DC Step #2 Question

[txz28]

Since Deep Crystal Step #2 is a pure polish in Meguiar's lingo. Should it be applied like #7? Mike's tips on #7 over at Autopia suggests that it should be applied thinly, allowed to skin, and then removed with a terry towel by breaking the skin. I tried this technique and boy was I sorry. It was insanely difficult to remove. It took forever.

I have used #7 with Mike's technique and found it relatively easy to use, even in the Houston humidity. I had some DC #2 around and decided to use the same technique with terrible results.

[gb387]

When I use the DC#2 I apply it then remove it before it dries, as it will get VERY hard to remove as you have already found out. I only apply a small area so that I can remove before its hard to remove by doing this you will get good results. DC#2 is a very good product and priced very well but... I have since change to #81 hand polish and like it much better, it gives a deeper shine and in my opinion its easier to apply and remove! Its the way to go for my truck!

[Mike Phillips]

Hi txz28,

You don't need to let either product skin before removing, but remove immediately after applying. The reference to allowing the #7 to skin in that article is after you have made your first pass at removing most of the #7 Show Car Glaze. Then, while you're moving around the car and removing #7 in other sections, the remaining #7 that you didn't remove in the first or second pass will have skinned and this will tend to make this remaining residue a little easier to remove.

As a rule of thumb when working with any of Meguiar's pure polishes, and cleaner/polishes, paint cleaners and compounds for that matter, after you have applied the product and worked it into the finish, you immediately remove it. This immediately remove it portion means after you have applied it to a section, or to the entire car.

"I've never had a problem removing the Deep Crystal Polish unless I've applied it to thick. At the clinics each weekend we always use the Deep Crystal Polish by hand after ScratchX and also with the PC after using the PC for the cleaning step.

Deep Crystal Polish is a very oily product as it is rich in Meguiar's TS Oils, and can be difficult to remove in some situations, but those would be exceptions, not the rule. A while back, on Autopia, a young man applied this product to his car while preparing for a car show and had a really hard time removing it. We suggested he re-apply the polish and then remove it immediately afterwards and this worked for him.

(A lot of times if you have a product that is difficult to remove, you can use the same product to re-liquefy it because like products will tend to liquefy like products).

There are a couple of other factors that can affect how hard or how easy a product is to remove, things like,

* Surface condition
* Temperature
* Humidity
* Drying time
* Removal material

Surface Condition
A pure polish like the Deep Crystal Polish should only be applied to a finish in new or like new condition, or if the finish has been pre-cleaned.

Temperature
Extremely warm temperatures or extremely cold temperatures can make removal more difficult

Humidity
It's possible, low humidity could make affect removal.

Drying Time (Or lack thereof)
Pure polishes do not need to dry. Basically you apply them to the finish and then work them in really well and then remove. There is no need to wait. Some people find it easier to remove section by section, such as applying to the front fender and then removing before applying to the door. Some people like to apply the product to the entire car and then remove it all at once. This is good if you're familiar with the product on the paint you're working on and have confidence in your skills and quality removal material.

Removal Material
If you're applying thin coats, then microfiber polishing cloths like Meguiar's Ultimate Wipe work great for remove pure polishes. If you are applying thick coats, then a 100% cotton, terry cloth towel with a large, plush nap, (the little cotton loops), help to slice into the polish film and help you to break it up so that it can be wiped off.

Hope this helps...

Mike

[txz28]

Mike,

Thanks for the long post. I will have to try it next time.

I think I still prefer the results with #7.

Kevin