Am I doing things right?

[Leeps]

If it matters, the car is a Black Acura TL-S
1. I wash with a car wash solution and use a bucket with a dirt trap
2. Still a rookie to clay, but I think I am getting it - keep it slippery
3. Currently I use #9 swirl remover and an orbital buffer to apply, I
remove it with a microfiber towel
3.a. A friend told me #9 was too abrasive. Said #2 or something
was better
4. I use Meguiars hi-tech yellow paste wax #26. I apply by hand and I
remove by hand. I like the results, but the removal is a real pain.
The I typically notice a haze when I see it in the sun and I find myself
constantly following around with a microfiber towel trying to remove
the haze. I don't mind applying by hand, but I need a better removal
process. OR am I not using the right product?

Finally should I remove and apply with a buffer? Is there a difference between Meguiars' electric or air powered? I have a compressor.
If so, what kind of pads should I use to apply or remove product?

Thanks - kinda going nuts!

[Murr1525]

Re: Am I doing things right?

1. Wash- 2 buckets would be better. And of couse we are hoping for a Meguiars soap...

2. Clay - good. Shouldnt need it every time, but depends on your environment.

3. Clean/Polish - #9 is very mild, if you like it, good. Can also try #205 if you feel like it. What are you applying with?

4. Wax - You are applying, and then letting the wax dry? Sounds like it is being applied a bit thick, most people do. Only need a very thin layer of excess, and then it will also dry completly more quickly. 2 thin coats is also best.

You can look into MF bonnets for removing the wax, dont know what size pads you are using.

[yalerd]

Re: Am I doing things right?

Like Murr said, M09 Swirl remover is a very mild product, it would just remove very fine defects. M02 Fine Cut Cleaner is more abrasive than M09 Swirls Remover.

In this step what are you trying to accomplish?

[Leeps]

Re: Am I doing things right?

Yalerd and Murr, thanks for the feedback! Murr, Yay, I am a huge Steelers fan.

If #9 is a mild product, I will continue to use it (since I have a gallon of it! Yikes!) I apply the #9 with an orbital buffer and a terry bonnet. I don't let it dry, then I remove after application with with Meguiar's towels (I think they are a MF, not sure. They are white, about 10" square with a black trim border)

- Yalerd, in this step I am trying to just remove swirl marks. It's a Black car with a clear coat. The car is always garaged and covered at work in the summer. It is my daily driver, but it gets dusted more than washed, so if I get lazy, it will get fine swirl marks in it. I only use the # 9 every other time I wax.

Question 1: Should I be letting #9 dry more? Should I (can I) remove #9 with a buffer?

For wax, I am using #26 yellow paste (I like it, but is there something better?). I apply by hand and I don't think I put it on too think. BUT, I do not let it dry. I live under the old memory that if wax dried, it is a bear to remove. I ALWAYS wax in a cool environment and never in the sun. I remove with the same towels I reference in the step above.

Question 2: Sounds like I should be letting the wax dry. I saw a Meguiars video where the referenced this and showed how to test. OK, I get that.

Question 3: I like applying the #26 by hand, so I think I will continue to do that. That is OK, right?

Question 4: Once dry, can I use a buffer to remove the wax?

Question 5: I am going to buy the Meguiars electric buffer. I think it has the snap on (or velcro pads) but I don't know what kind to buy? For what I mentioned above, can you advise what pads to get?

Thanks to you both!

[yalerd]

Re: Am I doing things right?

Question 1: Should I be letting #9 dry more? Should I (can I) remove #9 with a buffer?

Only waxes are supposed to be let dry. Other than that, once you've work the product you should remove it right away, if you let the product dry then it will be hard to remove then.

For wax, I am using #26 yellow paste (I like it, but is there something better?). I apply by hand and I don't think I put it on too think. BUT, I do not let it dry. I live under the old memory that if wax dried, it is a bear to remove. I ALWAYS wax in a cool environment and never in the sun. I remove with the same towels I reference in the step above.

Meguiar's make really nice product, and one of those are the waxes and sealants. They put a lot of effort behind them. You should let wax dry about 20min and then remove, it won't be hard to remove (if you apply it correctly). M26 is a great wax!! I really like the appearance you get from it. If you are looking for more protection then I would suggest NXT 2.0.

Question 3: I like applying the #26 by hand, so I think I will continue to do that.That is OK, right?

It's perfectly fine to apply wax by hand and remove it also.

Question 4: Once dry, can I use a buffer to remove the wax?

It's a matter of choice, some people like removing wax by hand because if can be faster or you just can remove the wax on those tight areas and some like removing it by machine. If you remove wax by machine I suggest that the pad you are using is covered with a Microfiber Bonnet, not any other material.

Question 5: I am going to buy the Meguiars electric buffer. I think it has the snap on (or velcro pads) but I don't know what kind to buy? For what I mentioned above, can you advise what pads to get?

Mainly you should get Polishing Pads and Finishing Pads. You could get a Cutting Pad and you'll use it when you want to remove wax with the machine (remember to get a microfiber bonnet to wrap that pad)

Hope I've helped

[Leeps]

Re: Am I doing things right?

Thanks Francis - immense help!