Avoiding Swirls/Marring/Scratches

[Padma]

I posted this on Detail City, but thought I would also bring it over here since seeing some of the sweet makeovers done on this site.
I know I don't have ALL Meg's products, but hey, I try.


Hey guys/gals, been lurking for a while and decided to post finally regarding my new#1 fear, swirls and webs. I've been doing my own cars (03 Corolla and 95 Civic Coupe) for a while now and my family pays me some decent money to do their cars now and then, but after reading so many forum posts I have become a bit more timid and want to make sure I improve my work and methods before doing any more cars. I haven't caused damage yet, but I as I do more and use different products I want to make sure I don't in the future.

So my question/s is/are:

What are the top things to do/avoid to make sure you do not harm a vehicles finish? I know this is pretty straight forward stuff, but I just want to see if there is anything I'm missing.

I could also use product recommendations for my cars and for basic detailing jobs.

My cars:

03 Corolla S
Black, decent finish with some scratches and swirls (left in Ohio winter for 2 years now and also been taken to a reg. car wash once, I know I'll never do it again.

95 Civic EX
Teal/Green
Poor car has been abused by hail and been sitting for a while so it hasn't got the best finish. There are hail dimples all over, it has plenty of oxidation and swirls from being my main car as an under 20 year old not knowing how to take care of her.

Current Products:

Meguiars 1, 2, 3
Mother's Cal. Gold Clay Bar/quick detailer
Meguiars Deep Crystal Car Wash

Terry Cloth Towels
Foam Buffer Pads (how long are these supposed to last I got one that ripped already)
MF for windows

I have a cheap orbital that I got from pep boys I use now and then

I want to check out some products, like #7 and #9, not to mention some of the PB products everyone raves about, but I am on a limited budget and it's not practical to buy and test everything.

So, I know this is a bunch of q's packed into one thread, but any replies would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Mike Phillips]

Re: best way to avoid Swirls/Marring/Scratches?

Originally posted by Padma
So my question/s is/are:

What are the top things to do/avoid to make sure you do not harm a vehicles finish? I know this is pretty straight forward stuff, but I just want to see if there is anything I'm missing.

Meguiar's teaches,

1. Evaluate the finish
2. Choose the right product for the job
3. Use good technique

When it comes to avoiding swirls, always use the highest quality products you can find that you are going to touch the finish with. I know this is simple, but it's factual. This includes your wash mitts, your drying towels, your applicator pads, both for hand use and machine use and the towels and polishing cloths your remove your product with.

Meguiar's has introduced an entire line of accessories that will be available starting in late February, I think if you check out some of the new tools we're introducing you'll find a couple you like.

I could also use product recommendations for my cars and for basic detailing jobs.

My cars:

03 Corolla S
Black, decent finish with some scratches and swirls (left in Ohio winter for 2 years now and also been taken to a reg. car wash once, I know I'll never do it again.

95 Civic EX
Teal/Green
Poor car has been abused by hail and been sitting for a while so it hasn't got the best finish. There are hail dimples all over, it has plenty of oxidation and swirls from being my main car as an under 20 year old not knowing how to take care of her.

Current Products:

Meguiar's 1, 2, 3
Mother's Cal. Gold Clay Bar/quick detailer
Meguiar's Deep Crystal Car Wash

Terry Cloth Towels
Foam Buffer Pads (how long are these supposed to last I got one that ripped already)
MF for windows

I have a cheap orbital that I got from pep boys I use now and then

I want to check out some products, like #7 and #9, not to mention some of the PB products everyone raves about, but I am on a limited budget and it's not practical to buy and test everything.

So, I know this is a bunch of q's packed into one thread, but any replies would be appreciated.

Thanks

I would look at getting and trying out some Meguiar's ColorX for restoring neglected finishes in one step by hand or machine. You also might want to add ScratchX to your arsenal for removing defects by hand, and either some #80 Speed Glaze, or some #83 Dual Action Cleaner Polish for use by machine.

NXT Tech Wax works great on any finish and Meguiar's recently reformulated Gold Class and so far all the reviews are positive.

Also, if you don't have a dual action polisher, you might look at investing in one of these tools, they work better than traditional orbital buffers and create results usually not attainable by hand form most people.

Hope this helps...

Mike