ColorX or ScratchX or..

[socalsx]

I'm just gearing up to detail my 02 honda which I must say is in bad shape. Its supposed to be tafetta white but is lackluster in its color. Currently I have:
-meguiars clay kit
-Gold class wash and wax kit
-Megs cleaner wax

So my question is, what do i fit in their to bring out the actual color? is the cleaner wax good enough? colorx, scratchx, or another? i'm unsure.

thanks in advance

[Sydster]

Re: ColorX or ScratchX or..

Since its a 6 year old car in pretty bad shape you can try Scratch X first in a small area of your car as a test spot and see how you like the result it may work it may not. Just always remember to do a test spot first and see what you like best and duplicate that process for the entire car I assume that you don't have access to G100 or any DA for that matter so I guess you will be working by hand so I'd go with scratchX first.

Read this first

How to remove a defect by hand with ScratchX

[Jimmy The Detailer]

Re: ColorX or ScratchX or..

by washing good, claying, then ScratchX'ing parts you feel need it, using ColorX or #66 afterwards should make for a much nicer and restored finish. Can't go wrong with the cleaning power of ColorX or #66. If this doesn't quite do it for you then a PC/#80 should get you closer to your goals.

[Murr1525]

Re: ColorX or ScratchX or..

Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle
Step 1 Wash
Step 2 Clean
Step 3 Polish
Step 4 Protect
Step 5 Maintain

Suggested Products for Taking Care of a New Car

What it Means to Remove a Scratch

How To Remove Swirls By Hand

How to remove a defect by hand with ScratchX

Rotary vs. PC vs. Regular Orbital Buffer

Recommended Products - G100a Dual Action Polisher

Using the G-100 to remove swirls with the Professional Line

1986 Ford Bronco II - Extreme Makeover

Each one, teach one... Ferrari Fiorano 355 F1 Spider

To bring out the actual color, the dirt and swirls need removed as much as possible. ScratchX would be the best choice by hand, though it will be a lot of effort. Give those threads a read, then get back to us and we can try to offer more advice on your process.

[socalsx]

Re: ColorX or ScratchX or..

thanks for all the info guys. So here is the plan:
wash
clay
scratchX
deep crystal?
wax

Will a pure polish like deep crystal bring out my white paint if I add it to my list? other than that I'm ready to tackle my car.

thanks guys

[Murr1525]

Re: ColorX or ScratchX or..

Here is what your first full detail might look like.

1. Wash - Good. Remember good quality sponges, towels, 2 buckets, Grit Guard if possible ,etc. And good soap.

2. Clay

3. Clean - ScratchX is a stronger cleaner by hand, and will be used for removing the swirls and stubborn dirt. It will need worked in very well on each 1x1 area, and possibly 2-3 applications per area. It ***** to do a whole car, do not rush and do it all in one day. Maybe just do clean/polish if you want/wax a panel or two a day. You do not want to start rushing and let your results fade.

Deep Crystal #1 Cleaner is a milde cleaner, and would be used for future details when swirl removal, etc isnt needed.

4. Polish - Deep Crystal #2 Polish is a nice easy to use polish before waxing.

5. Wax - Pick your favorite wax, 2 thin coats of course.

As I said, you might want to break it up over a few days.

The cleaner/wax is also an option, to quickly get the area you ScratchX protected for a while as you do the rest of the car. Just ScratchX a few applications as needed, then apply the Cleaner/Wax.

[Jimmy The Detailer]

Re: ColorX or ScratchX or..

Applying a polish like DC2 or #7 on a white car is redundant, unless you're using something like #80 for paint correction.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: ColorX or ScratchX or..

I think your plan is ok. But after you scratch-x the needed areas, I would give the cleaner wax a try, then for your second coat of wax, apply the Gold Class.

This was the first combo of Meguiars that I ever used. I was very pleased with the results. Good luck, post some befores and afters when you are finished. Good Luck.