i did the Mequiars clay bar system and it didnt seem to do much....I still have fine scratches visible....do I need to do something different?

 

It's not going to remove scratches or swirls but it should remove contaminants that you can't remove with soap and water. Does the surface feel any smoother? If so, get a good polish and random orbital to remove the scratches.

 

ok i have the same problem as this guy ! what is a good polish 2 use? cause all i could find was mothers step 1 and step 2 and i hear this is not good! also do u need to use a buffer for polish or would hand use to apply and remove be good enough?

 

I have meguiars step 2 polish...I didn't see much of a difference? I think from now on, I'll just...

1. Dawn Dishwash doap
2. Claybar
3. Meguiars NXT wax

then call it a day

 

http://forums.maxima.org/showpost.ph...94&postcount=4

^^^there's a LOT of good information in there...what supplies you get is pretty much personal preference, but search the stickies to see what the consensus is....i like to use klasse AIO and black magic liquid wax....it seals it up really good and hides the swirl marks for a couple months...

 

this is exactly what I did...I mean is smoother and all, but still see fine scratches and stuff (not to mention the rock chips...arrhhhggg)

I guess I need to compound it then?

 

ok.....

Meguiar's Step 2 polish may just be the most unproductive polish out there. Honestly, eveyrthing accomplished in the 3 step system can be accomplished in a TWO step system with Step one and a wax. haha

For those who are under the impression that wax will take care of scratches, it won't. It may HIDE them, but as the wax wears, they appear again. Y ou will have to REMOVE these imperfections using an appropiate product (....Meg's step 2, well, won't cut it) by hand (ouch) or by a machine such as a Porter Cable RO.

and Rock chips...short of a repaint, you can't take care of those rock chips. Someone on here used something by Turtle Wax to temporarily fill the chips, but I have no experience with that, nor do I know how good or long that will last/be.

 

yeah, meguiars step 2 is pretty weak...didn't change **** if you ask me...$6 wasted

I mean, NXT is a pretty good wax...and I don't have any fine scratches at the moment...so I can just clay and wax...and call it a day....

 

Would the Meguiar's Step 1 be better?

 

It is better...but if you're looking for a really good polish for hand application, try Menzerna. You may have to order online, but from an .orger's experience that was posted on here, his car looked AMAZING for only doing the work by hand. I'll have to search for that thread.

F that, if someone wants to search using the .org's search tool, type in Menzerna and Soonr1, I think that should do it. You'll know when you see it...haha

 

yeah, menzerna is really good stuff, but it's a bit pricey....i'm sure it'd be even that much better when applied with a PC

 

That "Get Acquainted" kit was something like 20 bones...one hell of a deal if you ask me. But then again, you get what you pay for with detailing supplies too...I don't think ANYONE in this thread would be disappointed with the Menzerna line for hand polishing, although I don't have personal experience with that.

Edit: the kit is actually 17 bucks now on sale, link in this thread, along with proof of the blessings of hand applied Menzerna. God Bless Menzerna (Pics)

 

Let's not forget the other polishes out there such as.....

Poorboys SSR 1, 2, 2.5, and 3 (Just got these recently)
Sonus SFX-1, SFX-2, SFX-3
Optimum Compound and Hyper Compound*
Menzerna Power Gloss
Meguiar's #83 Dual Action Cleaner Polish

* = about to be added to my arsenal.

 

So would Meguiar's Step 1 qualify as an easy to use, store bought, hand applied, and somewhat effective polish to use?

 

If you have a finish that has very light swirling or imperfections, then that's the polish for you. If your swirls or imperfections are more severe, you are going to have to pony up and get something with some bite.

 

OK thanks! Luckily with a silver car I don't see much swirls or imperfections.

 

I'm actually an Sonus SFX user, but haven't heard of anyone using it by hand, as well as the other polishes. I just showed them what worked well by hand...don't worry, I didn't forget.

By the way, I haven't been on autopia daily like I used to, but did you ever get to detail your girlfriend's Neon? How'd that turn out?

 

Meguiars Step One, Paint Cleaner, works very well. I agree that the polishing step seems overrated, but some glazes work for hiding swirls. Do this between paint cleaning and sealant. (Right now, Vanilla Moose Hand Glaze is my favorite. Very easy to use.)

I've tried layering sealants (Klasse AIO acrylic, followed by Pinnacle carnauba wax), but still didn't think it was worth the effort.

From now on, wash, paint cleaner, Klasse AIO, for a quick Saturday morning's work on the car.

 

Lou: I detailed it yesterday.
Info: http://autopia.org/forum/showthread.php?t=71668

 

Understand that AIO does have the ability to protect paint for long periods of time, if at all. AIO is a paint cleaner, and is used as a polish almost. AIO should be followed up with a sealant of some kind.

Prinz: sweet....I'll have to check that out later when I get some more free time.`

 

My understanding is that Klasse All-in-One is a polish and an acrylic sealant (hence "all-in-one"). Because it's acrylic, many people do layer another sealant on top of it because the petroleum distillates used in carnauba waxes and silicone based sealants will not dissolve the acrylic layer. That means that you get an extra layer of shine, though the AIO still acts as a protectant.

Here's where I read that:


http://www.autopia-carcare.com/inf-perfect.html

 

I guess I've understood differently - while reading on autopia's forums it's always recommended to follow through with more protection. But if AIO suits your needs, by all means continue! I always layer with KSG...but am getting tired of that bs. haha

 

Thanks for telling me. I'll follow up and read some more because I do want to make sure there is a good sealant on the car.

I have Klasse's High Gloss Sealant Glaze, though it doesn't impress me as much as the AIO. I can't really tell any difference at all after applying it.

 

That's what I use...AIO and KSG. I don't know what color car you have, but I can definately tell on my Deep Evergreen that KSG was applied, especially after the second coat. It is a pain to use though, until you get the hang of it. I use it, however, for its protective qualities above all though.

Edit...you have a black car...hmm, I would have thought the difference would have been clear but I guess it's not. Oh well, I'll keep my eyes open on autopia for anything I can link you to, but again, if it's working for you, by all means continue.

 

I hope you dont plan on using dishwashing soap EVERY time you wash. I would only use dishwashing soap it you want to start completely fresh and want to use some new products and dont want bonding issues. I only use dishwashing liquid one a year in the spring to start the detailing season. For all other months use car wash soap. If you use dishwashing liquid, than all the work you did last time will be erased. Also, you might want to add a polish to your plan of attack. Especially if you are gonna use dishwashing soap. If you simply wash your car in dawn, then clay, your cars paint will be naked and EVERY defect will show up, and then you will simply be protecting your naked paint, which is a wast of time IMHO.

 

Use the dishwashing the first time to strip any old wax. The claybar, then wash, wax. www.zainobros.com has great stuff.

 

You should never have to use dishwashing soap

Any polish is going to remove all wax on the car

Dishwashing soap dries out rubber trim and seals