looking for a polish/cleaner within my 7 step process...

[Car Potential]

As I am reading more about detailing I am learning more than I thought I could know and things are becoming more simple. I have been thinking that a glaze and polish were the same thing but learned that they are not. For example #7 is a pure polish and so it contains oils that will shine my car; it has no abrasives and so it will not thin my paint; also it can temporarily hide swirls but does not remove them.

I am looking for a polish to use in which I want it to clean my paint and take away swirls (on a black tahoe). I was thinking of getting UC but that seems more of an oxidation product in which I would use if I was working on an older car and needed to restore its shine. Also, scratch x 2.0 seems more for isolated areas and Swirl X seems too mild. So far I am thinking either #6 cleaner wax or UP. Is there a difference b/t the two? I know this question is asked over & over. Also I am working by hand for now.

Also, would you recommend using sealant wax #20 or #21 before using #26?

Does this process make sense?

1) Wash (Ult. Wash & Wax)
2) Clay
3) Polish (#6, UP or something else?)
4) Glaze (#7)
5) Sealant (#20 or #21)
6) Wax (#26)
7) Maintain (UQW)

Thanks Guys

[Murr1525]

Re: looking for a polish/cleaner within my 7 step process...

1. Wash
2. Clay
3. Clean - I would want to have SwirlX or Ult. Polish, and then Ult. Compound on my shelf. Hard to say which would be need to remove your swirls, eso by hand. If you plan to always use #7 after the cleaning step, SwirlX may be a better way to go.
4. Polish - #7 is a good choice.
5. Wax - #20 is a mild cleaner/wax, so would remove the polishing oils you used in the steps before. #21 would be better.
6. Wax - Can do two coats of #21, or #26.. whichever you like.

And as far as product strength, your looking at Ult. Polish< #205 < SwirlX < ScratchX 2.0 < Ult. Compound < #105.

[greg0303]

Re: looking for a polish/cleaner within my 7 step process...

M06 Cleaner Wax and M20 Polymer Sealant are cleaner/ waxes - they have abrasives but quite mild (especially M20) and are all in one (AIO) type products.

As for swirl removal - you're right on track: Ultimate Compound or SwirlX would be your products to go.

Ultimate Polish is a cleaner/ polish (no protection/ wax) while M06 Cleaner Wax will leave a protection layer.

I'd suggest:

1. Wash
2. Clay
3. Swirl Removal - Ultimate Compound or SwirlX
4. Polishing - Ultimate Polish
5. Wax/ Protection - Ultimate Wax
6. Maintenance - Ultimate Quik Detailer (light dust removal between washes)/ Ultimate Quik Wax (after car washes as wax booster).

[ffboy]

Re: looking for a polish/cleaner within my 7 step process...

Ultimate compound is not as harsh as you think, worked properly it will add more clarity to your paint. Don't worry about it being "for oxidized paint only " I find Ultimate compound easy to control. You will have a problem if you use it like a wax instead of working it in until its almost gone. Go for Ult. compound for swirl removal, you won't regret it. It actually leaves a "polished" look, i know since i also own a black SUV, then apply M07 and you get that real deep BLACK shine we all want. then apply your m21 or ultimate wax then maybe a coat or 2 of m26. M26 is a carnauba blend which is real easy to use and makes the paint give a deeper wetter shine