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Got a scratch on your car? Meguiar’s has two popular fixes: the Scratch X kit and Ultimate Compound. I used both on my daily driver to see which one works best.
The Scratch X kit is a simple, all-in-one solution for small scuffs. Ultimate Compound is a more powerful liquid for bigger jobs. This review will help you choose the right one for your car’s paint.
Is Scratch X Good?
I tested the Meguiar’s Quik Scratch Eraser Kit, which includes their ScratchX compound, on a few annoying blemishes. I had some light scuffs near the door handle and a white paint mark from a concrete pillar in a parking garage. The best part of this kit is the drill-mounted pad. You just attach it to a regular household drill, and it does all the hard work.
The process was very fast. I applied a little ScratchX to the foam pad, pressed it against the scratch, and ran the drill. The blemish disappeared in under a minute with very little effort from me. The kit includes a quality microfiber towel to wipe away the extra product. It’s a complete solution in one box.
What I Like
- All-In-One Kit: It comes with everything you need: the compound, the drill pad, and a microfiber towel.
- Minimal Effort: The drill does the polishing for you. No more tired arms from scrubbing by hand.
- Fast Results: It removes light scratches, scuffs, and paint transfer very quickly.
- Beginner-Friendly: The instructions are simple, and the process is easy for anyone to follow.
- Safe for Paint: It is safe to use on all glossy paints and clear coats without causing damage.
What Could Be Better
- Drill Required: You must own a standard electric drill to use this kit effectively.
- For Small Spots Only: The 4-inch pad is designed for spot repairs, not for polishing an entire door or hood.
- Limited Compound: The kit comes with a small amount of ScratchX, which is fine for a few repairs but won’t last forever.
Recommendation
You should buy the Scratch X kit if you are a typical car owner with a few minor paint scuffs you want to fix easily. If you have a drill and want a fast, no-fuss solution, this is perfect. However, you should skip it if you need to correct paint on a large area or if you don’t own a drill.
To buy this product, click here.
Is Ultimate Compound Good?
Next, I tried Meguiar’s Ultimate Compound. This is just a bottle of polishing liquid, not a full kit. I used it on a larger panel that had swirl marks from a few trips through an automatic car wash. I applied it by hand with a separate foam applicator pad.
Applying it by hand definitely takes more work than using the Scratch X drill pad. I had to use firm pressure and work in small sections. But the results were fantastic. The compound cut through the swirl marks and even removed some light water spots. It restored a deep color and shine to the paint, making it look almost new. This product feels more professional and is very effective.
What I Like
- Very Powerful: It removes a wider range of defects, including scratches, swirls, oxidation, and water spots.
- Flexible Application: You can use it by hand for good results or with a DA polisher for professional-level correction.
- Restores Shine: This compound doesn’t just remove scratches; it brings back the color and clarity of your paint.
- Great Value: The 15.2 oz bottle contains a lot of product and will last for many projects.
- Pro-Grade Finish: It uses micro-abrasive technology that cuts fast without leaving behind a haze.
What Could Be Better
- Compound Only: You have to buy your own applicator pads and microfiber towels.
- Requires Effort: Applying it by hand is a workout. To get the best results, you need to put in some time and energy.
- Skill for Machine Use: Using it with a polisher can be intimidating for beginners and requires some practice.
Recommendation
Ultimate Compound is for the car enthusiast or serious DIYer. If you want to tackle more than just a single scratch, like swirl marks across a whole hood, this is the product for you. It offers more power and control. If you just want a simple fix for a small mark and don’t own other detailing tools, the Scratch X kit is a better starting point.
To buy this product, click here.
Scratch X vs Ultimate Compound: Detailed Comparison
Here’s a direct look at how these two Meguiar’s products stack up.
Compatibility & Fitment: Scratch X vs Ultimate Compound
Both products are safe for all glossy paints and clear coats, so they are compatible with most modern cars. The main difference is the tool you need. Scratch X requires a standard drill. Ultimate Compound can be used by hand or with a dual-action (DA) polisher, making it more flexible.
- Scratch X rating: 8/10
- Ultimate Compound rating: 9/10
Materials & Build Quality: Scratch X vs Ultimate Compound
Scratch X is a kit containing a foam pad, drill attachment, microfiber towel, and the ScratchX formula. The pad feels durable enough for many uses. Ultimate Compound is a cream polish made with micro-abrasives. The liquid itself feels a bit more potent and is designed for more serious correction.
