BlackHawk T/A

iTrader: (3)

Black car, has some swirls/cobwebs.

Probably never seen as much attention as i'm about to give it.

So my routine is going to be...

Wash with NXT
Clay
Wash again
Scratch X
--> ? <--
Turtle Wax Ice

So the question is, what should I use for that step. I've looked at the Meguiar's Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner, Color X, and Deep Crystal Polish but am having a hard time because they all seem so similar based on the descriptions.

Keep in mind this will be the first time any of these products have been used on the car so I want to bring the paint back to like new, or better than new again. I will also state I will be working by hand with Meguiars Even Coat Applicators to make my life a lot easier...not as easy as a DA polisher, but I don't have the money for that. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Robinator

iTrader: (1)

Klasse AIO. Simply amazing on black cars.

ZaneO

ScratchX probably won't get you too far on your swirls. You may try to find some 3M or Meguiar's Professional products locally (unless you want to order online).

A paint cleaner isn't absolutely necessary since you will be claying and polishing.

Klasse AIO won't provide much in the way of cleaning or polishing when used by hand, but it does provide a nice base for a wax or sealant.

Gipraw

iTrader: (10)

If you are set on doing it by hand, I would recommend starting with ColorX.

ScratchX would work, but you have to really work it. if you use Either of them, make sure you apply the product until it breaks down. just rubbing it in a circle or back and forth a couple of times won't cut it. (literally)

if you don't fell a little bit of warmth on the pad, you are probably not breaking down the product enough to get the full use out of it.

BlackHawk T/A

iTrader: (3)

It's just hard to tell the exact differences between these products based on the descriptions. It makes them all seem so similar.

I was under the impression ScratchX was more abrasive than ColorX and would do better for helping to smooth out the surface.

Or should I use both? If so which one first? And what about a pure polish afterwards?

MrPongoSS

Another route you can try if you are going to do this by hand is the Meguiar's 3 Step with the Paint Cleaner, Polish, and Wax.

Gipraw

iTrader: (10)

ScratchX is a heavier cut than ColorX .. I said try ColorX first because it is lighter, and a little easier to use .. plus it can be used as a one step, so if you are beat from rubbing on your hood for two hours, you don't have to worry abut hitting it with a wax to protect it before quitting for the day. ScratchX is probably the best product for removing swirlies by hand that I have used ..

just make sure that you use a clean, foam applicator pad when trying to remove swirls by hand.

I would hit the bad areas with ScratchX, then the whole car with ColorX, then the wax and or sealant of your choice ..

BlackHawk T/A

iTrader: (3)

If only it were that simple...the cobwebs start at the hood and stop at the spoiler...

Basically the whole car.

Kman

Do this...

Wash with NXT.
Dry
Clay
Wash with NXT
Dry
Scratch-X (where ever needed)
Deep Crystal Polish
NXT Paste Wax (2 thin coats)


Info about using scratch-x:

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/sho...?threadid=7011

Dom

iTrader: (2)

Great link. Did you wait overnight to apply the 2nd coat of wax?

How many car washes and how long in general would this wax last? My car gets dirtly all the time since I daily drive it. I might be washing it weekly. How often till I need to reapply the wax again?