Car detailing DIY: Before After Pics, links, tips

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Sideshow Bob

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I have been toying with the idea of car detailing DIY for a while but was not getting enough time. Finally, I decided to give it a go after buying few products from Makro. Encouraged by results, I thought it will be good idea to have a thread that will have consolidated information. I will attempt to update original post with all tips/links/information posted here. Also, feel free to post any before/after pics if you are interested.

Links

Scratch-X 2.0
http://www.meguiars.com/en/automotive/products/g10307-scratchxreg-20/

How scratch removal works
http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forum...-means-to-remove-a-scratch-out-of-anything&s=

How detailing clay works
http://www.autogeek.net/detailing-clay-bar.html

5-step paint-care guide
http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?37320-Meguiar-s-5-Step-Paint-Care-Cycle-Updated!

Starters guide to car detailing
http://forum.meguiars.co.uk/showthread.php?1723-Starters-guide-to-car-detailing

Before and after pics
Minor scratches under door handle (using Scratch-X)
BeforeAfter - scratches under door handle.jpg

Prices as on June 2014 (Makro)
Scratch-X - 99 Rands
Plast-X - 149 Rands
Trim detailer - 109 Rands
Paint restoration kit - 499 Rands

Alternative products suggested by forumites [at your own risk :) ]
Fazda suggests Meths (10 Rands) as alternative to Scratch-X (99 Rands)
Magnum suggests smartwax from chemical guys

Disclaimer: I have no association with Meguiars at all. After brief search on the net, I happened to pick this one to start with.
 
Last edited:
Brilliant idea.

Maybe include prices as well?

How much does Meguiar's Scratch-X go for? Can it be used on any colour?
 
Urm think handy Andy works for the scratches as well.just have to be quick not to damage paint.And rinse with plenty of water.
 
RazedInBlack said:
Brilliant idea.
Maybe include prices as well?
How much does Meguiar's Scratch-X go for? Can it be used on any colour?
Click to expand...
Thanks, included prices in the original post. I have tried this on silver color car so far, will be trying on black car over weekend and post results. Scratch-X label says 'safe for all paint finishes' but does not mention color as such but if I read it correctly, it works on the clear coat. Updated post with link.
 
Looks like you just gave the car a good wash?
 
used the smartwax from chemical guys... the polish and sealant topped with a wax, and the rain just beads up and car still looking like its just been washed. 2 weeks in now.
 
U went to all that trouble and you didnt clay the car? Scratch-x can be used on any colour car.

@Magnum, Handy Andy, really? Are you insane? That stuff contains Amonia... I bet you wash your car with Sunlight Liquid?
 
envo said:
Looks like you just gave the car a good wash?
Click to expand...
Who? Me? I did the following

Wash
Clay (only certain areas, especially front side where it felt rough)
Scratch-X
Polish
Wax
 
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Hoo boy!
ScratchX R 99 - there's one born every minute!!

Tip for those of you not wanting to throw R 99 away, go and buy a bog standard bottle of Meths from your local Checkers/Spar/ Pick'nPay - probably under R 10 - take a soft cloth, wet it with meths ( put your finger into the cloth and then wet it in the bottle) then rub the scratches and watch them magically disappear. :)

Claying the car is using a very light compound that gets rid of surface scratches.
 
Fazda said:
Hoo boy!
ScratchX R 99 - there's one born every minute!!

Tip for those of you not wanting to throw R 99 away, go and buy a bog standard bottle of Meths from your local Checkers/Spar/ Pick'nPay - probably under R 10 - take a soft cloth, wet it with meths ( put your finger into the cloth and then wet it in the bottle) then rub the scratches and watch them magically disappear. :)

Claying the car is using a very light compound that gets rid of surface scratches.
Click to expand...

Whilst I'm all in favour of saving money, I don't quite see how meths is going to remove scratches which a mild abrasive like ScratchX would? I assume the meths would soften/dissolve dirt ingrained in a very light scratch, thereby causing the visible edges of the scratch to be hard to see under normal conditions.

Remember, do take care with something like ScratchX, if you haven't tried a proper clean->clay->polish first.
 
flarkit said:
Whilst I'm all in favour of saving money, I don't quite see how meths is going to remove scratches which a mild abrasive like ScratchX would? I assume the meths would soften/dissolve dirt ingrained in a very light scratch, thereby causing the visible edges of the scratch to be hard to see under normal conditions.

Remember, do take care with something like ScratchX, if you haven't tried a proper clean->clay->polish first.
Click to expand...

Most of those nail scratches on the paint under the door handle have done nothing but left some nail particles on the paint, and collected dirt. The meths simply dissolves the "scratch" and removes the dirt, and voila, no more scratch - I've been doing it for years, and you won't see any scratches on my car door.
 
Fazda said:
Most of those nail scratches on the paint under the door handle have done nothing but left some nail particles on the paint, and collected dirt. The meths simply dissolves the "scratch" and removes the dirt, and voila, no more scratch - I've been doing it for years, and you won't see any scratches on my car door.
Click to expand...

This is true. A decent Megs car shampoo followed by a polish and wax does the same thing without the meth step too.
 
Fazda said:
Hoo boy!
ScratchX R 99 - there's one born every minute!!

Tip for those of you not wanting to throw R 99 away, go and buy a bog standard bottle of Meths from your local Checkers/Spar/ Pick'nPay - probably under R 10 - take a soft cloth, wet it with meths ( put your finger into the cloth and then wet it in the bottle) then rub the scratches and watch them magically disappear. :)

Claying the car is using a very light compound that gets rid of surface scratches.
Click to expand...
wow - cool stuff - will include in the post as clever man's alternative ;) By the way, would claying (or a clay bar) be an alternative to Meths then?
 
Last edited:
Fazda said:
Hoo boy!
ScratchX R 99 - there's one born every minute!!

Tip for those of you not wanting to throw R 99 away, go and buy a bog standard bottle of Meths from your local Checkers/Spar/ Pick'nPay - probably under R 10 - take a soft cloth, wet it with meths ( put your finger into the cloth and then wet it in the bottle) then rub the scratches and watch them magically disappear. :)

Claying the car is using a very light compound that gets rid of surface scratches.
Click to expand...

claying removes surface contaminants and not scratches
http://www.autogeek.net/detailing-clay-bar.html
 
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