Ultimate Compound vs Scratch X 2.0

[derekstl]

So what exactly is the difference between these two? Which one is more aggressive? Chances are I will end up buying both but I would like to learn a little bit more about when to use these products.

Thanks,
Derek

[Murr1525]

Re: Ultimate Compound vs Scratch X 2.0

Ultimate Compund is more agressive. On most paints, they should leave a very good finish.

They are both paint cleaners only, so you would want to follow up with a pure polish if you wanted to do a complete detail.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Ultimate Compound vs Scratch X 2.0

Ultimate Compound is exactly that- a compound. Compounds have traditionally been products that were nick-named things such as "rocks in a bottle" because they were very coarse, rough, and gritty...good for removing heavy sanding marks or DEEP scratches, but not known for leaving good looking finishes. They themselves left behind a hazy, scratched surface.

Ultimate Compound however is a change for the better as it utilizes NEW, patented, and exclusive technology to Meguiar's known as S.M.A.T, or Super Micro Abrasive Technology. This new technology allows more aggressive defect removal WITHOUT the nasty left-over haze or scratches. In the majority of cases users can go straight from Ultimate Compound to their wax of choice. Occasionally, on soft or unique paints you may need to follow up with something more gentle like ScratchX 2.0 or SwirlX.

ScratchX 2.0 also uses the new SMAT technology, but a very different formulation as it is intended to be a lighter defect removal tool, NOT a heavy compound. It is very unlikely that ScratchX 2.0 will ever need to be followed up with a different product due to it leaving anything undesirable behind. If it does, it almost certainly is due to an outside problem (technique, application medium, contamination, etc).

So, to sum them up, both are intended to remove defects on the surface of the paint, but UC is more aggressive than ScratchX 2.0.

As always, Meguiar's recommends using the least aggressive method possible that still gets the job done- so start with ScratchX 2.0 and then move to Ultimate Compound if it doesn't get the job done.

Mark

[Justin Murphy]

Re: Ultimate Compound vs Scratch X 2.0

So is Scratch X 2.0 intended for spot areas like the original or not. Why would you use it over Swirl X?

I'm confused on this now.

[derekstl]

Re: Ultimate Compound vs Scratch X 2.0

Thanks Mark, that was everything I needed to know.

[Murr1525]

Re: Ultimate Compound vs Scratch X 2.0

Any cleaner can be used to clean the whole car.

It is just different levels of agressiveness.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Ultimate Compound vs Scratch X 2.0

So is Scratch X 2.0 intended for spot areas like the original or not. Why would you use it over Swirl X?

I'm confused on this now.

ScratchX 2.0 can be used for spot repair or over the entire car, your choice.

Just to note, previous versions of ScratchX could also be used for spot repair or over the entire car.

The paint cleaner doesn't care where you rub it on the painted parts of the car or how much of the painted parts on a car you apply it to...

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Ultimate Compound vs Scratch X 2.0

For perspective, check out this the below thread, also what are you working on and what do you want to accomplish?


Aggressiveness Order for New Consumer Products - This will surprise you!

Since we introduced these 3 new swirl and scratch removers in our Consumer Line and our new M205 Ultra Finishing Polish in our Professional line, many people have asked how aggressive these new products are as compared to some of our existing products that our forum members are already familiar with to help them understand the cleaning and/or abrading ability of these new products I've listed them in order of most aggressive to least aggressive reading from left to right.

(Apologies ahead of time if you have to horizontal scroll)

Most aggressive to least aggressive -->




That would be from most to least aggressive,

• M105 Ultra Cut Compound
• Ultimate Compound
• ScratchX 2.0
• SwirlX
• M83 Dual Action Cleaner Polish
• M205 Ultra Finishing Polish - M80 Speed Glaze (Different types of abrasives but close in cut ability)
• ScratchX (Current Version being discontinued)

[akimel]

Re: Ultimate Compound vs Scratch X 2.0

The paint cleaner doesn't care where you rub it on the painted parts of the car or how much of the painted parts on a car you apply it to...

But does the car care?

[ChevyBowTieGirl]

Re: Ultimate Compound vs Scratch X 2.0

I have to say, I have been researching and reading reviews for products to remove clear coat scratches. (my pickup had been run up against a bush and left some full length scratches along the side). I purchased Scratch X 2.0 for about 8 bucks with high hopes of taking care of those scratches... and that it did! I am so happy and relieved! It was so easy to use, and really made my truck look beautiful. My question is, is there anything I am supposed to put on after using the Scratch X 2.0?I made very sure that every section I had worked on was off the truck. But I am a little nervous that maybe I shouldn't have used this product on a large part of the truck :/ I hope I didnt just make a huge mistake, any input here would be appreciated! Thank you in advance

[davey g-force]

Re: Ultimate Compound vs Scratch X 2.0

Don't worry, you haven't made a mistake at all.

You would now want to apply a wax after using the ScratchX. I'd suggest NXT 2.0 or Ultimate Wax. While you're at it - you may as well wax the whole vehicle!

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Ultimate Compound vs Scratch X 2.0

It's nice to hear that ScratchX 2.0 did what it was supposed to do on your truck - that also tells us that you used it properly, and improper use is the single greatest reason for lack of results with this (or any) product. So good for you! There is no problem at all using ScratchX 2.0 on a large area; you could easily use it on all the painted surfaces of the vehicle if you want to. We do recommend that you wax the surface after using a product like this since it will completely remove any existing wax that might have been there before hand.

[ChevyBowTieGirl]

Re: Ultimate Compound vs Scratch X 2.0

Ok great thank you guys! Is it bad if I was to wait til Saturday to wax it? :/ That might be the next time I will have any available time with work!

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Ultimate Compound vs Scratch X 2.0

No, you'll be fine.

[ethereal45]

Re: Ultimate Compound vs Scratch X 2.0

Just make sure the paint is clean by spraying it down with a quick detailer, or something like Ultimate Wash and Wax Anywhere if the paint is extra dirty.