Car polish - G3/Meguiars?

[Shiv_P]

Hello guys
I am looking for some more abrasive polish and applicator pads than the current autoglym crap I have (super resin polish) as this seems quite weak for removing scratches by hand.
I don't have a disc polisher so working by hand is really only the option
I have heard G3 or meguiars scratch X 2.0 is worth looking at. Does anyone have any experience with these and which are better or any other alternatives? Also which is easier to use for a novice?

[haggishunter]

G3 is more of a cutting compound than a polish. You would need to polish it again after using it. In my experience it’s easy enough to use and you can get decent results by hand. I am no expert and I’m sure someone will be along to offer more helpful advice.

[Paul_M3]

If you’ve got time, I’d recommend having a look at the detailingworld forum. And quick search on there and you’ll have more information about car cleaning and polishing than you ever thought possible!

And if you REALLY want to de-swirl and remove scratches from your car, I’d seriously consider buying a cheap DA polisher. It’s transformed a couple of my cars. (And it’s quite satisfying)

[Shiv_P]

I'm not looking to go too in depth with this car with a DA polisher etc. Won't be keeping it for too long so just looking to remove a couple of scratches and get it looking more presentable

[_Hoppers]

Shiv_P said:

Hello guys
I am looking for some more abrasive polish and applicator pads than the current autoglym crap I have (super resin polish) as this seems quite weak for removing scratches by hand.
I don't have a disc polisher so working by hand is really only the option
I have heard G3 or meguiars scratch X 2.0 is worth looking at. Does anyone have any experience with these and which are better or any other alternatives? Also which is easier to use for a novice?

Autoglym's Super Resin Polish won't remove scratches, it's classed as a filler, the polish fills the scratch to mask it. I've got some G3 and works great for removing scratches by hand but it's likely you will need to finish the job off with something like Meguiars Ultimate Compound. The G3 is a diminishing compound so the product breaks down as it's being worked to give a finer cut. I've found if not worked enough you end up with marring on the clearcoat, the Meguiars product takes this out relatively easily.

[Shiv_P]

Would meguiars Scratch X 2.0 suffice as a middle ground between meguiars ultimate and G3? Or will I end up needing to buy two products

[_Hoppers]

Shiv_P said:

Would meguiars Scratch X 2.0 suffice as a middle ground between meguiars ultimate and G3? Or will I end up needing to buy two products

Dunno mate, never used Scratch X. You could try just the G3 and seeing how you get on

[gweaver]

I've been able to take out some light scratches and scuffs by hand with GTechniq P1 and one of their applicator pads.
It's not cheap, but if IIRC my 100ml bottle was under £10 and it'll keep me going for a while.

[C70GT]

G3 is a rather course compound primarily used with a machine polisher. For hand use, you need G10. This is a finer compound and designed for hand use. It will give a very fine glossy finish and will remove swirls quite effectively - even on dark colours. Autoglym Super Resin Polish has a slight cutting action, but is mainly a filler type of thing to hide the blemishes instead of removing them.

I like a clean car but am not an obsessive detailer. All my cars get an annual clean and polish and then maintained with weekly washes in between.

My regime is as follows:

Wash car, Clay with Bilt Hamber claybar. Polish with G10 by hand, followed by Poorboys White Diamond glaze and then Poorboys Nattys Paste Carnauba wax. Weekly wash with Simoniz wash ans wax with Carnauba wax. Keeps the cars looking good with minimal effort .

[ericmcn]

without a tool like a DA polisher it will be pretty impossible to get a really good result, if you are serious about your cars bodywork investing in a DA polisher should be your first port of call

[gweaver]

Right, but the OP has stated that he just wants to remove a few scratches, and don't seem to be keen on spending ££.

GTechniq P1 is ok for getting scratches out, with a little elbow grease. Video here: https://youtu.be/_u-QTCbOUW4

I don't know about Farecla? G10, but Meguiars Ultimate Compound is well rated on Detailing World. DW and Youtube are a good place to look for advice and product info, respectively.

[_Hoppers]

C70GT said:

G3 is a rather course compound primarily used with a machine polisher.

The off the shelf Halfords version of the G3 is a hand applied compound

https://www.farecla.com/products/g3-professional-s...

[coldel]

Try detailingworld and see if anyone is local with a DA, drive over, throw them some beer tokens and get it done. I remember working on damage by hand pre-DA and its a pain in the backside, got a DA kit and marks are repaired in minutes with a wash/wipe/clay/polish/protect process. Obviously if the scratch is way down to the bodywork you have a different challenge!

[Shiv_P]

coldel said:

Try detailingworld and see if anyone is local with a DA, drive over, throw them some beer tokens and get it done. I remember working on damage by hand pre-DA and its a pain in the backside, got a DA kit and marks are repaired in minutes with a wash/wipe/clay/polish/protect process. Obviously if the scratch is way down to the bodywork you have a different challenge!

I have a mate at work who will DA polish it for £100-150 so may look into that then funds permitting. I'm a student

[coldel]

Shiv_P said:

coldel said:

Try detailingworld and see if anyone is local with a DA, drive over, throw them some beer tokens and get it done. I remember working on damage by hand pre-DA and its a pain in the backside, got a DA kit and marks are repaired in minutes with a wash/wipe/clay/polish/protect process. Obviously if the scratch is way down to the bodywork you have a different challenge!

I have a mate at work who will DA polish it for £100-150 so may look into that then funds permitting. I'm a student

You can buy a DA for £100

What sort of work are you looking to get done? If its one or two marks it shouldnt take very long to work them out.

[gweaver]

coldel said:

What sort of work are you looking to get done? If its one or two marks it shouldnt take very long to work them out.

Exactly. A couple of small areas, just hit it with P1, tri-foam applicator and some elbow grease.
If it's more than one panel, or more than a few small areas, then it's a DA job.

[Paul_M3]

Shiv_P said:

I have a mate at work who will DA polish it for £100-150 so may look into that then funds permitting. I'm a student

Argos have currently got a DA polisher for £50.

Now it obviously won’t be amazing, but it’ll far easier than trying to do it by hand.