Im a Newb, well kinda.

[Jeepster04]

I just bought a PC buffer and need alittle insight on how to use it/what kind of polish/wax to use. I am a meguiars enthusiast and try to use nothing but it. I am alittle new to all this professinol stuff, like #7, M21, g100, I have no clue what all that means? Where do you buy all this #1-100 or ever how high it goes? Ive been using this key on autopia to fill me in but I had no clue meguiars offered that much ****.

http://autopia.org/forum/showthread.php?t=75095

I have the basic meguiars 3 step which is what I usually do twice a year and Im fairly happy with it. Would it be ok to keep doing the 3 step with the buffer? I was thinking about buying some GC wax and replacing that with the 3rd step.

The buffer isnt here yet but I only got 1 polishing pad+1 finishing pad. Should that do the trick? I was going to use the polishing pad for steps 1 and 2 then use the finish pad for step 3. Is there anything other type of wax I should buy? My paint is in purty could shape, I would rather not use any abrasive on it. There are a few scratches, but it is a jeep that goes offroad here and there.

Thanks guys!

Edit: I notice some people are using 2 coats of wax, is there any use in doing this? Or is it a waste of time?

Before going away to college this fall I plan on doing the follow:

1. Wash using GC soap
2. Clay
3. steps 1-3 using whatever for step 3.

Is that good enough ya think to get me through the winter with minimal up-keep(wash with QC and QW)?

Would it be a good idea to use #7 before the wax(between steps 2 and 3)? Rememer, nothing abrasive. Im not really sure what #7 is other than a glaze.

[Jeepster04]

I cant edit anymore! Thats crazy it has a 5min limit!

Anyway, is it ok to use a buffer with the 3step/#7? I notice on all the bottles it talks about applying by hand. It never says anything about a buffer.

I found the key on meguiars, its much better than the one on autopia!

[Mike Phillips]

Hi BlueLibby04,

Welcome to Meguiar's Online!

You ask a lot of great questions, below I'll include a list of links that will go a long way to getting you started and bringing you up to speed with the rest of the forum members.

As to one of your basic questions, "Yes" you can use the Deep Crystal System with the G100 Dual Action Polisher also referred to commonly as the PC.

Please read through the first link to the thread, "The 5-Step Paint Care Cycle", it will explain all the steps and the products you use in each step.


List 'O Links

Many of the things we cover in our Saturday Classes are discussed and talked about in the threads found in the sub-forums of the Information Station


First read this,

Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle


Then read these...

How To Remove Swirls By Hand
How to remove a defect by hand with ScratchX
Using the G-100 to remove swirls with the Professional Line
Circles or Straight Lines?
Which LSP is Best for Light Colors
How to locate Meguiar’s Professional & Detailer products in your hometown
How to tell when a Meguiar's wax is ready to remove - The Swipe Test
The Dual Action Counterweight "Controversy"
What are the Differences Between Meguiar's Waxes
What's the Deal with "Layering"?
Measuring Clear Coat Thickness
Rotary vs. PC vs. Regular Orbital Buffer
Glass Polishing...Deep Cleaning
NXT Tech Wax Cure Time
Suggested Products for Taking Care of a New Car
Colored Waxes - Do they really work?
PC + #83 not "Cutting" it! - The Limits of the Dual Action Polisher
What it Means to Remove a Scratch
Why Meguiar’s Recommends Polishing Paint
A Lesson From White Paint
Each one, teach one... Ferrari Fiorano 355 F1 Spider

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by BlueLibby04
I cant edit anymore! Thats crazy it has a 5min limit!

Sorry about that, people abuse it to the point where it causes problems thus the short time limit. I bumped it up to 10 minutes, but the idea is to be sure of your post before you hit the submit button.

[Jeepster04]

Thanks so much Mike!! You seem to be everywhere! Ive been reading non-stop for at least 3 hours and I think Im getting the hang of it. Every post I read it seems you have said something. Ill read all of those links you gave me and Im sure Ill be set. Thanks a bunch!

[Jeepster04]

Aight Mike, I read all of those and it seems most people use #80 and #83 to remove mild swirls and scratches. Then they step it up to scratch X by hand or #84 with a rotary if the 80 and 83 wont do it. I do not have many scratches so I ran out and bought some #7, #26 and NXT tech wax even though I already have the DC3 wax and GC paste wax. I wanted to give this tech wax a try and see if I think its any better than the DC3 or GC paste. Ill probably use the #26 on my moms car or when I do other peoples cars.

So would be be best to:

1. Wash, what kind of sponge do you all use? Im thinking of getting either a Ultra Plush Chenille Wash Pad, or the ultra plush mit.
2. Clay
3. DC1
4. DC2 or would it be best to use #7?
5. 2 thin coats of Tech wax, DC3, or which ever I feel like b/c I have so many different types its not funny.
6. Matain-Wash, QD, QW.

I going to go and detail every persons car in the neighborhood tonight while they sleep!

What do you all use on the dash and inside parts? Ive been using the QD for interior but it doesnt seem to do much(shine nor protection). I seem to get the best results using the Natural Shine for vinyl and rubber, but if theres something that protects better then let me know.

Here is my stash. Add Tech wax, #7 and # 26 to that!



Also, what do you all store you stuff in. Like I said, ill be going to college and would like to have something to carry it in. That really awsome crate in that pic was my bros and he took it back. I looked on meguiars and cannot find it. Would this be big enough to hold everything? Is it bad to leave the products in a hot car while IM at school? I would hate to carry that big thing through the dorm!

http://meguiars.com/?garage-organizing/Trunk-Organizer

I guess Ill just use the polishing pad for
DC1 and polish, then use the finish pad for wax. Does that sound right

Thanks so much everyone, sorry for all the questions! Im just so excited!

