Method for hand applying paint cleaners

[thejazzguy]

When I apply products like ScratchX or DC1 I tend to use enough product so that the terry towel doesn't have very much friction, because I'm afraid of scratching the paint. Is this a realistic concern, or should I rub the cleaner until it pretty much disappears? I'm guessing that using too much product can actually cause the towel to "ride up" on a layer of product and not really work like it's supposed to.

[rusty bumper]

Re: Method for hand applying paint cleaners

Originally posted by thejazzguy
When I apply products like ScratchX or DC1 I tend to use enough product so that the terry towel doesn't have very much friction, because I'm afraid of scratching the paint. Is this a realistic concern, or should I rub the cleaner until it pretty much disappears? I'm guessing that using too much product can actually cause the towel to "ride up" on a layer of product and not really work like it's supposed to.

I think you are on the right track...I would rather use enough product to keep the pad lubricated, than to have the product dry up on the pad and risk scratching the paint.

On the other hand, I wouldn't use too much product either.

[zey]

hi thejazzguy, I still prefer to use Hi-Tech Foam Applicator over towels for polishing. It helps me to prevent scratching even if I use just a little product. I would work it out until the product is almost gone so that the diminishing abrasive is broken down into finest state.

[C32 AMG]

I used the sponge with a little drop of Scratch X last night and rubbed on the paint. I used medium pressure with circular motion. I stopped and inspected the paint surface until the white paste transformed into transparency and disappeared / formed into some very fine powder (note: paint surface is warm due to rubbing the defect area for about 1 min.). After these, I cleaned off with a towel.

Is this the correct way to use Scratch X?

[fiberrich]

C32 AMG,

Here's a post that Mike wrote up that will explain exactly what you want to know:

How to remove a defect by hand with ScratchX

[C32 AMG]

Originally posted by fiberrich
C32 AMG,

Here's a post that Mike wrote up that will explain exactly what you want to know:

How to remove a defect by hand with ScratchX

Do you think the heat on the paint surface generated by the circular motion or whatever is a normal practice?

[fiberrich]

Sure it would be normal. Anytime you rub two materials together you're going to have friction that will in turn generate heat.

I know when I've used ScratchX as Mike has advised in the post I provided, I feel heat when I'm finished rubbing.

I don’t know for sure, but I wouldn't be surprised if the heat helps breakdown the "diminishing abrasives" in ScratchX somewhat. This is the case with more aggressive cleaning compounds and why they need to be applied with a rotary. Mike would be the best one to comment on that issue.

If you are worried that the heat generated by the act of rubbing ScratchX on your paint may cause damage or burn your paint - don’t worry. You wouldn't be able to generate enough heat by hand to damage your paint like you could with a rotary.

[C32 AMG]

I believe the generation of heat is to bond the Scratch X particles with the swirls.

Oh no, I got some many swirls on my Civic. I don't know how long it would take to fill up my car.