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Recommend Good But Cheap Clay Bar, Car Polish & Wax


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#21
e90

Posted 25 August 2011 - 11:46 AM

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QUOTE (1800Optra @ Aug 25 2011, 10:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
For your step 2, Swirl X shouldn't be just "apply" like a wax. Swirl X contains micro abrasive that needs to be work on.
If you are not using a machine, ROB or DA; you will need to put in some elbow grease. Else, its just a waste to apply Swirl X and wipe off when it dries.

To me, it is unnecessary to wash the car immediately after waxing; and it is definitely unnecessary to apply a layer of ultimate quick wax just after you've WAX the car.

Ultimate quick wax is meant to be use as a .... quick wax! For those times where you don't want to apply the NXT or any other wax, you would use ultimate quick wax as a booster after a car wash.

For example, some of us wax the car every month some would wax every 3 months.
So in between the scheduled wax interval, we can use a quick wax to maintain the gloss and water beading.

Also, I didn't see any polishing step. You might want to consider adding a polishing / paint cleaning step.
If you are happy with Meg's products, they do have paint cleaners / polishers that you can look at.


Hi 1800Optra, TQ for your input.

At the moment, I apply the Swirl X using an applicator pad evenly panel by panel. Then I leave it there for abt 5-10 mins to dry before using a clean cloth to wipe it off. Excuse me for my ignorance, does this qualify as using some "elbow grease"? or it would be best to use a ROB or DA during this step?

As for the polishing step, I was adviced to choose either one (polishing or waxing) as the paint job is still good (car is less than a year old). Is this correct? or I should still polish the car then finally waxing it?

As for the Quick Wax, i know it would be redundant to apply a layer after waxing but thought it would seal the wax in. In between my waxing interval, I do use quick wax to maintain the wet gloss look after washing my car.

As for washing my car after waxing, that is basically for me to clear off any loose wax residue left on my bodywork. Anyhow, the water usually slides off the body work easily as the tech wax repels water. Will omit this part out if it is really unnecessary.

TQ once again for your input.

#22
cashloke

Posted 25 August 2011 - 01:23 PM

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1) Don't let the swirlx dried up as it will cause even more swirls.Apply swirlx on a small affected swirls and scrub like mad
2) You need a cleaner polish which is non abrasive ( to make the car gilat gilat). For example DG501 for cleaner polish.
3) Apply Nxt wax and buff off.(no need quick wax)
4) No need re wash as the wax not yet cured.
5) Spray quick wax after weekly wash smile_blackeye.gif

#23
1800Optra

Posted 25 August 2011 - 02:00 PM

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QUOTE (e90 @ Aug 25 2011, 11:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi 1800Optra, TQ for your input.

At the moment, I apply the Swirl X using an applicator pad evenly panel by panel. Then I leave it there for abt 5-10 mins to dry before using a clean cloth to wipe it off. Excuse me for my ignorance, does this qualify as using some "elbow grease"? or it would be best to use a ROB or DA during this step?

As for the polishing step, I was adviced to choose either one (polishing or waxing) as the paint job is still good (car is less than a year old). Is this correct? or I should still polish the car then finally waxing it?

As for the Quick Wax, i know it would be redundant to apply a layer after waxing but thought it would seal the wax in. In between my waxing interval, I do use quick wax to maintain the wet gloss look after washing my car.

As for washing my car after waxing, that is basically for me to clear off any loose wax residue left on my bodywork. Anyhow, the water usually slides off the body work easily as the tech wax repels water. Will omit this part out if it is really unnecessary.

TQ once again for your input.


At the moment, I apply the Swirl X using an applicator pad evenly panel by panel. Then I leave it there for abt 5-10 mins to dry before using a clean cloth to wipe it off. Excuse me for my ignorance, does this qualify as using some "elbow grease"? or it would be best to use a ROB or DA during this step?

Swirl X is marketed to be able to use by hand as well, but using it with a DA or ROB will be much efficient.
Having said that, don't go jumping out to purchase a machine just because you want to use it with Swirl X (you can if your wish too heehee). Applying Swirl X and wait for it to dry does not constitute using elbow grease. What I meant is you need to work the product into the panel. Apply a small portion of a product on the applicator pad and spread it on to the panel of about 2 feet by 2 feet. Then you will need to "buff" the panel with some vigor and pressure; check the panel often to inspect that the swirls are reducing. I find straight line back and forth motion quite effective.
As you buff, you will find that the product disappears or dries up, if require; add more product and work on the same area.
Swirl X has what Meg calls diminishing abrasive. Meaning the abrasive particles in the product breaks down as friction is applies. So you will need to work on the product and not just apply it as you would a Tech Wax and let it sit to dry.

