Just a question

[inspector710]

Hi all
just bought a Porter Cable 7424 and wanted too do both of my cars. The first- a 2002 Hyundai Sonata-dark gray, which hasn'r been waxed in a year. The second car- a black 2011 Elantra that is 2 months old. I bought the clay kit and I know I want to start there. After the clay, do I wash again?? What polish would you recommend and what wax?

[Murr1525]

Re: Just a question

What is the condition of the paint?

SwirlX would be a general starting point for cleaning/polishing, and then could look at the Nxt 2.0 or Ultimate Wax.

[Marc08EX]

Re: Just a question

A lot of people wash their cars after claying but I find it unnecessary.

It really depends on the severity of defects in the paint. Meguiar's offers multiple swirl removal products such as SwirlX, Ultimate Polish, Ultimate Compound, etc. Always use the least aggressive method to get the job done. Assuming everything else is held constant (polisher, yellow 8207 polishing pad, pressure and arm speed), first start out with Ultimate Polish and inspect your results. Now this product is not that powerful in terms of defect correction and if the swirls are still present then you have to step it up to SwirlX. Apply this product and work it in thoroughly. If the swirls are still present and the results don't meet your expectation then you have to step it up to Ultimate Compound. This should take care most, if not all of your defects.

I would suggest looking at this how-to video:
Meguiar's Quik Tips Video Series - Removing Swirls

Also, please check this out:
5 Step Paint Care Cycle

[Marc08EX]

Re: Just a question

I forgot to mention to try it out first with a test spot!!! Don't buff out your whole car with Ultimate Polish first and find the swirls still there then step it to up SwirlX or Ultimate Compound. Find out the appropriate products that will suit you best with the test spot and use it to the whole car.

[ClearlyCoated]

Re: Just a question

I'm not sure if there is any benefit to washing the car again after claying it with a quick detailer. It seems that it would add an unnecessary step to an already lengthy process. I use Last Touch when I clay, and my paint is smooth and ready for polishing the moment I wipe it dry with a Supreme Shine towel.

[inspector710]

Re: Just a question

What is the condition of the paint?

SwirlX would be a general starting point for cleaning/polishing, and then could look at the Nxt 2.0 or Ultimate Wax.

The paint-believe it or not- is in pretty good shape with some swirls and some light scratches. I bought the Lake Country blue and white pads for the wax and polish respectively.

[inspector710]

Re: Just a question

I had a chance to try the Ultimate Wax on a spot on my rr door of my 2 month old black Elantra. There was a dime sized spot I saw after washing it, so I thought I would get rid of it until I had a chance to used the DA on it. I took some UW on a microfiber towel and rubbed it off. When I went past the spot that was waxxed, the towel got really hard to move--ON A 2 MONTH OLD CAR. Well, that sold me on Meguiars. Thanks, guys-I might have to clay that one also.

[Murr1525]

Re: Just a question

Yeah, clay and a cleaner like SwirlX or Ult Polish before the wax will help even more.

[weavers]

Re: Just a question

after clay i wipe the car down with IPA(50/50 rubbing alcohol and distiled water). I do find it picks up a fair bit of dirt or whatever. some cars do need a wash after claying, depends on how badly contaminated it is.

for wax i love collnite 845 or 3m performance finish(its a sealant). both are cheap, 15 bucks, are easy on and off, needs no time to cure and i get 4-6months of protection, not to mention they both look great.

[OldSchoolDude]

Re: Just a question

Do one panel after claying, use UP, work the panel then inspect it, looks good?,
then continue with UP, if you hit a panel that needs more than UP then and only then step up to Swirlx or UC.
Remember, always start with the least aggresive method.
If you do use UC follow with UP and the wax of your choice.