I was searching for a thread a while back about using scratch X and Zaino, but I cant seem to find it anymore. Well anyways, I've been using Zaino for about a year now and sometimes the Z5 just doesn't get all the tiny scratches out. I've read that using Scratch X works better. I'm wondering if I use scratch X, do I still use Z5 over the scratch X?

Also I found some techniques from older post and I plan on doing something like this:
Dawn => Clay => Dawn => Regular Car Wash => Dry => Scratch X => Z5 => Z6 => Z2 x 2? 3? 4? 5?
Anything wrong with the order that I'm going to do this in?

 

You need to remove the Scratch-X residue once you finish with it. Zaino, like most polymers has a tough time bonding to surfaces that are not squeaky clean. It may look fine, but it's not bonding to that area. You may notice some color differences when looking at the paint from different angles (this is from personal experience with 3M SMR) YRMV

Definitely layer the Z5 till you're happy with the scratch removal then switch to Z2. Keep in mind Z5 is really not a scratch remover, it has very very mild abrasives. It tends to do more filling than anything else.

I like the Dawn wash first. It makes claying more efficient. Gets off a lot of the "gunk" from the paint prior to claying.

You can skip the 2nd Dawn wash and just use your favorite car soap.

So it's

Dawn...clay...regular car wash...dry....scratch x - car wash...Z5...Z5....Z2

Remember, if you're not using the ZFX additive, you can only do 1 coat of either Z5 or Z2 per day. Polymers need time to bond to the paint surface.

 

Thanks a lot. I never used scratch X so my impression was that I didnt need to wash it off (as in any residue left).

But now I have another question, would I be wrong by just putting scratch X all over the car even though some spots would not need it? I'm thinking that it should be fine as long as I wash the car VERY VERY well. Yes? No?

 

There will be residue left, scratch X is a polish.


However, i'm pretty sure scratch X contains some fillers. I'd give it a shot and see if the zaino sticks. I have yet to come across something it doesn't stick to as long as the surface is prepped well. I even had it stick to #80 which contains some oils.

 

CLpower, what do you use for removing swirls? I just recently got a PC and the Sonus pads. I have Z5 but im willing to try some other products.

 

Start with 3M SMR first. It's very mild. You can always go more agressive.

 

Z5 won't remove swirls


I use Megs #80 for light swirls and #83 for the heavier stuff. There are many good products out there 3M SMR is great too