Substituting DC steps 1 and 2

[kev4bama]

I have a 2005 Focus ZX4 ST paint is one month old but is a non metallic red and showing fine swirls in the clearcoat in bright sunlight. I use microfiber hand mit and towels to dry. I am also using NXT wax. My question is when prepping for the NXT should I use the Deep Crystal steps 1 and then 2 followed by NXT or are there substitutes for 1 and 2 that some people might use that can be applied by hand but are a more professional grade. Also when I did a car car RX it told me to use Scratch X for my paint cleaning but I did not think you could use it on an entire area.

Thanks in Advance

Kevin

[gb387]

I can speak for the polishing step DC #2.... I replaced my DC#2 with #81 hand polish and will never turn back. I feel its easier to use then #2 and leaves a better looking finish. DC #2 is a good product but I feel #81 is better. You can apply it by hand or with a PC.

[kev4bama]

Thanks alot! anyone have any suggestions for replacing step 1

[Boss_429]

kev,

The Deep Crystal system is one of Meguiar's "consumer line" of products. Neither the DC1, nor DC2 are really "swirl removing" products, as they contain no abrasives. Yes, the DC1 will remove some very faint swirls with it's chemical cleaners.......... but nothing substantial. The DC2 is a pure polish, and again, contains no abrasives, so it won't do much for swirls. Although, it will hide some minor ones with it's fillers........ at least temporarily. Also, the ScratchX is a nice product for isolated scratches/swirls, but not something you really want to use of the entire vehicle.

Now, Meguiar's does make a professional line of product that would probably help you out. A product like Meguiar's #9 swirl remover, or even #80 Speed Glaze should help you get those swirls under control. The #80 is about as abrasive as you would want to go by hand. With a PC, it's a piece of cake.

On a separate note, if that "Microfiber hand mitt" is your wash mitt......... I would replace it with a good lambswool, or 100% cotton wash mitt. It may be causing some of your swirl issues.

Good luck.

[gb387]

429 has a good point about washing mitts... lets go a little farther how about drying.

http://www.meguiars.com/newproducts05/accessoryproduct_page.cfm?SKU=X-2000

I am a big fan of WW towels like the oune in the link.

[kev4bama]

Thanks guys,

I plan on buying a dual action polisher as I have read it is better than orbital and safer than rotary. Can apply and remove any of the products you can use by hand with one of these. Also 429 , since the paint is brand new should I just try the no.9 swirl remover then follow it with the nxt or use all three steps?


Kevin

[scrub]

Re: Substituting DC steps 1 and 2

Originally posted by kev4bama
Also when I did a car car RX it told me to use Scratch X for my paint cleaning but I did not think you could use it on an entire area.

I use it for isolated areas and scratches.

Here's a must read if using ScratchX. How to remove a defect by hand with ScratchX . I really didn't care for Scratchx until I read this and used it the proper way. It's truly a great product. After seeing this article ScratchX would take some time to use by hand on the entire vehicle.

I'll throw this out there... You might be able to skip the cleaner step if using #80 and the PC. I'm still testing this. I had some dramatic results on a very stained white with #80.

[Boss_429]

Originally posted by kev4bama
Thanks guys,

I plan on buying a dual action polisher as I have read it is better than orbital and safer than rotary. Can apply and remove any of the products you can use by hand with one of these. Also 429 , since the paint is brand new should I just try the no.9 swirl remover then follow it with the nxt or use all three steps?

Kevin

Kev,

Sure, just about any product that can be applied by hand, can be applied with a PC (not all can or should be removed with a PC). The PC will make applying products faster, and makes working an abrasive polish much easier. (Don't get just any dual action polisher......... get a PC, or the Meguiar's version of the PC)

If your paint is new, you probably can just use the #9, and then go to NXT. After you wash and dry your vehicle, run your finger tips "lightly" over the paint. If you feel any roughness, you might want to clay your paint before you polish and NXT. The horizontal surfaces like the hood are usually the worst spots for contaminants that you can feel, and a good indicator that the vehicle should be clayed and/or cleaned with a paint cleaner.