Back to Black

[gt_ie]

I've got a Black, 2008 BMW. I've taken decent care of it, but just recently started reading this forum and really understanding. It has mild to moderate swirling, and a few scratches here and there which I can feel with my finger and/or nail.

I'm planning to give it a once over to get it into tip top shape and thought I'd run it by the forum to critique my plan. I'll start with a thorough wash, 2 bucket, very careful.

Then, I'll test my plan on a small spot before proceeding. The plan would then be to do (hopefully) 1 panel per night for 10 days. I can dedicate 2 or 3 hours to each panel, all work done by hand as follows:

Quick detail the car every night to preserve the "just washed" state. (it is only driven about 5 miles a day and the rest of the time is in a garage or under a parking deck.)

1) Clay
2) ScratchX 2.0 any spots with a scratch or particularly bad swirling using X3070 Pad (Or should I go ahead and scratchx ALL swirling??)
3) SwirlX using X3070 Pad
4) Deep Crystal Cleaner using X3070 Pad (any benefit to this step?)
5) Ultimate Polish using ?? (using what? Foam pad? Microfiber pad?)
6) NXT 2.0 wax using NXT pad

[FIREdawg]

If you can feel the scratch with fingernail or finger, it is possible that is too deep to correct, especially by hand. While using scratchX will make it less noticeable, just don't get your hopes up. To remove swirls by hand will be an exhausting task. Smart though to dedicate one panel a night, you will certainly need your rest afterwards. Be sure to apply good pressure and work in small areas and overlap those areas.

[gt_ie]

Re: Back to Black

If you can feel the scratch with fingernail or finger, it is possible that is too deep to correct, especially by hand. While using scratchX will make it less noticeable, just don't get your hopes up.

Completely understood and no way would I just keep rubbing and rubbing and risk going through the clear coat.

To remove swirls by hand will be an exhausting task.

Understood, something about doing it that way is rewarding though. I won't short cut it. I have plenty of time, so long as it actually is working. If I find the the clearcoat is just TOO hard, or if I'm adding finger marks or holograms, then it will be off to a pro. I already have one in mind.

[ckessler960]

Re: Back to Black

I would just give South East Mobile Detail a call and ask for the Ultimate Detail!!! For $250 you can get your whole interior detailed with carpet shampoo, Exterior washed, clayed, compounded, polished, sealed. And of course tires & leather dressed & windows in/out.

Chris Kessler - 404-406-3355

https://www.southeastmobiledetail.com

[Shawn T.]

Re: Back to Black

I would say that if working by hand, you should go with Ultimate Compound. It will really help pull out those swirls.

As for your process......think about something like this:

1) Wash
2) Clay
3) Clean - Ultimate Compound
4) Polish - Ultimate Polish
5) Wax - 2 very thin coats of NXT 2.0 or Ultimate Wax

Your previous steps had some repetition like following Swirlx with Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner and then going to Ultimate Polish. Swirlx and Ultimate Polish are similar products and there is no need for the Deep Crystal Cleaner. That would mainly be used instead of Ultimate Compound if your car is swirl free or if you are not concerned about removing swirls.

[Mark58]

Re: Back to Black

I would almost bet that you will not get the results expected doing it by hand especially using Scratch X or Swirl x. Might do some good using Ultimate Cmpound and follow up by Ultimate Polish. It will still take you forever. been there tried that!
My 2 cents

[Murr1525]

Re: Back to Black

1) Clay
2) ScratchX 2.0 any spots with a scratch or particularly bad swirling using X3070 Pad (Or should I go ahead and scratchx ALL swirling??)
3) SwirlX using X3070 Pad
4) Deep Crystal Cleaner using X3070 Pad (any benefit to this step?)
5) Ultimate Polish using ?? (using what? Foam pad? Microfiber pad?)
6) NXT 2.0 wax using NXT pad

I would tend to:

1. Wash
2. Clay
3. Clean - I would want Ult. Compound as the strong cleaner, and then Ult. Polish for follow up if needed, or as your mild cleaner in the future. I would pretty much plan to UC everything...
4. Polish - This would be optional... Either you can use the Ult. Polish, or just save it till next time as your mild cleaner/polish.
5. Wax - Nxt 2.0 is good.
6. Wax - 2 thin coats is best.

No need for the DC Cleaner. I tend to like the foam applicator pads for everything.