Newb Question about Swirl X and Polishes

[NecioVato]

Hey guys,
The whole detailing thing is pretty new to me and I'm pretty excited to try some of the products that Meguiar's has etc. I've seen some of the pics some of you have put up (Bluher in particular) and the results are amazing to say the least.

Well, to my question. I'm wondering if Swirl X works as a polish or would a polish have to be applied once you get done using the Swirl X? After looking at the 5 step cleaner process; I do have the cobwebs/swirls that was pictured so I'm leaning toward using Swirl X on it to take it out, etc....too aggressive or should this be fine?

My overall plan is to:

Wash
Claybar
Wash again
Swirl X the car
Polish
Wax to seal it.

On a side note; should the claybar get rid of this:
*link was broken

*link was broken


I know I have a lot of questions and I've been lurking on the forum for a couple of weeks but haven't been able to find answers to my exact questions. Just want to say thanks; I appreciate all the information.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Newb Question about Swirl X and Polishes

Hi Necio-

I noticed that the links were not working in your post. The forum you tried to host the pictures on will not let visitors view them, so they wouldn't work here.

Meguiar's has our own server to host images for free, and it never limits uploads. Please give it a shot with our server and we can take a look at your issues.

Thanks!

Mark

[Murr1525]

Re: Newb Question about Swirl X and Polishes

Pics would help with the surface problems, but the general steps for now would be:

1. Wash
2. Clay - Smooth Surface Clay kit, maybe an extra QD bottle.
3. Clean - SwirlX. This will not be too agressive, who knows, may need something stronger.
4. Polish - Optional, since SwirlX is a cleaner/polish. But Deep Crystal Polish is easy to use.
5. Wax - Your favorite wax.
6. Wax - 2 thin coats are best.
7. Maintain - Ultimate Quick Wax is good after future washes

[NecioVato]

Re: Newb Question about Swirl X and Polishes

Cool..thanks guys....I'm trying the upload images now.

Here is one spot:


Here's the other spot:



Both of these spots are on the hood and to be honest; one doesn't see them unless they are close to the car, etc. But since I see them everytime I wash my car or see my car; it's just something I would love to remove.

I do have 2 more questions (forgive the newb):
1. When you claybar your car; I've always have seen the videos on the hood and I understand the sliding it up and down and not side to side. My question is how do you claybar the sides; do you go from top to bottom or can you go side to side?

2. Since I don't have the ability to wash my car at home (apt living ya know); is it okay to just use the high pressure hose and the soap it dispenses (I'm not sure how it would fly if I brought my bucket/and soap myself, and used it to wash it off, etc).

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Newb Question about Swirl X and Polishes

Hi Necio-

For those two "spots," they look as if they may be fairly deep - particularly the first one. I would try some ScratchX 2.0 and a foam applicator and see if it budges.

When using a claybar the direct is really not important at all - just do whatever feels and fits best for the area you are working on. The way the clay works, it just needs to be dragged over the paint - it doesn't discriminate in terms of direction

As for the DIY car washes, just uses high pressure soap and water never really did the full job for me. I used to visit DIY car washes often, but that is the key. At best, if you go no more than 2-3 days, you can get away with a quick rinse off (always finish with the spot-free water) and DO NOT touch/dry the car afterward.

If you do the full wash, I would never use the supplied brush. I go to my local DIY late at night when there are no lines, then if I bring a bucket it won't bother anyone.

Just a thought.

[NecioVato]

Re: Newb Question about Swirl X and Polishes

Mark,

thanks for the input; I will look to try some of those products next weekend (weather here has been completely crazy). One question; should I claybar first and then try the scratch-x?

I know on another forum; they suggested vinegar/water and that seemed to work by lightening it so a lot of the people suggested claybarring the car to probably completely remove it.

I'm figuring I'll pick up some scratch-x and then do a claybar and then apply scratch-x onto it to see if i can completely remove it. Afterwards; I apply the swirl-x, then polish then wax. What do you think?

[Murr1525]

Re: Newb Question about Swirl X and Polishes

Yeah, clay first, then ScratchX, SwirlX, etc.

[amgine27]

Re: Newb Question about Swirl X and Polishes

subscribing

[NecioVato]

Re: Newb Question about Swirl X and Polishes

Hey guys; well I went ahead and detailed my ride this past weekend. Figured the weather was good and figured...might as well try it. I have to admit; the one thing that I thought would be difficult was actually not at all...which was using the claybar. I pretty much did what everyone suggested; handwashed the car at the local spray washer near the house (it was almost 10pm when I started); and then clayed the car, rewashed and then I drove her home (less than 2min away) and applied the scratch-x to the weird marks on my car.

I have to admit; it really lightened up the spots; one of them is completely gone. I did have a lot of swirls or scratches on my car. And those I THOUGHT I took out but in the end; I think it only lightened those up. For the most part; I'm happy with it but I would like to see if I can completely remove the swirls.

Is it possible to completely remove the swirl marks or maybe I'm confusing what I think are swirl marks with actual scratches from using the brush at the local wash place (I don't do this anymore). If the swirl/scratches have been lightened up...is this the best I can expect or should I try Ultimate Compound.

[Murr1525]

Re: Newb Question about Swirl X and Polishes

They can likely be removed.

Can certainly try some UC. Can also try focusing on a bit smaller of an area to work the product into.