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I've used 3M Micro-Gloss for polishing my finishes for years and still happy with the results, and never looked beyond it.
I know a lot of folks use Meguiar's car polish but they have quite a broad range of products so wasn't sure where to start.
I only ask because SCA is got a 30% off sale on all things Meguiar and I thought I might try some just because.
Any suggestions? Experience, good or bad?
I use Scratch X 2.0 for final swirl removal and it's awesome. The foam polishing pads are pretty good too.
What about the initial polishing stage?
I've used the Scratch X 2.0 as a final polish and agree it is super. I was using nufinish cut and polish as an initial stage, meguiars ulitmate then the Scratch X. I think I need to be a bit more aggressive with the initial C&P in mine as I do have a few light scratches left on the 2 guitars I've built. These are nitro finishes though.
I use Rustoleum Machine Cutting compound after sanding to 2000grit. Then Kitten No.2, then scratch X.
Thanks, I'll check out the Scratch X 2.0.
I may look into the foam pads as well. I've been adverse to using anything mechanical in the polishing process, but after the way my hands felt after my most recent job, (post #18 of this thread) I may have to reconsider.
Arthritis sucks and is slowly getting worse.
Edit to add:
I presume the Scratch X 2.0 is silicone free?
As far as I know, it's actually quite different in texture and application to most automotive polishes I've used previously.
The foam pads are for elbow grease style polishing. They do seem to speed things up. I use a mechanical buffer for the cutting stages and then swap to hand for the final passes. My buffer uses hoods, but I'm planning to upgrade to a smaller palm unit that uses the foam style pads, they seem to pick up bits of dust and stuff less easily than the 'wool' style ones.
My next couple are going to be satin anyway as it's just easier and I have a good handle on how to get a great result with it.
I've ordered some Scratch X and set of foam pads (for hand drill). I'll have the polish tomorrow, pads next week. I'll give the compound a try by hand since I'm already at that stage with one piece.
Thanks for your input guys!
I used Meguiar’s Scratch out polish and found out later it contains silicone! I do not want silicone anywhere near any of my guitars. It wasn’t listed on the bottle, either.Quote:
Originally Posted by McCreed
You should research that before using the stuff in your guitars.
Why?Quote:
Originally Posted by MusicStudent1
It's only really an issue for refinishing. It's the same deal in an automotive setting. Silicone can be annoying, but it's not a boogey man, you just need to be diligent in prep.
I'm going to email Mequiar and see if they have an MSDS for the Scratch X. I've just used it on 2 guitars, but not keen on silicone either.Quote:
I used Meguiar’s Scratch out polish and found out later it contains silicone! I do not want silicone anywhere near any of my guitars. It wasn’t listed on the bottle, either.
I know Sonic has much more experience than me with the auto refinishing, and I get I his point about prep, but I also know that once I've "finished" a guitar, it doesn't mean it's going to stay that way forever :o.
I've been known to refinish a finished guitar once or twice...
Best to avoid it if at all possible. If you are making guitars for other people, you can't assume they'll know anything about silicone or want it on their finish. For guitars that you are never passing on, then it's up to you. But certainly for production guitars, there's no need to use it at all.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sonic Mountain
https://www.meguiars.co.uk/wp-conten...G103G10307.pdfQuote:
Originally Posted by McCreed
Doesn't look like Scratch X2 does. The unnamed main ingredient, EC 231-791-2, is just water.
That's great. Thanks Simon! Appreciated.
And here's the page with all their MSDS sheets on.
https://www.meguiars.co.uk/downloads/
I've had a look at some of their wax products, as they are the ones most likely to have silicone in, but the wax itself is listed as a 'trade secret', so you just don't know.
Well, I like your thinking, Sonic Mountain. Especially since I naively used it on a very rare bass - what’s done is done. What I should’ve used was a guitar scratch and swirl remover.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sonic Mountain
Any idea how to get it off? Soap, vinegar, lighter fluid? It’s slippery and I can feel it on there.
It shouldn't feel slippery, it might need further buffing to remove all residue.
To completely remove it the easiest way is to get some Prepwash wax and grease remover and clean it with that. This is what body shops use to remove polish and any other contaminants before respraying. You'll probably want to polish again with something tho as it will look a bit dull after. Also, it's generally very safe for most paints, but you should always test new products in an inconspicuous place first.
I really wouldn't be worried about it. In an automotive setting you are dealing with large surface areas, nooks and crannies that are hard to get at and a vast array of chemicals. Silicone is avoided in body shops as nothing sticks to it (Paint/primer/etch primer etc etc) so missing it in prep can be an expensive exercise, especially on something like a show car.
Most cars, especially older ones usually have some silicone sealer used somewhere(around the windscreen for instance) so it's just a matter of being careful when cleaning and prepping those areas.
For a guitar, even if you do refinish, its such a small area to cover and you'll be stripping back the paint that it's sitting on, I just don't see it being an issue.
I did go and do some reading and it does seem that Scratch X is not preferred in a body shop setting. It's definitely a different formulation to most other polishes and compounds I've used, so perhaps there is just a distrust based on that. I've used it a lot and have had no issues at all.
Thanks, Sonic Mountain. My scratch X is old, I used it about 3 years ago and at the time it was confirmed to contain silicone. I recalled it was called “consumer grade” and as you found, was not for use in body shops. I suspect the MSDS Simon pulled up is for a different, more recent product. The silicone doesn’t seem to be in the scratch x product now.
Where do I get the prep wash and grease remover? I’ll do a google search....I just want to get it off and polished up properly. The guitar will never be refinished. I just don’t like the slippery feel - its kind of a fake way to make something shine IMO.
Supercheap or Autobarn, anywhere that sells paint products really. I think you'd probably get it at the big green shed too.
But why? Apart from what I've already mentioned are there other reasons why people wouldn't want a product that contains, allegedly, "some" silicone?Quote:
Originally Posted by Simon Barden
Wow...we are definitely from different parts of the world, my friend! I’ve never heard of any of those stores, lol!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Sonic Mountain
Thanks for trying, anyway!
Ok hardware or automotive paint stores then. 🙄