Using UC and SwirlX

[CieraSL]

If I use Ultimate Compound and SwirlX to remove light scratches and swirls, how many applications should I do of each? After that, should I use a polish or ColorX or neither and just go straight to a wax. Also, if I need to use a polish, should I use a pure polish or cleaner polish (I have the #2 polish in the DC system, but I'm not sure if that's a pure polish or a cleaner polish)? Thanks for your help!

[Megafast13]

Re: Using UC and SwirlX

Hey!

You use as many applications as possible to get the results you desire. Be sure to do a test spot first. You don't need to use ColorX if you are using UC and SwirlX. You can consider both of those cleaner polishes. You don't have to use a Pure polish either. It can enhance the gloss slightly on a darker colored car. (#2 from the DC Line is a Pure Polish FYI)

1.Wash
2. Clay
3. Ultimate Compound
4. SwirlX
5. NXT Tech Wax
6. UQD

I would certainly clay after washing.

The ColorX is stronger than the cleaner/wax you used, which can help. Although as mentioned, you may need a stronger product like the Ultimate Compound.

But it would still be good to have ColorX on your shelf if you intend to detail the car more frequently now.

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

Here are some general care links:

Suggested Products for Taking Care of a New Car

How to Wash Your Car Show Car Style

Here some links for how to work in a product to remove swirls/scratches/oxidation:

What it Means to Remove a Scratch

How To Remove Swirls By Hand

How To Remove a Bird Dropping Etching by Hand using M105 Ultra Cut Compound

How to correctly apply ScratchX to remove swirls and scratches

And here is one for ColorX:

1986 Ford Bronco II - Extreme Makeover

The most important thing about getting good results when using a paint cleaner to remove swirls is to first, do a Test Spot

After you confirm you're getting good results in your test spot then continue around the car working only small sections at a time and be sure to overlap a little into the previous section for uniform coverage.

Use a clean, foam applicator pad like one of these to apply your products,




Look at the section on the hood below, this was another member's test spot, in this case you can see they taped off a square section to do the test spot but you don't actually have to use painter's tape and tape off a section, you just want to make your test spot section about this size.





Each panel, panel = a door, or a hood, or a roof, etc, needs to be broken up into small sections, about a foot square and then each of these small sections needs to be rubbed-out meticulously, evenly and thoroughly in order to leave a uniform, clear finish. Then move onto the next section and repeat the process while overlapping a little into the previously worked section for UMR.

UMR = Uniform Material Removal.

By doing this you can restore a smooth, clear finish perfect for either final polishing or application of a wax or paint sealant.

If a person cannot invest 2-3 hours to do the cleaning step all at one time then a person could just work a panel at a time, that is clean, polish and wax just the hood in one detailing session and as time permits pick up where you left off and continue working around the car until the entire finish has been restored.


Also check out this thread,

Which products need to dry before removing?


After cleaning and polishing the paint, apply the wax or paint sealant of your choice. Apply a very thin coat and let it fully dry. Use the Swipe Test to determine when the wax is ready to remove.

The Swipe Test

[CieraSL]

Re: Using UC and SwirlX

Thanks MQM! That really helps me out a lot!