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**Mike Phillips** · Sep 7, 2004, 02:40 PM

Re: Newbie Tech Q's: PC, product, and skill

Originally posted by edub

QUESTIONS:

1. Is there any possible way I can hurt my car with the G-1000/PC 7424? My initial goal is to use it for quick Wax On (foam pad)/ Wax Off (ultimate bonnet) until I get comfortable with it (even though my car came with some light scratches and swirl marks). However, I've never used a PC/DA polisher before. Can a newbie really use it without hurting the paint at all? I don’t want to inflict any swirls, scratches, or holograms - I’d rather hand wax if there’s even the possibility. What about addressing light scratches and swirl marks? Can I address those without harming the finish? `

2. Is the G-100 compatible with all of the products I’ve listed above? (excluding the obvious items like spray wax, wheel spray cleaner, car wash, and QD) I’ve printed out Mike P's “G-100 Products, Recommended Pad, Speed” Spreadsheet, but I just want to be sure the compatibility extends to newbies. Are there any products I should apply by hand until I get comfortable with the G-100? I can deal with trying something and having it do nothing/not work, but my brain might implode if I actively inflict damage/swirls/scratches on my new car.

3. Are there any additional products I should add or remove from my list? For example, should I consider different pads? Are the bonnets appropriate for wax removal? Am I getting something I don’t need? Am I missing something obvious?

4. Which of the following should I buy? Clear Coat Body Scrub Paint Cleaner, or Deep Crystal System Paint Cleaner, or ScratchX, or Dual Action Cleaner Polisher, or Medallion Premium Paint Cleaner, or ColorX? Right now I am looking for something help with water spots. I don’t have any major scratches or swirls (just some of the "factory installed" swirls), but I’m sure I will soon. How would you rank these products from least to most abrasive? Do any have the possibility of hurting my paint if used incorrectly (vs. just not doing anything to help it?)

5. Can the Absorber be “wiped” across the car, or should it be “blotted”?

6. Can I wax my new car immediately? I just bought it 2 weeks ago and it’s a 2005 model. Any chance the paint hasn't’t cured yet?

I know this is a long email and will require a long response, but I sure would appreciate advice/answers. Until I bought this car 2 weeks ago, I had always washed my car with dish washing liquid, and dried it with bath towels (and didn't know better.) Now I do know better and I want to do something about it.

Thanks!

Question 1 Using the G-100 Dual Action Polisher, (also known as the PC), is very, very easy to use and while being extremely safe and easy.

Does this look hard?

Question 2 Of all of the products listed for cleaning, polishing and protecting paint, ScratchX is the only one Meguiar's does not recommend for machine application.

Question 3 and 4 Of the below listed items,

Products I Am Considering Ordering:
a) Meg’s G-100A (PC 7424) DA polisher kit w/ velcro backing plate (W-64DA) and foam Polishing Pad (W-8006) included.
b) Meg’s Set of 3 Polishing Pads (WDAV99-B)
c) 2 Ultimate Bonnets (M-9920)
d) Quick Clay Kit [or just clay] (G-1116)
e) One of the Following:
(1) Clear Coat Body Scrub Paint Cleaner, or
(2) Deep Crystal System Paint Cleaner, or
(3) ScratchX, or
(4) Dual Action Cleaner Polisher, or
(5) Medallion Premium Paint Cleaner, or
(6) ColorX

I would recommend getting a Grit Guard Insert

For paint cleaner and cleaner/polishes, if you want to do any work by hand, I would recommend ScratchX. For cleaning and polishing with the PC, I would recommend #80 Speed Glaze for light cleaning and polishing, down the road, if you need a more aggressive cleaner/polish, then pick up some #83 DACP. You might also consider either #82 Swirl Free Polish or #9 Swirl Remover 2.0, these are a little less aggressive than the #80 Speed Glaze. If you finish is in really excellent condition right now, (and it sounds like it is, then out of these three,

#80 Speed Glaze
#82 Swirl Free Polish
#9 Swirl Remover 2.0

The #9 is the least aggressive. Meguiar's philosophy for polishing paint is,

Always use the least aggressive product to get the job done"

#9 can be purchased in a 16 ounce bottle, whereas the smallest size the other two products come in are quarts. If you don't like the #9, or it isn't getting the job done, you can pick up a quart of one of the other items later.

Lot's of wash mitts. It's better to switch to a new wash mitt then to use a tatty, worn wash mitt on your car's finish if you're trying to do everything in your control to prevent instilling swirls and scratches.

Question 5 The Absorber requires a little technique to use correctly and get good results. You can wipe it easily across the vertical surfaces, you can blot with it, and for horizontal surfaces, I like to fold it in half, and then holding one end with both hands, draw it across the finish. I tend to follow-up dry with either a microfiber Waffle Weave drying towel, or a 100% cotton towel.

Question 6 It is perfectly safe to apply wax. As long as this is the original paint, it is completely cured as it is baked on at the factory. If it has been re-painted anywhere a long the line, (VPC, Vehicle Processing Center, or at the dealership because of transportation induced damage), then chances are good this paint is cured also.

Good questions, I'm sure others will chime in with their thoughts...

Mike

**gb387** · Sep 7, 2004, 02:56 PM

Here is somewhere to start... watch the "Power Polishing Clinic" video on the link below at meguiars web site.

Search Results | Meguiar's

http://www.meguiars.com/clinics/clinics_template.cfm

That might answer some questions on the PC, it also gives you some great tips.

