How bad is it?

[Shark]

Today was a dumb day for me.

It was trash day and after my trash was picked up the can was knocked over and part of it was in my driveway. Unfortunately I was in a hurry to get to work and didn't see the can since it was on its side and not where I left it, and I ran into it... mistake #1.

Fortunately the trash can is plastic and didn't do much damage, just some minor scuffing on my back left quarter panel. But eager to take care of it I went to the auto repair shop to get some supplies to buff it out. There were a lot of options, fine-cut cleaners, mid-cut cleaners, etc. I asked the guy who worked there what would be best for my situation but he said he had no idea and anything he said would just be a guess. I ended up getting a plastic cleaner because it said it was good at getting out fine scratches from plastic and wasn't abrasive.

I rush home and apply it to the scuffed area, and it takes everything out nicely. Everything looks good as new. But afterward I look at the bottle a little more closely and see that it's meant to clean clear plastic, not at all what I used it for (mistake #2).

So my question to you guys is, how bad did I fuck up? Here is what I used. The bottle looks more updated but this is the stuff:

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Clear-Plastic-Cleaner-oz/dp/B0000AXMD6"]Amazon.com: Meguiar's #17 Clear Plastic Cleaner 8 oz.: Automotive[/ame]

I'm worried what I might have done to my clear coat. Could I have screwed it up? If so what should I do next? It's definitely been one of those days...

[Rampage]

It is non-abrasive so it would not have scratched the clear coat. It is made for automotive applications so it is most likely car finish safe. I think you are fine. What does the bottle say about contact with painted surfaces?

[Buddhalite]

That appears to be a cleaning wax and I wouldn't sweat it.

[Shark]

Thanks guys, two positive initial impressions makes feel a bit better.

The bottle itself doesn't say anything about contact with painted surfaces. I was doing some googling earlier to see if I could find anything out about it and the only thing I could find was something listed for a similar product from the same company called PlastX and it says "rub thoroughly onto plastic headlight (avoiding painted surfaces)." It's both a clear plastic cleaner and polish, so it's a little different but seems pretty similar.

If there are any walter whites out there here are the listed ingredients on the back of the bottle: water 7732-18-5; hydrotreated light distillates 64742-47-8; flux calcined diatomaceous earth 68855-54-9; glycerin; 56-81-5; hydrtreated middle distillate 64742-46-7; conditioners trade secret; processed castor oil; trade secret

[Turbo95eg6]

If it looks nice and spotless, just forget about it.

[N1rve]

I'd go over it with some Meguiars Ultimate Wax just in case or Meguiars NXT Gen 2.0 Tech Wax.

Just because those 2 waxes are actually meant for car paint.

If the cleaner didn't remove all the scuffs, try the Meguiars Ultimate Compound, then follow with a wax of your sort. DO NOT LET UC DRY ON THE CAR.