As for the polishing step, I was adviced to choose either one (polishing or waxing) as the paint job is still good (car is less than a year old). Is this correct? or I should still polish the car then finally waxing it?

You can polish new car. Just use the correct product. As you've found out, claying will remove bonded contaminants, paint polishers is used to clean the paint further. There are abrasive and non abrasive polishes. So depending on your requirement you can choose the appropriate product.
I uses Autogylm SRP mainly for my polishing needs, I think Meg consumer line have one that is call Cleaner Wax.
Polish follow by wax, but you might not need to polish every time you wax. Just inspect your paint first.

As for washing my car after waxing, that is basically for me to clear off any loose wax residue left on my bodywork. Anyhow, the water usually slides off the body work easily as the tech wax repels water. Will omit this part out if it is really unnecessary.

When you mention loose wax residue, I assume you are talking about wax dusting. If you are using Tech wax, you shouldn't see much if any dusting at all. It it best to wipe off these dusting instead of washing the car.
As cashloke mention, the wax need time to fully cure and during that time, avoiding water contact would be best.

Steady but not slow

#24
KrisMas

Posted 25 August 2011 - 02:31 PM

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Errr....SwirlX is an abrasive polish. Use it to remove defects. And it doesn't leave any protection behind so you don't need to let it dry before wiping off. Actually, it's better to wipe it off BEFORE it dries up.

#25
cashloke

Posted 25 August 2011 - 03:08 PM

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QUOTE (KrisMas @ Aug 25 2011, 02:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Errr....SwirlX is an abrasive polish. Use it to remove defects. And it doesn't leave any protection behind so you don't need to let it dry before wiping off. Actually, it's better to wipe it off BEFORE it dries up.

That why I said it will instill (correct ar?) more swirls! bek075.gif

#26
vr2turbo

Posted 25 August 2011 - 04:04 PM

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Since you mention the paint is still in good condition, why are you using swirl X. Should use paint cleaner or AIO.
Yup, after wax just dust off.
Use Quickwax as topper. Use after next car wash.... smile_tongue.gif

#27
e90

Posted 25 August 2011 - 08:36 PM

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Hi cashloke, krismas, vr2turbo & 1800optra, thanks for correcting my steps.

VR2turbo, i applied swirl x only to some parts of my body panels (i.e back of my car. Its a diesel so i get lots of fine particles on d panel surface. Some very fine & must hv caused swirl marks during d car wash)

#28
vr2turbo

Posted 25 August 2011 - 09:53 PM

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QUOTE (e90 @ Aug 25 2011, 08:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi cashloke, krismas, vr2turbo & 1800optra, thanks for correcting my steps.

VR2turbo, i applied swirl x only to some parts of my body panels (i.e back of my car. Its a diesel so i get lots of fine particles on d panel surface. Some very fine & must hv caused swirl marks during d car wash)

Oh! okay, then you should add application of DG501 AIO or any polish that you have after claying, then only apply wax.
Clay will remove surface contaminants but the surface will still be dirty. Try DG501 after clay, using a white cloth and you will see it turn dirty. The DG501 will polish the surface and become very smooth. Try it and you will see.... smile_tongue.gif

#29
e90

Posted 25 August 2011 - 11:09 PM

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QUOTE (vr2turbo @ Aug 25 2011, 09:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Oh! okay, then you should add application of DG501 AIO or any polish that you have after claying, then only apply wax.
Clay will remove surface contaminants but the surface will still be dirty. Try DG501 after clay, using a white cloth and you will see it turn dirty. The DG501 will polish the surface and become very smooth. Try it and you will see.... smile_tongue.gif


Guys, thanks a bunch for your recommendations. Looks like I know now how to spend my Raya Holidays.

#30
cashloke

Posted 26 August 2011 - 11:54 AM

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Last night after I washed the car, I notice water spots all over. One week no wash car only ma, haiz..!!Then I proceed to apply Glaxo99(correct ar) on the front screen, then Say to myself why coat only the front? Then proceed to coat the whole car window.
2) While waiting for glass coat to dry, I check water spots on car panel , use zippo fluid to do some spot cleaning( bonnet only)
After that wax the whole bonnet. Then say what the Heck! Might as well wax the whole car!! All in all, finish at 4am!! smile_blackeye.gif
Is it OCD de? smile_blackeye.gif