I'm going to detail my car using only 3 steps( I'll add more steps when I get a Porter Cable). I'm going to ClaY, scratch X and then Wax. I also have some chips in the paint on the hood. I want to use some touch-up paint on the chips, but I don't know At what step to apply the paint. Do I do it after claying, scratch X or Waxing? Or, do I do it before Claying?

 

im doing a similar thing. i ordered some langka, which smooths down a lumpy touch up job. heres my plan.

clean (rubbing alcohol)
touch up
langka
scratch x
wax

 

where you get the langka?

 

IIRC, Scratch-X is pretty abrasive. I'd only use it if your entire car is in bad shape. I'd also recommend using a less abrasive polish after the Scratch-X, then wax.

I've used it on some bad scratches and noticed it dulled the clearcoat. I used a less abrasive polish after that which brought the shine back.

 

I've got a lot of swirl marks all over

 

Can someone recommend a less abrasive polish?

 

I'm partial to Menzerna polish. It's used in the factories of BMW, Mercedes and GM. There are 2 grades, Intensive and Final. I believe both are less abrasive than Scratch-X. I've had very good luck with them.

 

Scratch-X isn't that abrasive. It's certainly not as strong as a fine cut cleaner/compound. It's probably somewhere in between a swirl remover and fine cut since they want it to be able to (somewhat) deal with swirls and light scratches, but they don't want it so strong that people might get into trouble using it since it's only a retail consumer-level product.

Less abrasive is a swirl remover, but if you have it already and are doing this only by hand at the moment, Scratch-X isn't a bad place to start I think.

I'd use touch up paint after claying but I don't think it makes all that much difference. Just make sure to clean the spot with some solvent first.

 

I'm having this same question... wondering what the best way to apply touch-up paint is for maximum protection. For now, I applied it after a wash, so it's presumably on top of the wax. DAVEB suggested over the phone to use a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol or something... I'm presuming the goal is to get the wax off the area. I think my best procedure would be to remove the wax from that area, apply the paint, let it dry for a day, then polish/wax that area to blend in the touch-up paint (i.e. meguiar's 3-step process). Any thoughts?

 

http://www.langka.com/newsite/index2.html. Langka is good stuff. and scratch-x is wonderful ive use that all the time, does wonders on old paint with an orbital.

 

Wash the car.
Preferrably remove any old wax.
Add the touch up paint.
Polish .
Wax.