Cleaning process issues on Black CTS

[lexterminator]

Hey guys, I'm doing various test on my 2009 Cadillac CTS Black Raven (non-metallic paint). What a treat to maintain !

Before winter time I would at least do some steps on the paint. I bought a bunch of products so far.

Wash (Gold Class)
Clay bar if needed
Clean (not sure yet but I do have ColorX)
NXT 2.0 Wax
UQD

I'm having a very hard time with the cleaning process. Over the past weeks I did small tests with various products, ColorX, CleanWax, Malco Nano Care Polishing Creme (that cleans and polish), TurtleWax Black Box Wax Cleaner. CleanWax is less agressive and ColorX is decent if used gently. But they all do leave micro scratches when trying to work it in the paint. Every time I tried that it left tiny scratches, mind you, I'm looking at about 2 inches and using a Xenon light. After applying NXT and UQD I get stunning result though, like a mirror. I'm just wondering if it's expected to generate micro scratches or if I work it even more in the paint it should come out nice and without micro scratches ? I was never able to do that with any mild cleaner so far. If I gently use a pad with ColorX or CleanWax it doesn't add any additional scratches. But I'm wondering if I really clean the surface.

I was able to effectively correct some local swirls issues with my Porter Cable 7424 and SwirlX. But I'm trying to find a strategy to "clean" the car entirely before the NXT 2.0 job. At this moment I'm thinking more or a light cleaning by hand with ColorX. I'm afraid to use the DA all around for the cleaning process. I'm afraid it would leave micro swirls all around.

thanks for your input.

[Hemin8r]

Re: Cleaning process issues on Black CTS

Which pad were you using with your DA and how long are you working the product? I just worked on a CTS this weekend and didn't notice any micro-marring. http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37538

What has helped me on soft paint in particular is #66 on a W-9006 Meguiars pad. #66 I believe is similair to Color X. (Please correct me if I'm wrong Meguiars). My wife's car is a Dark colored Honda which has very soft paint and by using the above mentioned has worked for me.

[Blueline]

Re: Cleaning process issues on Black CTS

ColorX is decent if used gently. But they all do leave micro scratches when trying to work it in the paint.

All I use is ColorX and then #16. ColorX has never left micro scratches on my black vehicle, however I apply by hand but very "passionately". Perhaps it is the machine or pad causing your scratches.

[lexterminator]

Re: Cleaning process issues on Black CTS

Guys, tonight while doing more tests I had with me some ultra plush micro fiber towel (12"x12"). I washed a small section, clay bar, then I tried some CleanWax, no micro scratches this time. Then tried some Malco Nano Polish, still no additional scratches. Tried ColorX, no scratches. I'm glad I finally found something that doesn't create scratches. Because in my area I can't find any quality applicator pad, will try to find some at my next visit to US or through web order.

The most interesting test was certainly using my towel with ScratchX 2.0 on the tiny scratches I created during my older test. I applied medium pressure for about 30 secs and I could already see and feel the product working in. All the scratches were gone ! Soooooooooooooooooo happy ! I also tried some # 7 glaze with the towel and that worked great too. I won't be afraid anymore to gently "clean" my paint before waxing it.

So for anyone finding that terry or foam pads available in your area are creating scratches with polish or cleaners then give it a try with ultra plush micro fiber on a small area, it might work for you as well. Thanks