NewB Q: about megs 3 step system

[Chris Shades]

Hey all, fresh meat to the boards here and looking forward to learning and sharing more info about Megs products and detailing tips/skillz. My question is...

Is there anyone that still uses the meguiars 3 step process in the dark red bottles? And if so, how satisfied are you with results? Are there any other products you have replaced a step with? for example I have used the paint cleaner and polish recently but replaced the last step with NXT 2.0. Any input and info is apreciated, Thanks.

[fe91]

Re: NewB Q: about megs 3 step system

Swirlx has replaced DC1

DC2 is optional since swirlx already has polishing oils

and can use any wax in replace of DC3

Also best to clay before doing these steps

[akimel]

Re: NewB Q: about megs 3 step system

NXT is the overwhelming wax favorite here on MOL. Less than 4% use DC3. So you are in good company. DC1 is apparently being phased out in favor of SwirlX. DC2 is the consumer offering of what Meguiar's calls a "pure polish" and is considered to be an optional step.

But the basic principles of the 3-step process continue to obtain. Though it needs to be updated in light of Meguiar's new products, this article remains relevant: Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle. Every waxing process should include basic preparation and cleaning of the paint surface. This can be accomplished through the use of a claybar, paint cleaner, cleaner/polish, and/or cleaner wax. And if one desires, one can always include in the process the application of a pure polish or glaze for that additional touch of wetness and gloss.

You may find of interest this article: Your Daily Driver: A Simple Wash & Wax Regimen.

Keep it simple and keep it fun!

Cheers,
Al

[CieraSL]

Re: NewB Q: about megs 3 step system

with Al.

to MOL!

[Chris Shades]

Re: NewB Q: about megs 3 step system

Thanks for the update on the products guys. I like using a polish and or glaze as a step before sealing, however if the swirlx has polshing oils as stated by fe91, then using megs polish (step 2) seems obsolete. When I recently used the step 2 polish on my own car I didnt see much better results then before when I would just clay the surface and use NXT tech wax.

[Murr1525]

Re: NewB Q: about megs 3 step system

Well, different colors, different types of paint respond differently to a pure polish, some more than others.

As Al said, either clay, cleaner/wax, wax, or clay, SwirLX, wax, wax are good details.

[Eddie6th]

Re: NewB Q: about megs 3 step system

I've used the full 3 steps after washing and claying.

One car Black,and the other medium met blue.Both turned out really well.

I would say,if you have the 3.....use them.

[Deaner5]

Re: NewB Q: about megs 3 step system

Everyone has good points in this thread. One reason that you may not have seen better result with DC 1, 2, 3 versus just clay and NXT 2.0 is that NXT 2.0 has some polishing oils in it as well as a few cleaning properties, but not much.

I say you're good either way, with all three DC products or a mix and match. Just remember that clay is an important part of the prep process as well. I would do clay, DC 1, 2 and NXT (back before there was a 2.0) and that was only once a year, while I would keep up with just waxing about every 6-8 weeks.

It's all a matter of how much time you want to spend doing everything and what look are you trying to achieve (show car perfect or that 80-90% that most car will look good with).