Scratch Remover Left Paint Cloudy
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 53
Likes: 1
From: FL
Scratch Remover Left Paint Cloudy
Hi, I have a 2011 Obsidian RX 450h.
I noticed a long scratch on one of the back doors, not deep enough where my fingernail would get stuck, so I thought I'd buff it out. I used Meguire's Scratch X2.0 Fine Scratch and Blemish Remover w/a microfiber cloth and now my paint looks cloudy where I used it !!! The scratch definitely deminished but the cloudiness is way more noticible.
I used this before on other cars w/great results. Then again, I've never owned a black car so I'm wondering what's going on.
Has anyone had this happen? What do you use for fine scratches?
I noticed a long scratch on one of the back doors, not deep enough where my fingernail would get stuck, so I thought I'd buff it out. I used Meguire's Scratch X2.0 Fine Scratch and Blemish Remover w/a microfiber cloth and now my paint looks cloudy where I used it !!! The scratch definitely deminished but the cloudiness is way more noticible.
I used this before on other cars w/great results. Then again, I've never owned a black car so I'm wondering what's going on.
Has anyone had this happen? What do you use for fine scratches?
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 203
Likes: 1
From: PA
After the Scratch X, use some wax. I use the Mequier's NXT and it does a great job. I have black Cadillac CTS and have done this with great results. Also, go to the detailing forums and you will get some excellent advice.
CL Community Team
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,569
Likes: 231
From: San Francisco, CA
Quick detailing spray is like a spray on wax that usually does the trick in polishing areas that have recently been scratched. It quickly polishes areas you want. I use meguiars detailing spray and it seems to do the job. I am not guaranteeing that this will get rid of the cloudiness but it is a good thing to have on hand. If you have wax on hand try that first.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 811
Likes: 8
From: CA
ScratchX is really good at getting much of the work done. Try waxing now. If that does not work, then you need to get a fine polishing product (less abrasive than ScratchX) and use that product to take out the fine scratches. Then put down your final wax layer. Just go over to the Meguiar's site and read about their polishing products. Always try any polishing product on a small area first, not a big part of the door.
I have never used this product, but it is an example of they type of product you need with a black car (and possibly your current problem):
http://www.meguiars.com/en/automotiv...timate-polish/
If you feel that you are in over your head with this problem, remember you can always go down to a body shop and get a second opinion and a quote.
I have never used this product, but it is an example of they type of product you need with a black car (and possibly your current problem):
http://www.meguiars.com/en/automotiv...timate-polish/
If you feel that you are in over your head with this problem, remember you can always go down to a body shop and get a second opinion and a quote.
Last edited by UCSB; Nov 13, 2011 at 02:23 PM.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 781
Likes: 101
From: PA
Scracth-X is what is called a diminishing abrasive polish. What this means is it starts out as a mild rubbing compound and as you work with it the product breaks down into a finer and finer polishing compound. You need to work it until the product is almost dry then work it some more. Also the product works best ina cool shaded area. Then buff with a new microfiber followed by a good wax or sealant. Hopefully you were able to fix it.
Trending Topics
CL Community Team
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,569
Likes: 231
From: San Francisco, CA
also never apply scratch remover (or any type of auto product except maybe detailing spray) when the car is dirty. I hope you thoroughly cleaned off the area before applying the scratch remover. You dont want to be rubbing those dirt particles into the paint. Also flip the cloth you were using fairly frequently.
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles
Michael S. Palmer
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4
Joe Kucinski
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,626
Likes: 27
From: Iowa
The clear coat on your RX is very delicate and the combination of the ScratchX and the microfiber cloth has created micro-marring or the haze you have described preventing that beautiful Obsidian paint from shining through the haze.
As UCSB has indicated you need to follow up with a less aggressive product to remove the micro-marring and Ultimate Polish is an excellent choice. I might suggest using a foam applicator to work the Ultimate Polish. The foam applicator will help uniformly distribute the downward force (gentle force) of your fingers.
Work the Ultimate Polish until nearly dry, then wipe off the residue with your multiple folded microfiber. Repeat widening your work area just a bit to blend in with the surrounding untouched area. You may find you want to do the whole car when done as it will look very good. use your favorite wax when all done.
As RXSF has instructed, do not work on a dirty car. Also remember, poor washing habits can leave marks on your car.
As UCSB has indicated you need to follow up with a less aggressive product to remove the micro-marring and Ultimate Polish is an excellent choice. I might suggest using a foam applicator to work the Ultimate Polish. The foam applicator will help uniformly distribute the downward force (gentle force) of your fingers.
Work the Ultimate Polish until nearly dry, then wipe off the residue with your multiple folded microfiber. Repeat widening your work area just a bit to blend in with the surrounding untouched area. You may find you want to do the whole car when done as it will look very good. use your favorite wax when all done.
As RXSF has instructed, do not work on a dirty car. Also remember, poor washing habits can leave marks on your car.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 441
Likes: 113
From: NM
Maguire's Ultimate Quick Detailer works for me...............
http://www.meguiars.com/en/automotiv...detailertrade/
http://www.meguiars.com/en/automotiv...detailertrade/
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 240
Likes: 4
From: PA
Another thing to try is to use a glaze on the paint before you wax. With micro scratches, it can help in appearance. It will likely come back after a period of time if you don't get it resolved on the clear itself but you should glaze after polishing before you wax anyway. I had a hawk fly right into the door of my GS and that's the procedure I used and the GS was completely back to normal.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,315
Likes: 0
From: MA
tapau, I did the same thing to my RX trying to remove a scratch, I use this stuff to get rid of the haze. The draw back is you need to re-apply every 6 months or so,
http://www.amazon.com/Zymol-Z503-Car.../dp/B0009JKIRC
http://www.amazon.com/Zymol-Z503-Car.../dp/B0009JKIRC
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,626
Likes: 27
From: Iowa
Meguiar's Ultimate Polish is a "Pre-wax Glaze" and should work very well to remove the micro-marring created by ScratchX and work well under a wax or sealant of your choosing, be it Ultimate Wax, NXT Tech 2.0, Gold Class Carnauba Plus or whatever you like best.
Detailers, even Ultimate Quik Detailer, are non-abrasive and while they will enhance shine, provide hydrophobic qualities and generally make the area look good, they will not remove the micro-marring from the ScratchX.
You made smaller scratches removing the bigger scratch, now you need to remove the smaller scratches. You're on the right path, good luck finishing the job.
Detailers, even Ultimate Quik Detailer, are non-abrasive and while they will enhance shine, provide hydrophobic qualities and generally make the area look good, they will not remove the micro-marring from the ScratchX.
You made smaller scratches removing the bigger scratch, now you need to remove the smaller scratches. You're on the right path, good luck finishing the job.
Rookie
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
From: Texas
There is no fix outside of painting. I too tried to remove a scratch. In doing so the last coat "clear coat" was removed. The Clear-coat makes the shine, my paint had a dull spot. nothing worked except the $550.00 to have the dealer respray the entire trunk hatch. Everyone should beware! NO Compound at all on these paint jobs!! You can't spot spray clear-coat, the entire section must be done.
