This is my first go at paint correction by hand on my daily driver 2005 Yukon XL family vehicle (we have a 3 year old and 3 teens, the teens come with friends at no extra charge
). But before we get too far into this I would like to post this disclaimer-
*The vehicle you are about to see fell victim of a "quick wash" with none other than a gas station window washing squegee. I know.(Please, don't ask.
)*
So the finish on this vehicle, in addition to the brutal scratches left by the "quick wash", was filled with webbing and swirls from three years of washing with rags, sponges and the occasional coin operated car wash. Needless to say, it was in pretty poor shape (at least in my opinion). What better way to put myself to the test, right?
The process was as follows:
I have since (just yesterday) learned that the ScratchX applications may have better performed with a microfiber or terry cloth first and Soft Foam final and Soft Foam for the polish and wax. Other than that, please feel free to comment, give feedback and constructive criticism. It's the reason for this post. I also am aware that the use of a rotary and DA would achieve better results, but for sake of lack of knowledge, lack of equipment and a desire to become proficient in process and technique before proceeding to machinery, it's all by hand.
Thank you in advanced for any and all feedback.
Here is a side by side of the area where it was taped off. Not a great photo of the results but some improvement can be seen.

Here is an overall shot with focus on the before area.

Here is an overall with focus on the after area.

Here is a closer look at the before side.

And a closer look at the after side.

This is a macro zoom shot of the before side.

And finally a macro zoom shot of the after side, where those horrid "quick wash" at the gas station scratches can be seen in high res!

Again, any and all feedback is welcome. I would have had more photos of the before, the claying and area prep to post but unfortunately they were erased. Thats what I get for letting the batteries die in my digital and use my daughters instead. But after review, I hope this isn't too many photos already.

*The vehicle you are about to see fell victim of a "quick wash" with none other than a gas station window washing squegee. I know.(Please, don't ask.

So the finish on this vehicle, in addition to the brutal scratches left by the "quick wash", was filled with webbing and swirls from three years of washing with rags, sponges and the occasional coin operated car wash. Needless to say, it was in pretty poor shape (at least in my opinion). What better way to put myself to the test, right?
The process was as follows:
- Wash with Deep Crystal Car Wash
- Dry with Microfiber cloth
- Clay with Smooth Surface Clay Kit
- Four applications of ScratchX with Soft Foam Applicator working in areas about 10-12 inches squared
- Clean with Quick Detailer and microfiber cloth
- One application of Deep Crystal System Paint Cleaner #1 with microfiber cloth in small sections
- One application of Deep Crystal System Polish #2 with microfiber cloth in small sections
- Two applications of Deep Crystal System Carnuba Wax #3 with microfiber cloth, 15 minute drying time for each, 5 minute wait between applications
- Final wipe down with clean microfiber cloth
I have since (just yesterday) learned that the ScratchX applications may have better performed with a microfiber or terry cloth first and Soft Foam final and Soft Foam for the polish and wax. Other than that, please feel free to comment, give feedback and constructive criticism. It's the reason for this post. I also am aware that the use of a rotary and DA would achieve better results, but for sake of lack of knowledge, lack of equipment and a desire to become proficient in process and technique before proceeding to machinery, it's all by hand.
Thank you in advanced for any and all feedback.
Here is a side by side of the area where it was taped off. Not a great photo of the results but some improvement can be seen.

Here is an overall shot with focus on the before area.

Here is an overall with focus on the after area.

Here is a closer look at the before side.

And a closer look at the after side.

This is a macro zoom shot of the before side.

And finally a macro zoom shot of the after side, where those horrid "quick wash" at the gas station scratches can be seen in high res!


Again, any and all feedback is welcome. I would have had more photos of the before, the claying and area prep to post but unfortunately they were erased. Thats what I get for letting the batteries die in my digital and use my daughters instead. But after review, I hope this isn't too many photos already.
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