Originally Posted by
Wogsterca
Polishing compound is a very fine abrasive that will cut through the top of the paint layer and remove old wax that may have been applied previously. Fine surface scratches can be removed this way as well. A heavier duty version of this is rubbing compound. You follow it up with a good wax to protect the treated paint. From reading the description, it looks like Scratch X probably is a polishing compound.
Here is the low down, Scratch X 2.0 is the most recent formulation of the Scratch X product which is rated similar to a 2-4 on their abrasive scale (10 being the most abrasive). Scratch X makes use of Meguiar's diminishing abrasives meaning that the formula starts off with large particles that will "cut" into the paint and with friction, work themselves finer and finer until they breakdown into a super fine polish. This is the magic that separates Meguiar's from any other product on the market...though Klasse does have AIO.
The Turtle Wax does NOT break down and is actually composed of randomly sized particles, some small and some "large", this has obvious effects; like adding the products own scratches to the problem requiring in most cases the use of a high-speed polisher to remove the resulting finer scratches.
The key with Scratch X 2.0 is to continuously work new product until you are happy with the product, apply, RUB it long and hard (no pun intended) - until a smooth and fine haze really, wipe off then rinse and repeat as necessary. While you're at it, add some Ultimate Compound to the mix. It is FAR more aggressive and can fix some real doozers by HAND! Oh and by the way, hand application is actually MORE aggressive than rotary and DA polisher.
Enjoy!