Decals laid over scratch remover.

[D.Pack]

Hi all.

If treating a painted body with Meguiars Scratch X or similar and the faint scratches are'nt then visible, will a decal then make those scratches reappear?

This type of polish, it removes the scratch edges rather than infilling.

I will be using decal setting solutions to pull them tight onto the bodyshell. I want the paint just glossy enough so the decals don't silver up.

Also, the final clearcoat will be a semi-gloss finish (nascars). I assume this will also help to hide scratches?

 

Edited December 10, 2022 by D.Pack
More info

[jaymcminn]

Be super careful with the "polish" you use, especially if laying down decals and clear. Scratch X's formula includes polymers that will impede adhesion of decals or clear coat. 

True polish, like Meguiar's Ultimate Polish or Meguiar's 205, won't leave residue or protection on the surface and will be safe for clear coats and decals. I use both of these extensively and have applied decals and clear over them with no issues. Tamiya's polishing compounds are good as well, but I don't use them anymore after discovering Ultimate Polish. If your surface is properly polished then scratches will not show under your decals or clear.

[D.Pack]

Thanks to reply and the polymers Vs adhesion tip.

I forget that these auto finishers are to fix clearcoat, not the paint before to clearcoat.

Today while buying gritpaper, I was given some Farecla G3 Pro paste to try out. Removed some scratches and gained some too, as I used a microfiber cloth to apply, not the correct sponge applicator, which are £8 for two!

The Meguiars Ultimate, it does infill so I think I'll try this. 

Edited December 11, 2022 by D.Pack