Is this the correct process for new black paint

[Deeve]

Hello, I've washed my car using the methods told to me in my previous post...

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3708

After cleaning it and looking it over really well I can see lots of little scratches going in all directions along with circular markings that you see in lots of the photos of black cars. There are also water spots that make the paint look dull and were there after I dried the car with a cotton towel so I think they are on the paint before the wash. I can see them as I dry the car off. I tried taking photos of these but cannot get them to come out so you can see them.

As a side note in my previous post I mentioned some rub marks and have a picture of them there. I got most of that out my hand using Scratch X, so I think it will turn out great with the PC Polisher.

I now have a PC 7336SP polisher with two pads and some product. I have Scratch X, Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner. Deep Crystal Polish and NXT Wax (using NXT wash too)

I would like to get rid of the small scratches, water marks and swirls along with deepening the color. Are these the correct products to you. Oh, the paint does feel smooth to the touch...it is a new car that was built in December of last year so I don't think I need the clay on it.

Also, would it be bad to wax it if I cannot get to polishing the whole vehicle in one sitting? Will the Paint Cleaner and Polish work in the future ok with the wax on or is there some type of stripper I need to use?

Thanks!

Dave

[Teak]

What kind of vehicle? Any pictures? What has been the previous paint care routine?


Eric

[Deeve]

Its an 2004 Mustang Mach 1. I have a few photos on the linked post but nothing that shows really what I am talking about. The areas that I want to clean up I can't seem to get to show up in a photo.

As far a previous care....it was car dealer care so pretty minimal I would guess.

Dave

[gb387]

I can answer a couple of your questions...

...Oh, the paint does feel smooth to the touch...

Yes it should if it doesn't you need to clay the car. Even if its new it can still have bonded contaminates (mine did) as the dealers don't care for them all that well on the lot. This Quik Clay Detailing System will do the job.

As for the other products... I have found the Deep Crystal Cleaner to be a very good product I have always liked it and still use it. This should remove any previous wax even wax you just applied.

The Deep Crystal Polish is also a good product but at times I have found it hard to work with especially on black. You MUST apply it in a small area and them remove it, don't let it dry thats the key or it will be hard to remove. But it will do the job!

I have found that both Deep Crystal Products work well with the PC.

I think I mentioned this before but... I know I too had the same fine scratches on my truck when I bought it, I think they are a standard Dealer install option on all black vehicles. It has taken some time but I have dramatically reduced them but not eliminated them. Once you get use to the PC and meguiars products you may want to try some products in the pro line. On my truck #81 in place of Deep Crystal Polish has really improved the look.

To help keep the scratches down... make sure you use some high quality towels and wash mits.

[Deeve]

Thanks for the advice! I have the PC but no appropriate pads yet. I did work on the hood a little with the cleaner and polish on by hand before putting some wax on just to see how it looks. From a distance it looks great but if I get real close I can see lots and lots of water spots. I am thinking that the PC will take care of most of those when I get some pads. I'm planning on getting some 8006 for the cleaner and polish with a 9006 for the wax. I'll either remove the wax by hand or get the bonnet for the PC.

Oh, and I can feel some little bumps on the paint so I bet that a clay bar would do me some good.

This is all a pain but I am loking forward to getting it looking great. The sad part is that winter is coming here is Oregon so it will get covered by rain most of the time...maybe I'll wait until spring to really work on it so that I can appreciate the hard work.

As a side note...some nice citizen left a really nice chip from their car door on my fender that I have to now try and fix. Its right next to the 40th badge so it might take some work. I'll probably just touch it up and not worry about wet sanding it yet. These little dings are bound to happen...at least the first one it out of the way.

Dave

[Tim Lingor]

Hi Dave,

If I may also suggest, you should also pick up some Meguiar's #83 Dual Action Cleaner Polish as well as #80 Speed Glaze. These two products will also assist you in removing some of the deeper swirls and water marks.

Good luck and keep us posted!!

Tim

[Chris Nemlich]

You may want to consider this new package:

The *Essentials* for Meguiar's G-100 Holiday Kit

It includes both products that Tim mentioned above plus 2 great waxes, some professional clay, and a couple pads and bonnets to get you started. Plus you get free shipping with the package so I would suggest adding a couple more pads for the PC.

#83 and #80 are to be used with the PC.

Chris