• If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Just want to make sure I've got my steps down.

Collapse
X
Collapse
 
  • Page of 1
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
Previous template Next
  • #1

    Just want to make sure I've got my steps down.

    I just picked up a new (to me) 2007 Mazda CX-9, silver with gray/black trim and 20" painted wheels.

    I haven't washed it yet, it's only been washed (if that's what you want to call it) by the dealer. The paint is super rough to the touch, so it's obvious it was never really cared for. I did a test clay bar area with Quick Detailer and the difference is night and day.

    So here's my plan:

    Wash with Gold Class car wash using two bucket system and a lamb's wool wash mitt
    Dry with chamois and Water Magnet
    Clay bar with Ultimate Quik Detailer
    Wash again
    One round of SwirlX
    NXT Tech Wax 2.0

    And I missing anything?

    I've got some tan plastic interior pieces (the A-pillars) that have some dark marks on them. I've already tried the Meguiar's Quik interior detailer, but it didn't remove anything. What else can I try on the tan trim to clean it off?

    Also, I've got a few others areas the need attention. Some scratches/scuffs, and a few rock chips. I don't think the SwirlX will get rid of the scratches/scuffs, but would ScratchX 2.0 work?

    And I've been reading up on the rock chips. Looks like I need to clean out the chips with some 3000 grit wet paper, then some alchohol, then use a toothpick to apply light layers of touch up paint, then clear coat, and then wet sand the immediate area and then use Ultimate Compound??

    I appreciate any tips!
    www.reflectionsautodetailing.biz
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Re: Just want to make sure I've got my steps down.

    Post some pics of the car and the problem areas
    Sudzontherun serving all of the Tri-state Area

    Comment

    • #3
      Re: Just want to make sure I've got my steps down.

      Don't forget to do a test spot. For my vehicle using SwirlX was not enough, even Ultimate Compound was difficult. I ordered some M105 and had to do two passes with it to get the job done! (Followed with M205)

      In contrast, SwirlX may be too rough on your finish and leave some haze. you wouldn't want to do the entire car and discover this after.

      Comment

      • #4
        Re: Just want to make sure I've got my steps down.

        Originally posted by LelandGray View Post

        So here's my plan:

        Wash with Gold Class car wash using two bucket system and a lamb's wool wash mitt
        Dry with chamois and Water Magnet
        Clay bar with Ultimate Quik Detailer
        Wash again
        One round of SwirlX
        NXT Tech Wax 2.0

        And I missing anything?
        We don't recommend UQD as a clay lube. You're much better off with either Quik Detailer in the red bottle, or Last Touch diluted 1:1 with water. Also, there should be no need to wash the car a second time following the clay process. And if the surface is as rough as you describe you may want to pick up the C2000 Mild Professional Clay to help you out. Of course, if you tested with the consumer clay from the Smooth Surface Clay Kit and did the trick, then all the better.

        Originally posted by LelandGray View Post
        I've got some tan plastic interior pieces (the A-pillars) that have some dark marks on them. I've already tried the Meguiar's Quik interior detailer, but it didn't remove anything. What else can I try on the tan trim to clean it off?
        M39 Heavy Duty Vinyl Cleaner should do it, and you can most likely pick it up at NAPA

        Originally posted by LelandGray View Post
        Also, I've got a few others areas the need attention. Some scratches/scuffs, and a few rock chips. I don't think the SwirlX will get rid of the scratches/scuffs, but would ScratchX 2.0 work?
        This actually dovetails into your outlined process: you don't know for sure what's going to work until you test something. On some vehicles SwirlX is all that needed, others need something a bit stronger if the paint is much harder and/or the defects are more severe. You may find that Ultimate Compound is called for on this initial correction. Are you working by hand, D/A or some other tool?

        Originally posted by LelandGray View Post
        And I've been reading up on the rock chips. Looks like I need to clean out the chips with some 3000 grit wet paper, then some alchohol, then use a toothpick to apply light layers of touch up paint, then clear coat, and then wet sand the immediate area and then use Ultimate Compound??

        I appreciate any tips!
        Have you ever wet sanded before? Sanding marks can prove difficult to remove without use of a rotary buffer, and that's a skill set all its own.
        Michael Stoops
        Senior Global Product & Training Specialist | Meguiar's Inc.

        Remember, this hobby is supposed to be your therapy, not the reason you need therapy.

        Comment

        • #5
          Re: Just want to make sure I've got my steps down.

          I'll be working by hand at first, I don't have a D/A yet.

          I don't have a rotary buffer, and I've never used one, but I'm willing to learn. I haven't tried wet sanding, either. I've got a 1998 Honda Accord that I can practice on before I do anything major to the CX-9.

          Thanks for the input!
          www.reflectionsautodetailing.biz

          Comment

          Previous template Next
          Your Privacy Choices
          Working...
          X