by cooki_monsta » Wed Apr 17, 2013 8:19 am
I've trialled Meguiar's Scratch X and Deep Crystal Polish and neither of them are any good. Scratch X doesn't even remove swirl marks as it is too gentle and I would say much the same about Deep Crystal Polish. I find it really difficult to work Deep Crystal Polish too as it leaves a lot of residue to clean up and then work evenly across the surface. I'm guessing Swirl X is a waste of time too as it only helps temporarily mask imperfections like Scratch X does.
I'd start with Soft Wash Gel as it contains no waxes etc. and is ideal for paint that hasn't yet been cut and/or polished. After the final rinse, I actually start with clay on the bonnet and boot lid before moving onto the roof and other parts of the car. I'm still experimenting at this stage, but it seems that if you use water with a high level of Soft Wash Gel, you won't need a 'lubricant'.
Once the car gets another rinse and is dried, use Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner to remove old wax and light water spots. I find that wax lasts longer if the paint is clean. If you only have light swirl marks, only use a polishing compound such as Ultimate Polish, but if you've got moderate swirl marks and it's the first time you're restoring the paint, then go about with something like Ultimate Compound. Finish up with a final wax of your choice. Soft waxes are easy to work but don't last as long.
Consider investing in a DA tool. It will speed up the cut, polish, and wax process. Be sure to use the right pads for each process though. Poor technique will result in damaged paint.
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