swirl x AND 3 step system?

[blacksilverado]

I just bought a used black truck. Upon close inspection I saw the dreaded swirls and fine lines covering the entire truck. It looks like the past owner used a stiff brush to wash the truck, it has fine long lines covering it. My question is can I use swirl x and then do the three step system of paint cleaner, deep cyrstal polish and then wax? Does it make sense to use swirl x and then the cleaner? Are they essentially the same thing? Which is more aggressive?
I will be doing this all by hand

[Mike Phillips]

Re: swirl x AND 3 step system?

If you use SwirlX you don't have to use the paint cleaner in the Deep Crystal 3-Step System, that is you only need to use one paint cleaner, not two.

If you're working by hand might as well get the Ultimate Compound as it will work faster with better results for removing the amount of scratches you have to remove over the large panels of a full size truck.

After using Ultimate Compound you can probably go straight to wax.

First thing you want to do though is get a paint cleaner, go pick up a bottle of SwirlX or Ultimate Compound, or get both, and then do this,

TEST SPOT

Doing A Test-Spot

Before going over the entire car, see if you can make just one small section look good, that is apply the product you're planning on using over the entire car to just one small section about a foot squared or so. Work it in and then wipe it off, then apply the polish, work it in but not as much as the compound because now you're not trying to remove paint, just spread the product out, then immediately wipe it off, then apply the wax and let it fully dry and then wipe it off.

Now inspect our results. Make sure you can make one small section look GREAT before going over then entire car. If you can't make one small section look GREAT you won't be able to make the entire car look GREAT.

Make sense?

It should look like this,




And if you're having any problems, the post back here after the test section and we'll help you tweak your technique to insure you get it right.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: swirl x AND 3 step system?

Have you ever rubbed-out a clear coat paint job by hand?

[blacksilverado]

Re: swirl x AND 3 step system?

Thank you for the response.
I have been using meguiars products for many years now on my last black truck. I always did the three step system.
Last weekend I taped one of my panels off and did this:
wash
clay
swirl x
paint cleaner
polish
wax

It turned out good. It really diminished the fine scratches and made paint much darker compared to the rest of the truck.

So you think I should
wash
clay
compound
polish
wax

will i have to use a less agressive product after the compound to smooth things up?

[Murr1525]

Re: swirl x AND 3 step system?

Think of it as:

1. Wash
2. Clay as needed
3. Clean - UC or SwirlX or DC1 or some other cleaner as needed
4. Polish
5. Wax
6. Wax - 2 thin coats are best

So, in this case for paint coreection, UC is where you would start. You will have to just inspectthe finish after using UC on your test spot. It should be pretty darn good.

Remember to do a test spot or test panel to make sure you have the right technique before wiping it all over the entire truck.