- Scratch X rating: 8/10
- Ultimate Compound rating: 9/10
Installation & Tools: Scratch X vs Ultimate Compound
Scratch X wins for ease of use. If you have a drill, you can fix a scratch in minutes with everything provided in the box. Ultimate Compound requires more setup. You need to supply your own pads and towels, and the process is slower and more labor-intensive when done by hand.
- Scratch X rating: 9/10
- Ultimate Compound rating: 7/10
Performance Impact: Scratch X vs Ultimate Compound
Ultimate Compound is the stronger performer. It removes a wider variety of paint defects, from swirls to oxidation, and does a better job of restoring deep gloss. Scratch X is very effective, but it is focused only on light, isolated scratches and scuffs. For overall paint restoration, Ultimate Compound is superior.
- Scratch X rating: 7/10
- Ultimate Compound rating: 9/10
User Effort & Comfort: Scratch X vs Ultimate Compound
The drill-activated Scratch X kit is far more comfortable to use. The machine does the work, saving your arm from getting tired. Applying Ultimate Compound by hand over a large area is hard physical work. Even with a machine, it requires more focus and control.
- Scratch X rating: 10/10
- Ultimate Compound rating: 6/10
Durability & Weather Resistance: Scratch X vs Ultimate Compound
Neither of these products adds protection to your paint. They are abrasive compounds designed to remove a thin layer of clear coat to level out a scratch. After using either product, the repaired area is bare. Both product descriptions recommend applying a coat of wax afterward to protect the finish.
- Scratch X rating: 6/10
- Ultimate Compound rating: 6/10
Maintenance & Upkeep: Scratch X vs Ultimate Compound
Maintenance is the same for both. After the repair is done and protected with wax, you just wash and care for your car as usual. The Scratch X pad can be washed and reused. The Ultimate Compound bottle should be stored in a cool, dry place.
- Scratch X rating: 8/10
- Ultimate Compound rating: 8/10
Value for Money: Scratch X vs Ultimate Compound
This depends on your needs. For a single, quick repair, the Scratch X kit is a great value because it includes everything. If you plan on detailing your car often or have multiple areas to fix, the larger bottle of Ultimate Compound offers much more product for your money, making it the better long-term value.
- Scratch X rating: 8/10
- Ultimate Compound rating: 9/10
Overall: Scratch X vs Ultimate Compound
The right choice comes down to the size of your problem and the tools you have. Both are excellent products from a trusted brand, but they are for different jobs.
You should buy the Scratch X Kit if: You have a couple of light, specific scratches or scuff marks. You already own a drill and want the easiest, fastest way to make them disappear without buying multiple products. It’s perfect for quick, hassle-free touch-ups.
You should buy Ultimate Compound if: You are tackling widespread issues like swirl marks, light oxidation, or water spots. You are a car enthusiast who wants more control and a more powerful formula. It’s the better choice for larger projects and provides more value if you detail your car regularly.
- Overall Rating for Scratch X: 8/10
- Overall Rating for Ultimate Compound: 9/10
FAQs for Scratch X vs Ultimate Compound
Which is better for a beginner?
The Scratch X kit is easier for a complete beginner. It’s a full kit with simple, drill-powered application, which removes the guesswork.
Do I need to wax my car after using these?
Yes. Both products are polishes that remove imperfections, but they also remove any existing wax or sealant. You must apply a coat of wax after using them to protect the paint.
Which one can fix deep scratches?
Neither product can fix a deep scratch that goes through the paint. If you can feel the scratch with your fingernail, it likely needs professional repair. These are for surface-level blemishes in the clear coat only.
Which one offers better long-term value?
Ultimate Compound offers better long-term value. The bottle is much larger and can be used for many detailing jobs, while the Scratch X kit is designed for a few small repairs.
Do I need any other tools?
For the Scratch X kit, you must have a standard electric drill. For Ultimate Compound, you will need to buy microfiber towels and foam applicator pads separately.
Which is better for swirl marks all over the car?
Ultimate Compound is much better for treating swirl marks over an entire panel or car. The Scratch X kit is designed for small spot repairs, not large areas.
Restoring your car’s shine is satisfying, but don’t forget what’s under the hood. A new filter can improve performance and efficiency. Check out our top picks for the Best 2016 Nissan Altima Air Filter.
