Scratch-X on factory sport rims?
 

So I noticed a decent sized scratch on one of my 19 inch sport rims. The scrach hasen't punctured through the clear coat from what I can tell. I have this stuff called Meguiar's Scatch-X polish that really works wonders on the body panels and other glossy finishes to remove scratches. Anyone know if the Scratch-X is safe to use on the rims?

idk about Chicago but there are several people here in Orange County that can come and repair everything from a minor scratch to a bent wheel. Call around and get a quote it shouldn't be much at all. But using compounds isn't what I would personally recommend. To be honest I don't have much first hand experience other than polishing my wheels.

Source: I Cut, Polish, & Wax my car about every two months

I think all it really needs is a polishing compound to remove the scratch. It really isn't serious enough to where I would call someone to fix it for me, I just want to make sure the scratch-x won't affect the finish of the wheel. I know the polish will easily remove this scratch since it isn't deep at all. It will only be a small section I'll have to polish too.

eh, give it a shot. Just make sure your buffer is set slow and that you dont over shoot the scratch. Like I said before, I don't have much experience when it comes to buffing wheels. Let me know if you need tips on your car body though :tup:

Thanks! To tell you the truth a buffer probably won't be involved. I'll see how the microfiber towel works for me first. Might hold off and wait to see if someone can chime in who knows for sure the scratch-x can be used on the rims. Better safe than sorry.

Try 3M polishing compound. Works a whole lot better than the Scratch-X stuff. Used it for years on headlights (and paint).

Would either the 3M stuff or the Scratch-X be able to be used on the rims without affecting the finish? With the experience I've had with the Scratch-X that stuff does wonders to removing scratches and other blemishes, I'm just weary about using it on the rims.

They both have fillers in them to just cover it up. You need a good polishing compound. I would recommend Menzerna or Adam's.

Ok really I'm not asking for recommended polishers, I'm simply just asking if it's safe to use Scratch-X on the sport 19 inch rims.

you can use it for very minor light scuffs, but the paint is thin on the sport wheels so you wont want to use too much force. if you start seeing black through the hypersilver color, you just went through the top coat.

That would be a nightmare. This kinda scared me away from trying to buff out the scratch, maybe it's not worth taking the risk?

If you can feel the scratch with your fingernail, I wouldn't risk using a polisher. If it's as thin as they say, you'll compromise the rest of area to get the scratch out. Scratch X isn't that aggressive though, especially hand polishing and it should be safe if the scratch isn't too deep.

No, I can't feel the scratch so it looks like it hasn't punctured through the clear coat. I guess I'll try a very very small sample and be sure to only buff a very small area first to see if there are any negative affects.