New to me black SUV

[nohand]

I recently purchased a used black 2005 ford escape. On the lot it was so shiny ,I was impressed with the paint.
After several washings, not so shiny, swirl marks and small scratches are much more visible. My guestion is, should I clay bar
first, or could I go straight to a product like SwirlX or ultimate compound ?

[wifpd4]

Re: New to me black SUV

Short version: yes, clay a new to you car before attempt corrective work.

Long version: As Ben Bailey on the Cash Cab show says, "are you in?". You must decide if you are in to maintain that black car to the best of your abilities. Start by viewing the videos here on MOL on washing and claying. Learning to properly wash followed by clay-baring are the first of many fundamentals. Your stopping here is an excellent first step and many folks will stop by to help out. Another area to visit is the photos from the Saturday classes at Meguiar's. Those photos will show the proper use of Ultimate Compound and something called a "test spot". View, study and enjoy your new car.

[SVT Lightning]

Re: New to me black SUV

Black is hard to maintain...but the result is SO rewarding!

[Bjkearns]

Re: New to me black SUV

pretty typical of a dealer car
They typically use waxes that do a great job of hiding imperfections but like you discovered the issues quickly resurface
If it looks good on the lot the wax is doing its job and that is all they care about

The two posters above are pretty much spot on