I want to get a little more specific in this thread.

I have tiny scratches here and there on the X from someone using something to wash the car with that left small scrub marks (not from my Mr. Clean sponge). Looks like they may have been extra dirty spots or perhaps something left over after the removal of a sticker. So they scrubbed hard with something abrasive. You can only see the scrub marks if you are looking closely.

Is there any particular wax you would recommend that would reduce the appearance of the scratches? I know nothing will make them go away until I repaint it, but at least make them less visible until I get a chance to do that ...

I also live in "Love Bug" territory so I'd like something that will protect the car a little until I can get to a place to rinse them off. I figure wax would help against love bugs, right?

I use a medium grade buffing compound (turtle wax) to get minor scratches out. I don't use a power-buffer for fear of burning the clearcoat. Takes a lot of elbow grease to do my whole X but it makes a huge difference. Use the compound with a microfiber towel and follow the simple instructions. It will completely remove the scratches as long as they aren't too deep.

Googone.. for where the stickers were...

Well ... the goo is gone. They used something scrubby to remove it all leaving behind a lot of tiny scratches. Not very deep ones at least. I think the rubbing compound that Drake mentioned might do the trick for those since they are so minute.

3M has different grades of rubbing compound that work well, and can easily make those little scrub marks history, w/o having to repaint.

You start more coarse, and move finer, to get the most mirror-like finish.

Find a local specialty store (or search online) for colored wax that closely matches your color.
Make sure to use a rag that you don't mind dying.

I used to use colored wax on my MR2 back when I was doing car shows. It is very good at covering minor scratches and even small rock chips.

Wax on
















wax off:D

???

http://www.asseenontvguys.com/Productimages/simoniz_fix_it.jpg


;)

I have an Adams clay bar that I used to use on my Accord. I plan to use that this weekend. I liked a lot of the Adams products. Particularly the claybar. ;)

The colored was is something that i had not thought of. I thought they stopped doing colored wax back in the early 90's. lol!

I have an Adams clay bar that I used to use on my Accord. I plan to use that this weekend. I liked a lot of the Adams products. Particularly the claybar. ;)

The colored was is something that i had not thought of. I thought they stopped doing colored wax back in the early 90's. lol!

Clay bars are great on cars. I would never use one on my Xterra though because it's big and sees a lot of mud, dirt, rocks and trees, so it would a long process for nothing.

They might not make color wax anymore. I haven't used it since about 2002.

Start with the clay bar, it will add very small surface scratches in the clear coat (probably not noticable on yello) Then for consumer use I would reccommed the 3m 5 stage compounds. I would recommend buffer all the compounds in, it will make the yellow pop out awesome! Or if you dont rust yourself to buff then take the X to a detailer...Ill do it for you if you come to NW ohio!

Wow Justin thanks for the sweet offer. However I just got done with a road trip from So Cal to Florida last weekend. I think I'm over long distance ANYTHING for a while!

I'll try the compound and see how it does. I'm not brave enough to use the machine but I have a lot of elbow grease I can apply. ;)

Also you might want to try Meguirs Scratch X, Ive heard great things about them. After you work out the scratches, I prefer to use a carnauba wax, Meguirs sells that also. Good luck!!