[SVT Lightning]

Nice stash!!!! If you want to take your paint up to the next level, you GOTTA get the PC/G-100. It was the best detailing money I EVER spent. I just ordered the DVD from www.showcargarage.com. It's gonna be here monday.

[Jeepster04]

Originally posted by SVT Lightning
Nice stash!!!! If you want to take your paint up to the next level, you GOTTA get the PC/G-100. It was the best detailing money I EVER spent. I just ordered the DVD from www.showcargarage.com. It's gonna be here monday.

Hey SVT, if you read my first post you will notice I just bought one!!

[SVT Lightning]

ooops.guess I did. Have fun!

[Jeepster04]

SVt, would you happen to know if the backing plates that come with the PC from Detailcity.com will work with the pads from megs.com? I forgot to order a polishing pad and would like to buy from megs. The backing plate from detailcity.com calls it a hook and loop? I would really rather not spend another $50 on backing plates and pads from megs. Thanks.

[SVT Lightning]

It should work. The Megs pads have Velcro backing which is the same as hook and loop I think.

[Jeepster04]

Hate to bump, but does anyone have any answers to my questions in my post with the pic?

I think Ill practice on my dads 98 red ford work truck to to make sure I dont mess something up. Then Ill move on to my Jeep.

[Jeepster04]

I see no one is going to answer my last couple of questions, but I have another one. I went to autozone and bought some #7 and #26 like I already said. Ive been reading around and some people said there isnt a big difference in DC2 and #7. Is this true? If so im taking it back and getting my $10 back. I am going to keep the #26 though. Used it on my rims last night and they have never looked that good. Ohh, they do have clear on them so it should be aight to use wax on them.

[Magic]

1. Wash, what kind of sponge do you all use? I'm thinking of getting either a Ultra Plush Chenille Wash Pad, or the ultra plush mitt.

I use the Chenille Wash pad. This all really comes down to personal preference. Also make sure you use the 2 bucket method, with Grit Guards in both buckets

2. Clay
3. DC1
4. DC2 or would it be best to use #7?

I like #7 better. It by far is the best pure polish I've used

5. 2 thin coats of Tech wax, DC3, or which ever I feel like b/c I have so many different types its not funny.

Yes 2 thin coats of your choice wax

6. Maintain-Wash, QD, QW.

Correct.

What do you all use on the dash and inside parts?

Your right in that QID doesn't give much shine. It has very little UV blockers, but some like the "Not so shiny" look. Your OK using the Natural Shine. There is also the Gold Class Vinyl Protectant as well. Now don't go out and buy it, just use up what you have, and the next time you need some try the Gold Class Protectant. Once you've used both, you can decide which you prefer. It's like this with most Meguiars products.

Also, what do you all store you stuff in

I have a large cart I used for my complete details, but for the quickies, I have 2 duffel bags I toss everything in.

I guess Ill just use the polishing pad for DC1 and polish, then use the finish pad for wax. Does that sound right

No, Meguiars does not recommend mixing product on the pads. You would need a different pad for each product. You can however use the polishing pad for the DC1, and apply the Polish by hand (some do it this way anyways). They use the finishing pad for the wax.

Ive been reading around and some people said there isn't a big difference in DC2 and #7

I say there is a big difference between the 2. I like the #7 better. But like I stated earlier, don't run out and buy every product when someone recommends it. Just use what you have, and when it's time to buy some more, then you can switch. After using both products, you make your own opinion which you like best. Then go with it..

Magic

[the other pc]

Originally posted by BlueLibby04
...what kind of sponge do you all use? Im thinking of getting either a Ultra Plush Chenille Wash Pad, or the ultra plush mit. ...

Personal choice. Of those two I'd prefer the chenille sponge but I don't use either. I use sheepskin and microfiber mitts and some brushes. Again, it's a purely personal choice.

Originally posted by BlueLibby04
... DC2 or would it be best to use #7? ...

I can't give an absolute answer. Without using both side by side you won't know if you have a definite preference on a given car. Any differences would be small and you won't go wrong with either one.

Originally posted by BlueLibby04
...What do you all use on the dash and inside parts? Ive been using the QD for interior but it doesnt seem to do much(shine nor protection). I seem to get the best results using the Natural Shine for vinyl and rubber...

Quik Interior detailer is for quick, light cleaning so it's not supposed leave lots of shine or protection. Natural Shine is a good choice for conditioning and protecting.

Originally posted by BlueLibby04
...Also, what do you all store you stuff in. Like I said, ill be going to college and would like to have something to carry it in. That really awsome crate in that pic was my bros and he took it back. I looked on meguiars and cannot find it. Would this be big enough to hold everything? Is it bad to leave the products in a hot car while IM at school? I would hate to carry that big thing through the dorm! ...

I don't need to carry my stuff around so I use plastic tote bins on shelves. Meg's stuff holds up well but I don't like the thought of exposing products to the wide variation of temperatures you get inside a car. Plus, it clutters up the car. I'd suggest some kind of wheeled storage or using smaller dispenser bottles you refill from the larger containers to reduce the size/weight of your kit.

For most routine jobs you'll have a good idea of what you'll be using. By just pulling the products you need from your collection and adding a couple of your favorite "just in case" products you can reduce what you have to carry/roll through the dorms.


PC.