To polish or not to polish.

[LimeStang]

Hi Guys,

This is my first time posting a question. I hope I'm in the right place. I'm driving a Legend Lime 2005 Mustang GT. I think it's one of the nicest colors Ford ever created for these Mustangs (and rare too). It was only available on the 05-06 Stangs. It's my understanding that there's approximately 5,000 Legend Lime Mustangs produced for 2005. That's one of the reasons I'm trying to keep my car looking it's best.

I've been using Meguiar's waxes for a very long time and have always had great results. I'm always looking for newer and better ways to enhance the shine while also protecting the paint. Right now I'm using the NXT wax. I've been dabating whether or not I should be using a polish BEFORE applying the NXT wax. Some guys I've talked to claim that the polish brings out the color much better. Not sure whether I'll see much of a difference on a Lime colored car.

1. Usually, I go over the car with the Meguiar's Claybar to remove any **** that might be stuck to the surface. I might do this 1-2 times a year depending.

2. Afterwards I apply the NXT wax. I may give the car a coat once a month (during the summer months) Maybe I'm going overboard but I like the "just waxed" look. Also smells nice too!.

3. Between washes, I usually spray on the Quick Detailer and wipe it off using a microfibre towel. I've just started using the new Ultimate Quick Detailer and absolutely love it. It really does a nice job.

I was told a long time ago by a person who claimed to be a professional detailer that I could skip polishing the car provided that I applied a coat of wax after using a clay bar.

I was just wondering what the benefits are to using a polish and whether it's really necessary. If you guys think I should be using a polish, could you recommend one for me?. I assume that the polish is non-abrasive.

Any advice you could provide would be appreciated

Shaun

[gb387]

Re: To polish or not to polish.

Well, sounds like you have a good start on your process... IMO polishing will add to the end look of your vehicle. Even on a lighter colored vehicle you will see the difference!

Now, are you working by hand, PC or something else?
Are you trying to remove any swirls and/or fine scratches?

Now, if you like Quik Detailer you might have to give Meguiars Ultimate Quik Detailer a try, yes it costs a little more but it looks and feels killer!!


Have you seen this thread? Meguiar's Online List O' Links

[Derrick]

Re: To polish or not to polish.

To me polishing is definatly worth it. You will notice the difference in shine and feel of the vehicle. I would recommend #7 Show Car Glaze its my personal favorite and is non abrasive.

[LimeStang]

Re: To polish or not to polish.

Thanks for your help.....

gb387:
I usually wax the car by hand. I like it better than using a machine. I don't have any swirl marks or scratches on the car. The paint is in very good condition. Actually, it does have 2 very minor scratches on the hood which I'm going to try and have buffed out by a professional. It's not very deep but can only be seen in the shade. I just started using the Ultimate Quick Detailer recently and I agree that it's a great product.


Derrickg32069:
I'll have to check out my local car-care store and see whether they carry #7 Show Car Glaze. If it's unavailable, what other Meguiars polish would you recommend?. There's so many to choose from and I'm not really sure what the difference is between them all. I just want to make sure none of them are abbrasive. There's one that I've seen advertised in a purple bottle. I think it belongs to a set. Step 1, Step 2, Step 3, and so on. Any good?

So basically, after I go over the car with the claybar, I assume I should apply the polish followed by the wax?. I hear people talk about using a final sealant to protect the paint. I'm guessing that they are referring to the final coat of wax?.

[Derrick]

Re: To polish or not to polish.

Yes you are referring to the Deep Crystal System. It has 3 parts, DC1 Paint Cleaner, DC2 Pure Polish, DC3 Carnauba Wax. Usually #7 is pretty easy to find at local auto stores and if not DC2 Polish is also a pure polish with no abrasives and it is also a very good product that i would recommend if you are looking for a pure polish that's easy to find. Also when you hear people talking about a paint sealant they are basically referring to the wax step but using something like M21 2.0 Synthetic Sealant which is alot like NXT Gen Tech Wax 2.0 just in the Mirror Glaze line. You may also want to look into a good paint cleaner if necessary like DC1 or ScratchX if you are working by hand to remove any light below surface defects ( oxidation, swirls, scratches ect..) If you are going to use the paint cleaner to remove scratches i would suggest ScratchX over DC1. DC1 is a chemical cleaner compared to scratchX that uses diminishing abrasives to clean and remove light swirls and scratches. OK well i hope this helps

[LimeStang]

Re: To polish or not to polish.

Yes you are referring to the Deep Crystal System. It has 3 parts, DC1 Paint Cleaner, DC2 Pure Polish, DC3 Carnauba Wax. Usually #7 is pretty easy to find at local auto stores and if not DC2 Polish is also a pure polish with no abrasives and it is also a very good product that i would recommend if you are looking for a pure polish that's easy to find. Also when you hear people talking about a paint sealant they are basically referring to the wax step but using something like M21 2.0 Synthetic Sealant which is alot like NXT Gen Tech Wax 2.0 just in the Mirror Glaze line. You may also want to look into a good paint cleaner if necessary like DC1 or ScratchX if you are working by hand to remove any light below surface defects ( oxidation, swirls, scratches ect..) If you are going to use the paint cleaner to remove scratches i would suggest ScratchX over DC1. DC1 is a chemical cleaner compared to scratchX that uses diminishing abrasives to clean and remove light swirls and scratches. OK well i hope this helps

Hey,
Thanks for the additional advice. I'll go shopping for the #7 Polish tomorrow and see whether I can find it. I did a google search and it looks like the stuff comes in a beige colored bottle.

