboy's line is right up there at the top. SSR2.5 is very versatile, and I would say it would be a good polish for you to try and get your hands on. Depending on the pad you use, you could probably get by using just the 2.5. I'd suggest having a milder polish on hand, though - just my opinion.

[ekkoville]

Thanks so much for the advice. I think I will go with the SSR2.5. A green pad is the most cut I have and will use that. I do have PwS to use after the 2.5. Is that mild enough to use after the 2.5? I did try the PwS before the ScratchX but didn't find much improvement. Maybe I needed to work that in like the ScratchX? In the threads I have read on the PwS, it sounded like it was pad dependent, and never really read much on it needing several apps to get rid of medium scratches/scrapes. Anyway, sounds like for now the 2.5 is it, or even the Megs, which I think I saw at Pepboys or Autozone.

Erik

[cheapshot]

pepboys and autozone will not have #83 dual action cleaner polish. if you are not looking to order online, napa auto parts may have it or be able to order it for you. I think the green edge is a light cut polishing pad, can't say exactly how #83 will perform with the green pad. I have used it with meg's yellow polishing pad with outstanding results. You may also be able to order the pads from napa also, or pick up what they stock. You may still need a final polish depending on the color of the car and how well you work the #83. good luck