Advice on Detailing

[Simon777]

Re: Advice on Detailing

I've never used this, but the worker at O'Reilly's highly recommended this and even showed me a headlight he used it on. Its the 3M Headlight lens restoration system and it prefers a drill with 1200-1600rpm, but I only have a drill capable of 850rpm.

For anyone with experience, is it alright to use my drill?

[Simon777]

Re: Advice on Detailing

If you are using an orbital buffer, then SwirlX may be a much better choice than M205, although M205 is listed as a product designed for the orbital buffer.

I once used a 10" 3300OPM orbital buffer that was essentially a Dual Action Polisher (it orbits and rotates at the same time) to correct swirls using a cotton bonnet and SwirlX. The combo removed the swirls fairly well. However that depends on the severity of the defects you are dealing with.

You do not really need a polish prior to applying a wax. Some people like it, but some also theorized otherwise. Personally, I wash off all the polishing oils before applying waxes or sealants, and I still get excellent gloss and shine from my surfaces.

I have that same orbital buffer, works great. There are no severe defects on the paint, just swirl scratches. The car is black by the way. I always thought you put polish prior to wax to restore the paint's oils and then trap them with the wax.

[Andy M.]

Re: Advice on Detailing

Unless your car is black/dark, or single stage, you likely wont see much change after SwirlX.

Not really sure about this Mat. Do you have an example of this?

Andy

[the_invisible]

Re: Advice on Detailing

If you are using an orbital buffer, then SwirlX may be a much better choice than M205, although M205 is listed as a product designed for the orbital buffer.

I once used a 10" 3300OPM orbital buffer that was essentially a Dual Action Polisher (it orbits and rotates at the same time) to correct swirls using a cotton bonnet and SwirlX. The combo removed the swirls fairly well. However that depends on the severity of the defects you are dealing with.

You do not really need a polish prior to applying a wax. Some people like it, but some also theorized otherwise. Personally, I wash off all the polishing oils before applying waxes or sealants, and I still get excellent gloss and shine from my surfaces.

[Murr1525]

Re: Advice on Detailing

Unless your car is black/dark, or single stage, you likely wont see much change after SwirlX.

[Simon777]

Re: Advice on Detailing

Instead of using the Deep Crystal 1 and 2 products, try substituing them with a product called SwirlX. It is a cleaner polish that works quite well by hand.


From my personal experience, reinforced by the facts outlined to me by the MOL administrator, you will not maximize the benefits of M205 unless you are using a rotary. If you are applying your products by hand or by the DA, SwirlX is the more ideal choice. I now mainly reserve M205 for jeweling with the rotary and a finishing pad. As an ultra finishing polish, M205 is simply too expensive to be used as a swirl remover with a polishing pad, personally.



I would consider SwirlX in place of Meguiar's Deep Crystal Step 1 and Step 2 products.

Sorry, I meant to put that, but typed step 1 Paint Cleaner instead(I used to use this). Wouldn't I need a layer of Step 2 polish before waxing? That would give the paint a little more shine right?

I have an orbital buffer.

[Murr1525]

Re: Advice on Detailing

How are you applying the products?

[the_invisible]

Re: Advice on Detailing

Instead of using the Deep Crystal 1 and 2 products, try substituing them with a product called SwirlX. It is a cleaner polish that works quite well by hand.


From my personal experience, reinforced by the facts outlined to me by the MOL administrator, you will not maximize the benefits of M205 unless you are using a rotary. If you are applying your products by hand or by the DA, SwirlX is the more ideal choice. I now mainly reserve M205 for jeweling with the rotary and a finishing pad. As an ultra finishing polish, M205 is simply too expensive to be used as a swirl remover with a polishing pad, personally.



I would consider SwirlX in place of Meguiar's Deep Crystal Step 1 and Step 2 products.

[Simon777]

I'm about to start detailing my 1999 300m and plan on using these steps:

1) Meguiars Clay Kit
2) Ultimate Compound (1 or 2 passes)
3) SwirlX (1 pass)
4) Step 2 DC Polish (1 pass)
5) NXT 2.0 Wax (2 passes) (how long should I wait between layers?)

I really wanted to use meguiar's M205 in between steps 3 and 4, but I've already checked 4 auto stores and no one has it. How much am I missing out on by not using M205?

Oh, and any criticism toward my steps before I start would be apprecited.