First time doing 5 step...

[N8sG6]

Ok, so I just purchased a G110 with 6 pads and I'm looking forward to finally giving my girl the good pampering she deserves. From what I've read (which is a bit) I have decided to go with the 5 step wash but I want to make sure I'm doing this right before I dive into it. I have a jet black G6 GTP that has some light swirls and 1 - 3 noticeable scratches (from idiots who don't pay attention). If you all could take a look as what I'm planning and give me any feedback, that's be great!!


1. Wash - two bucket method
2. Clay bar
3. Deep Crystal Paint cleaner
4. Scratch X 2.0
5. NXT 2.0 Liquid - two coats


Am I on the right track here? I assume that if won't have to do Scratch X 2.0 every time I wax and could probably replace that step with a polish, but not really sure. Thanks for helping this n00b along.

[fe91]

Re: First time doing 5 step...

If your going to Scratchx the whole car, then there's no point in using the DC1 pant cleaner.

I'd probably get Swirlx
just cause you get twice as much product for the same price,
but that's just me.

[CieraSL]

Re: First time doing 5 step...

Go ahead and get Swirl X and Ultimate Compound. That way you'll for sure be able to tackle the problem. DC1 probably isn't going to make much of a noticeable difference on the swirls, so you can skip it.

[N8sG6]

Re: First time doing 5 step...

Go ahead and get Swirl X and Ultimate Compound. That way you'll for sure be able to tackle the problem. DC1 probably isn't going to make much of a noticeable difference on the swirls, so you can skip it.

Wait, I thought the Swirl X wasn't as abrasive as the Scratch X 2.0? Can anybody confirm that? Sounds like I should trade in my unused bottle of Scratch X 2.0 for the Ultimate Compound instead.

Also, when do I need to use the Paint cleaner? Any Meg's reps out there care to make comment on any of the above?

[CieraSL]

Re: First time doing 5 step...

Swirl X is slightly less aggressive than Scratch X 2.0, however it is more formulated for doing a whole car, whereas Scratch X 2.0 is more for spot repair. However, should you choose to use Scratch X 2.0 for the whole car, then you may do so. Other people have.

Aggressiveness Order for New Consumer Products - This will surprise you!

Most aggressive to least aggressive -->

[Murr1525]

Re: First time doing 5 step...

You may even find it better to try and improve the bad scratches ( they may not be removable) with the UC by hand, then SwirlX everything.

Or, depending what stores you have available, you could go #105/#205 instead. Just buying a little bigger of a bottle, can be handy.

[N8sG6]

Re: First time doing 5 step...

Ok, after spending nearly all morning and a lot of the afternoon reading more on the site and taking the suggestions above into consideration, I've decided to modify my first time around:

1. Wash - two bucket method
2. Clay bar
3. Swirl X (If swirls are gone move to step 6, if they remain, move to 4 -> 5 -> 6)
4. Ultimate Compound
5. Swirl X
6. NXT 2.0 Liquid - two coats

After I have my swirls gone, I can then move back to the standard:

1. Wash - two bucket method
2. Clay bar
3. DC System Polish
4. NXT 2.0 Liquid - two coats
5. UQD

How does that sound?

[CieraSL]

Re: First time doing 5 step...

Sounds good. Don't forget to do a test panel and make that look good before you jump the gun and do the whole car.

[Murr1525]

Re: First time doing 5 step...

The first detail looks good, though as mentioned, you may want to hit the scratches by hand with UC first.

As for the second detail, you still probably want step 3 to be a cleaner/polish, just a mild one. Something like #80, or #205, etc. The DC Polish wont have any cleaning ability.

And yeah, definiate test spot, dont SwirlX the whole car, then find you want to do UC, then SwirlX again.

[N8sG6]

Re: First time doing 5 step...

What about the DC1 (Paint Cleaner) ?

The first detail looks good, though as mentioned, you may want to hit the scratches by hand with UC first.

As for the second detail, you still probably want step 3 to be a cleaner/polish, just a mild one. Something like #80, or #205, etc. The DC Polish wont have any cleaning ability.

And yeah, definiate test spot, dont SwirlX the whole car, then find you want to do UC, then SwirlX again.

[Murr1525]

Re: First time doing 5 step...

Well, the DC1 is being phased out, so I wouldnt get too attatched to it.

But yes, it is a mild cleaner, and would work.

SwirlX, #80, and #205 are all cleaner/polishes though, so they also save you a step.

[CieraSL]

Re: First time doing 5 step...

DC1 is the least aggressive of all the Meguiar's paint cleaners, so it has very little correction capability. Which is precisely why it's being discontinued, because it's being replaced with Scratch X 2.0, Swirl X, and Ultimate Compound.

[N8sG6]

Re: First time doing 5 step...

Ok, so anytime I'm doing anything besides only washing the car in between pampering, I need to:

1. Wash - two bucket method
2. Clay bar
3. Swirl X / #80 / #205
4. NXT 2.0 Liquid - two coats
5. UQD

80 and 205 are probably not readilly available in my area so I guess I'll stick with Swirl X unless I can find some 80 or 205 online for a good price.

I think I've got a winning combo. I'll let you know how it turns out.

[Murr1525]

Re: First time doing 5 step...

Well, "need" is a strong word, but yeah, wash, clay, cleaner/polish, wax is a solid plan.

After future washes, you might like to follow up with the UQW.