Getting started

[Frank_Li]

Hi, I just bought a black SRT-4. The first thing I did was wash it and give it a wax. I was horrified when all I really did was leave swirls and other scratches on my new car. Obviously I felt horrible. Then I stumbled on this site!

I have decided to start over using Maquiars five step system. But I have a few questions.

I used a sponge to wash the car. Is it safe to use it?

When I waxed my car I used a detailing towel from autozone to remove the dry wax. It's very soft but I left plenty of swirls. Can pressing down too hard, even with a very soft detailing towel, cause swirls?

Is there some kind of test to check if a towel is appropriate for the cars paint? Was it me or was it the towel that left the swirls?

ScratchX is a paint cleaner right? That would take care of step 2 in the paint care system?

Do I need to remove the wax from the car before I start the 5 step paint care system?

Thanks

[96greenmustang]

Re: Getting started

Originally posted by Frank_Li
Hi, I just bought a black SRT-4. The first thing I did was wash it and give it a wax. I was horrified when all I really did was leave swirls and other scratches on my new car. Obviously I felt horrible. Then I stumbled on this site!

I have decided to start over using Maquiars five step system. But I have a few questions.

I used a sponge to wash the car. Is it safe to use it?

When I waxed my car I used a detailing towel from autozone to remove the dry wax. It's very soft but I left plenty of swirls. Can pressing down too hard, even with a very soft detailing towel, cause swirls?

Is there some kind of test to check if a towel is appropriate for the cars paint? Was it me or was it the towel that left the swirls?

ScratchX is a paint cleaner right? That would take care of step 2 in the paint care system?

Do I need to remove the wax from the car before I start the 5 step paint care system?

Thanks

k I'll admit my first try of helping instead of asking haha

Also welcome to MOF

Sponges are decent but most people on MOF go with wash mitts such as Ultra Plush Wash mitt, also you might want to learn the 2 bucket washing technique

For removing wax I normally use a 100% Terry Cloth or a Meguiars Microfiber towel (MF)

To test them I normally run my hand acrossed it (if you have rough hands like me) and if my hand gets caught alot I use it. I'm not sure what everyone else does though..

Scratch X is a paint cleaner so it would replace Step 1. (Step 2 is the polish) Scratch X is an amazing product that gives amazing results

Most people say washing your car with Dawn dish soap removes the wax but normally a good paint cleaner ( Step 1 or Scratch X) will remove it.. It just saves your car from having dish soap on it.

So how did I do guys? Its my first time of answering instead of asking the questions..

[SiriusRIMZ]

96stang' is right about the sponges. I have a Meg's Sponge, and I use it for vinyl and other exterior plastic surfaces, but I dont like using it on my paint because I feel it traps particles in its poures and drags them along the paint surface.

I use a Versa Angle Body Brush for washing my car. I like the idea of soft bristles that dirt can be removed easily from washing my car rather than a sponge.

Swirls can be inflicted in many ways. I find I have the most swirls after washing or installed by waxing.

I have since switched to using nothing but

High-Tech Applicator Pad


and Even Coat Applicator


I feel safe using these because they are extremly soft and I trust Meguiar's not inflict scratches in my finish.

I would venture to say, however, that you will have some swirls in your finish even with the most plush and soft cloth if you press hard. Wax removal should be pretty painless, I use a Microfiber, but I'd reccomend using an Ultra Plush Super Terry to remove your wax.

I'd reccomend you try using the Deep Crystal Cycle for your car. Its very easy, and Containts, 1) Paint Cleaner, 2) Polish, and 3) Wax. And Yes, Scratch-X will work, but its quite time consuming to scratch-X you entire car. It will removed swirls, but I'd reccomend getting a G100 with some Mirror Glaze line of polishing compounds if you very serious about maintaing the upkeep of your car.

96green, you did a great job, I agree what everything you have said. I think Mike's saying 'Each one, teach one.' Applies here.

[MTBPATH]

Re: Getting started

Originally posted by Frank_Li
Hi, I just bought a black SRT-4. The first thing I did was wash it and give it a wax. I was horrified when all I really did was leave swirls and other scratches on my new car. Obviously I felt horrible. Then I stumbled on this site!

I have decided to start over using Maquiars five step system. But I have a few questions.

welcome to MOL.
you'll soon find out that this online community will provide and help in anyway possible. you ask and you shall receive.
If you haven't browsed all the different forums and topics contained within...
pull up a chair and grab a big blanket, cuz you will find yourself reading a lot and watching some 'how to' instructional videos.
I've attached a link for the videos.

http://meguiars.com/video/

plus, browse through the Meguiar's E-Store and look at ALL the different products and tools you can use for any and all type of uses.

http://meguiars.com/estore/

good luck.

[Murr1525]

Well, I think 96greenmustang certainly started off good, as well as everyone else. What products were you using before?

As for a few other thoughts:

1. There is a very good chance you didnt put the swirls in. Cars from dealers very often come looking a mess. You may have just washed the dirt out of the swirls.

2. A lot of people will do a "CD Test". Basicaly, take an old CD, and wipe your towel, etc across it, just as you would the car. If it scratches the CD, dont use it.

3. You dont need to wash with Dawn, the paint cleaners will take care of old wax. Dawn will remove most old wax, but also dry out rubber, plastics, etc, as well as your paint. Why take a step backward.

4. I use the Chenille wash mit or sponge.

5. I remove products with a Supre Shine Microfiber.

I'll assume you are working by hand for now... so here is a little list put together:

1. Wash - Gold Class or Nxt are great washes. Nxt esp if you have hard water. Also, be sure to learn the 2-bucket system, and order a Grit Guard for the rinse bucket. I also use the Water Magnet Drying towels to dry.

2. Clay - Meguiars Quick Clay is the best thing you can use.

3. Clean - You will need ScratchX to remove the swirls by hand. However, it is time consuming, not wipe on wipe off. Be sure to read the "How-to Remove Scratches with ScratchX" article. Be sure to apply with an white sock turned inside out, or an Even Coat Applicator. They will give a little more bite.

Once your swirls are gone, you can use a milder cleaner like DC#1, which is easy and quick to use.

4. Polish - DC#2 is a great polish. and easy to use. Remember, polishes dont need to dry before removing.

5. Wax - 2 thin coats of wax is best. Nxt is the best protecting, though Gold Class or #26 may look good on black.

6. Maintain - After future washes, you can use a Quick Detailer, or Spray Wax to restore the shine, etc.

Gold luck

[Don]

A few little points to help clarify what the others are saying...

Chenille or sheepskin wash mitts are far better than sponges because:

A) The dirt doesn't just stay on the surface, turning the 'washing tool' into a scouring pad.

B) They hold as much as (or more) water/soap solution as sponges and you don't have to press down hard on the finish to get the cleaning mix to come out (it helps flush dirt off the surface better).

C) dirt rinses out of the mitts better than from a sponge.

Waffle-weave microfiber towels are better for drying (especially for the novice) because:

A) There is no special "technique" to using them.

B) They are extremely absorbant and extremely soft.

C) Once the car's finish is properly waxed/sealed, only the weight of the towel itself is required to take the remaining water off the car (no excessive pressure or multiple passes that increase the odds of scratching or swirling).

[Don]

...continued...

About the wash:

ALWAYS thoroughly rinse the car before touching it with anything. Using a Garden Hose Sprayer filled with CAR WASH soap makes a cheap, effective 'pre-soak' for your finish that helps loosen the dirt/grime.


ALWAYS rinse out the wash mitt between passes. This is the reason for the "two-bucket method." One has the water & soap solution for the car, the other has clear water to rinse the mitt between passes.