Scratch X warning

[FNG]

Been some talk on some other forums about whether or not Scratch X contains silicone. The old MSDS shows that it doesn't, but rumor has it that they reformulated it and added silicone. If you put silicone on your guitar, then it will be problematic in the future if there every needs to be any sort of finish repairs.

Sent a query to Mequiars, waiting for a response. In the meantime, I'm gonna lay off the Scratch X. Might have to try some of the Petros products, his finish restorer is supposed to do just as good a job, but silicone free.

 

[john_kidder]

We'll be watching fo the report - some big time Scratch-X users here, perhaps especially me.

 

[JazzyDaddy]

Me also...used it just once a few weeks ago after reading about how great it was. This news really sucks. :x

 

[chazmo]

While it's probably best not to use silicone-based lubricant in the abrasive in the first place, I question how bad the problem is if you've actually used the product. Perhaps on raw wood, it'll get absorbed a bit, but it seems to me that if you're applying it (like Scratch-X) on top of the finish, it won't get into the wood itself. If I'm right, then cleaning off the silicone traces before doing some sort of "work" on the guitar really isn't that big of a deal.

But, anyway, best to avoid it. A product called "Fast Cut" was recommended on the AGF a few weeks ago. I haven't heard if that is made with silicone lube or not.

 

[FNG]

A rep from Mequiars called today. He said that Scratch X did contain very small amounts of silicone, but also said that if any finish work did need to be done that proper surface prep take care of the problem. He didn't think that it would be possible for the product to go all the way through the finish to the wood unless you worked it way too hard. He recommended another product, the #9 Swirl remover, which is similar to Scratch X but silicone free.

The Deco I bought needs some cleaning, as it seems that the owner was fond of aftershave. Lots of it...don't ask how, but there is a fairly large area of gunk which is some serious aftershave. The Petros product doesn't seem to be able to cut it, so I got some Naptha and did a little test run on a patch, and that seems to work pretty good, followed up by some Dunlop Carabuna wax.

But...I miss the Scratch X, because that stuff sure worked great. So I might find some of the #9 stuff. While I was at the auto parts store today, saw some light swirl remover with no silicone made by Turtle Wax, which might be worth a shot.

Think I will email Bill Tippin, and see what he thinks.

Still considering wiping down the guitars I did use with Naptha, and then repolishing. But the reality is I'm not going to worry too much about it. If I ever need any finish work, then I'll fess up to the use of Scratch X and go from there.

 

[chazmo]

That's great that they called you back!

Anyway, I really wouldn't sweat this, FNG. If you like Scratch X, why not use it? You're not grinding through the lacquer, so I can't imagine there's anything to worry about. Maybe put some tape across the soundhole just to be sure you don't get any in there.

 

[california]

But...I miss the Scratch X, because that stuff sure worked great. So I might find some of the #9 stuff. While I was at the auto parts store today, saw some light swirl remover with no silicone made by Turtle Wax, which might be worth a shot.

Think I will email Bill Tippin, and see what he thinks.

Turtle wax is what Taylor recommends -- saw it in their repair shop when we toured the place.

 

[chazmo]

But...I miss the Scratch X, because that stuff sure worked great. So I might find some of the #9 stuff. While I was at the auto parts store today, saw some light swirl remover with no silicone made by Turtle Wax, which might be worth a shot.

Think I will email Bill Tippin, and see what he thinks.

Turtle wax is what Taylor recommends -- saw it in their repair shop when we toured the place.

I think that standard Turtle Wax polish (not the swirl remover) might have silicone in it. I don't know for sure.

 

[FNG]

Mr Tippin responded and said for grunge on the surface, household ammonia in moderation. He didn't think Napatha cleaned that well. He recommended http://www.virtuosopolish.com/