A few months ago my local automotive store had the Meguiars claybar kit on sale and it came with a bonus thing of "cleaner wax". It was neither the ScratchX or DC1. I guess it would do the job too, but I don't really have any problems with oxidation or swirls. On the other hand, it might come in handy for my sister's black 2002 Saturn which is full of swirls and scratches.

[cnfowler]

Re: To polish or not to polish.

I'll add to what's been said above. Polish will definitely make a difference. I use to only polish dark colored vehicles. Last year I figured I'd take a stab at it on a silver Buick. I honestly couldn't believe the end result. I used the polish off the DC line and topped it with NXT 2.0. The car nearly glowed. I couldn't stop looking at it. I was speechless. Since then, I've become a huge believer in polish no matter what color the vehicle is.

Also, the scratches on your hood don't sound very bad. Since you care about your car I'd hesitate taking it to a "professional" to have the scratches buffed out. All too often we hear about a "professional" buff-out going terribly wrong. Pick up some ScratchX and go at it with a terry cloth applicator and some passion. Do several applications until you get the results you are looking for. Remember to really work ScratchX in so the abbrasives have time to break down. I removed a 2.5" scratch from my 07 Toyota Tundra that was the result of a shopping cart attack. It took about 5 applications but the scratch is gone. It's worth a shot before paying anyone to touch your pride and joy.

[LimeStang]

Re: To polish or not to polish.

I'll add to what's been said above. Polish will definitely make a difference. I use to only polish dark colored vehicles. Last year I figured I'd take a stab at it on a silver Buick. I honestly couldn't believe the end result. I used the polish off the DC line and topped it with NXT 2.0. The car nearly glowed. I couldn't stop looking at it. I was speechless. Since then, I've become a huge believer in polish no matter what color the vehicle is.

Also, the scratches on your hood don't sound very bad. Since you care about your car I'd hesitate taking it to a "professional" to have the scratches buffed out. All too often we hear about a "professional" buff-out going terribly wrong. Pick up some ScratchX and go at it with a terry cloth applicator and some passion. Do several applications until you get the results you are looking for. Remember to really work ScratchX in so the abbrasives have time to break down. I removed a 2.5" scratch from my 07 Toyota Tundra that was the result of a shopping cart attack. It took about 5 applications but the scratch is gone. It's worth a shot before paying anyone to touch your pride and joy.

Thanks for the info...

I'm actually taking the car to the local Ford dealership. They have a guy at their bodyshop who specializes in this stuff. I figured I might be safer going through them in case they screw something up. At least they will be responsible to fix it (I'll make sure i get it in writing). They're charging me $50 and there's 4 light scratches on the hood that need to be done.

I agree that it's scary taking to some of these detailing shops. That's why I'm trying to do most of it myself. My sister's car (02 Saturn) has lots of scratches and I think I'll practice on her car with the SratchX

How abrasive is this SratchX?.

[Derrick]

Re: To polish or not to polish.

Well im not to sure where it is on the abrasive scale but i know its not that abrasive. It works well with light swirls and scratches but you will have to use alot of passion behind the pad ( elbow grease ) to remove defects like that. As you will hear alot of people say you should almost be rocking the vehicle. Another good thing about ScratchX is that it works with diminishing abrasives which break down the more you work the product and then finally just start to polish after the abrasives have broken down.

[Thriller]

Re: To polish or not to polish.

Derrickg32069:
I'll have to check out my local car-care store and see whether they carry #7 Show Car Glaze. If it's unavailable, what other Meguiars polish would you recommend?. There's so many to choose from and I'm not really sure what the difference is between them all. I just want to make sure none of them are abbrasive. There's one that I've seen advertised in a purple bottle. I think it belongs to a set. Step 1, Step 2, Step 3, and so on. Any good?

Canadian Tire carries #7, at least they did last year. I took a quick look at one a week or two back and it looks like they've shuffled what they carry a bit. If not, check out the dealers at http://www.meguiarscanada.com/index.php?_room=16
to see if there is anyone else local to you who carries Meguiar's products.

Good luck.

[LimeStang]

Re: To polish or not to polish.

Canadian Tire carries #7, at least they did last year. I took a quick look at one a week or two back and it looks like they've shuffled what they carry a bit. If not, check out the dealers at http://www.meguiarscanada.com/index.php?_room=16
to see if there is anyone else local to you who carries Meguiar's products.

Good luck.

Thanks..

I went to Canadian Tire tonight and they've got the #7 for about $13.00. They've also got the Deep Crystal Polish for the same price. I read both of the instructions but I can't tell the difference between them. They both seem to serve the same purpose.

[Murr1525]

Re: To polish or not to polish.

DC#2 is kind of the quick and easy to use polish. #7 is the top of the line, but will take just a little practice to get perfect. Basically it is most important to apply thin coats.