On black all I have to say is NXT all the way! Look at the photos of my truck below... some of my combos are:

Here is my most recent detail:

1. Wash w/Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo & Conditioner
2. Clay w/Meguars Clay and Last Touch Spray Detailer
3. Wash w/Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo & Conditioner
4. #9 2.0 Swirl Remover
5. Body Shop Professional Hand Polish
6. NXT Generation Tech Wax (2 Coats)

I applied all products with my PC then removed all by hand with Microfiber towels, except the NXT, it was removed with a Ultimate Bonnet.

Other combos that I have had good luck with:

1. Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner
2. Body Shop Professional Hand Polish
3. NXT Generation Tech Wax (2 Coats)

Here is another:

1. Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner
2. Deep Crystal Polish
3. NXT Generation Tech Wax (2 Coats)

1. Is there any possible way I can hurt my car with the G-1000/PC 7424?

Unless you go totaly nuts you are not going to damage your paint. Its VERY easy to use and control watch the video above its very helpful

2. Is the G-100 compatible with all of the products I’ve listed above?

Dont think that you can use it with ScratchX.

4. Which of the following should I buy?

They always say start with the least agressive product. Thats why most of the time I stick with Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner as my first step from time to time I will use #9 2.0 Swirl Remover the nice thing about #9 is it polishes well too.

4. Are there any additional products I should add or remove from my list?

The Ulltimate Bonnets are worth EVERY penny! I like to use the Soft Buff® Foam Polishing Pads on the PC only for the paint cleaner then move on to the Soft Buff® Foam Finishing Pads for both the polishing step and waxing step. Also do you want to add some type of trim detailer like Gold Class Trim Detailer or NXT Generation Tech Protectant maybe a tire care product like Gold Class Endurance High Gloss or Gold Class Endurance?

5. Can the Absorber be “wiped” across the car, or should it be “blotted”?

I never wipe with my absorber. I feel that its to easy for something to get stuck betweeb the absorber and paint, then drag and scratch the paint. I only use a Waffle Weave Drying Towel on the paint.

There is some help... I am sure others will have lots to add!

I see mike added the "grit guard" to the line up. I have it and won't give it up. Works very well at keeping the dirt away from the wash mit and your paint! Its a must have on black.

**scrub** · Sep 7, 2004, 03:01 PM

Great topic!! I'll give it a go as much as I can...

1. Yes you can hurt the paint with improper techniques and or sand/grit getting between the pad and the paint. The PC simply reduces the risk associated with using a rotary buffer (e.g. burnt edges on body panels, holograms,...). You'll find the learning curve is pretty easy. Please understand how to use the products you choose to apply. Be aware of dry buffing. You can remove minor defects with the pc and the right product.

2. I think its ok with all the products minus Scratch X. Some members use with pc and have no problems. Again fully understand how to apply each product prior to use.

3. Nothing I see.

4. I'd buy Medallion Cleaner, ColorX, DACP, #80 speed glaze, and either #82 swirl free polish or #9 Swirl remover 2.0.

5. I've used the absorber and switched to Meguiar's Waffle Weave drying towel. Waffle Weave I didn't care for how the absorber contacted the paint surface. It seems to really drag across the surface.

6. That's a good question. I'd say it should be OK to wax. Dealer prep is mostly a wash and tire dressing application. Unless you purchased the paint care system or what ever they call it.

Good luck and keep us posted.

**edub** · Sep 9, 2004, 12:56 PM

Thanks

Thanks Mike P, gb387, and scrub.

I placed my order right after I read your posts. Can't wait for the new toys to get here!

And now here's a bonus round question:

I just bought a Thule Evolution 1600 roof box in black to go on my Subie and carry my snowboard gear in the winter. It's made from ABS plastic and the top half is a high gloss "automotive" finish, while the bottom is a textured matte black finish.

What product(s) would you suggest for cleaning and detailing the Thule? Bonus point if those can products can do double-duty on my car. And for extra credit, can I use the PC with those products on the Thule?

As always, Thanks in Advance.

-Eric

**Mike Phillips** · Sep 10, 2004, 05:28 PM

Re: Thanks

Originally posted by edub
Thanks Mike P, gb387, and scrub.

I placed my order right after I read your posts. Can't wait for the new toys to get here!

And now here's a bonus round question:

I just bought a Thule Evolution 1600 roof box in black to go on my Subie and carry my snowboard gear in the winter. It's made from ABS plastic and the top half is a high gloss "automotive" finish, while the bottom is a textured matte black finish.

What product(s) would you suggest for cleaning and detailing the Thule? Bonus point if those can products can do double-duty on my car. And for extra credit, can I use the PC with those products on the Thule?

As always, Thanks in Advance.

-Eric

Hi Eric,

For the high gloss portion of the Thule, you can use the same products you're using on your cars finis and apply and remove them the same way. For the textured, matte black finish, is this painted, or uncoated plastic?

If it's a flat black paint, then Meguiar's Gold Class Trim Detailer works pretty well on flat black paint, even though it's not specifically made for this surface. The technique for using this product on flat black paint is to apply a thin coat, work it in well and then remove any excess with a clean microfiber polishing cloth.

If it is a uncoated black matte plastic, then you can use this same product as it is specifically formulated for plastic trim.

Hope this helps...

Mike

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Newbie Tech Q's: PC, product, and skill

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