Application of Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner

[darthkir]

Guys,

I have just detailed my car using the Deep Crystla Paint Cleaner for surface prep on my new car. I still see fine swirl marks under light.

My question;

1. Is this due to wrong technique used?
2. Must i apply more pressure to get better result?
3. Or is it because of too little amount being used?
4. Is the Black & Decker KP600 good for home use?

Thanks!

[searle]

Re: Application of Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner

DC1 is a paint cleaner more than a paint defect removal tool. That said, it can remove very light swirls, which it sounds like you have. I suspect you may just need to work it a little more, being just a little more aggressive (a little more pressure and/or speed) without getting carried away. Also, the type of pad you use can significantly affect how much action results.

Not being a professional detailer nor experienced in defect removal, I will defer to the real experts ...

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Application of Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner

DC Paint Cleaner is quite mild, so depending on how severe the defects are and how hard the paint is (which is a HUGE variable) it may simply not be strong enough, or you didn't use it aggressively enough. If you've seen some improvement you could use a second application of DC Paint Cleaner, or you could step up to something like SwirlX or even Ultimate Compound to get through those defects more quickly and effectively.

[darthkir]

Re: Application of Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner

DC Paint Cleaner is quite mild, so depending on how severe the defects are and how hard the paint is (which is a HUGE variable) it may simply not be strong enough, or you didn't use it aggressively enough. If you've seen some improvement you could use a second application of DC Paint Cleaner, or you could step up to something like SwirlX or even Ultimate Compound to get through those defects more quickly and effectively.

Thanks michael. Can the scratchx be used like the swirlx? Or is it meant only for isolated scratches?

[Murr1525]

Re: Application of Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner

ScratchX can be used everywhere also. Hopefully you mean the ScratchX 2.0, that will work best, and be a step stronger than SwirlX.

[Caress Detailing]

Re: Application of Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner

I would say go Swirl-X first before touching Scratch X. Swirl-X is pretty good and already has polish and uses SMAT so you could pretty much go to an LSP after you get your results. Scratch-X CAN be used everywhere, but IMO it's pretty aggressive and should be used on sections instead.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Application of Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner

ScratchX 2.0 falls between SwirlX and Ultimate Compound in aggressiveness. If you're working by hand or with a D/A or orbital polisher, don't worry about it being overly aggressive. If it's what you have on hand, or have available to you, then by all means go for it. If you only have the original version of ScratchX you can give that a shot as well - it is a bit more aggressive than DC Paint Cleaner and may well be all you need to remove those swirls.

[darthkir]

Re: Application of Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner

I have the scracthx 2.0. I will try it this weekend.

[darthkir]

Re: Application of Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner

BTW, I am still unsure as to properly know when to re-wax. How do I find out? And once I decide to re-wax, must I paint clean again?

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Application of Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner

How long any wax or sealant lasts is dependent on a lot of variables - rain, high heat, exposure in general. A car that is kept in the garage all the time and only taken out a few nice weekends per year will see a wax last much longer than one that is parked outside 24 hours a day, is driven in a lot of rain or snow & salt. How well prepared the surface is will also dictate the life expectancy of a wax. If the car is in serious need of claying but you don't bother with that step, not only won't your wax last as long, but it will be more difficult to apply and remove. So on one car a wax may last 6 months, and on another the exact same wax may only last one month.

There are a couple of little indicators that your wax is getting thin - ball up a clean terry towel and press it against the paint, then twist it. If it slips and turns very easily and without any sound, then you're wax is still there. If it squeaks then your wax is either very thin or gone. Also, if you use a mist and wipe product like Quik Detailer, Ultimate Quik Detailer, Last Touch, etc and it starts to become difficult to wipe of cleanly, then your wax is almost gone.

You do not necessarily to clay and paint clean every time you want to apply a wax. If you clay, paint clean to near perfection and then wax this weekend you may find that you can wax several times in the next year without having to do clay & clean first. It all depends on how well you maintain the vehicle between wax applications. Regular use of a quick detailer to remove light dust, pollen, etc will help to prevent those things from bonding to the paint. Washing weekly, and keeping the vehicle garaged at night help a lot too. Basically, when you're getting ready to wax again, wash the car thoroughly and then evaluate it carefully. Feel if the surface is rough and needs to be clayed. Visually inspect under strong light to look for any below surface defects that may need addressing. If everything looks and feels fine, then just go ahead and wax. If the paint starts to feel rough, clay it. If doesn't feel rough but you're seeing swirls, skip the clay and just use a paint cleaner. It all depends, and it's all up to you to evaluate your vehicle's finish on a regular basis.