Tips for removing swirls by hand with SMA Technology

[visualseven]

Re: Tips for removing swirls by hand with SMA Technology

hi, which one of these pads did you use?

This: http://www.meguiarsdirect.com/product_detail.do?q=4816
OR

http://www.meguiarsdirect.com/product_detail.do?q=4817

[C8N]

Re: Tips for removing swirls by hand with SMA Technology

Question,
I have a black Acura and based on what I have read so far, my understanding is that Acura's paint is relatively soft.
Am I correct that on soft paint one should use the least aggressive product?

I will be working by hand and will SwirlX be the correct product to use for light swirl removal on soft paint?

[Murr1525]

Re: Tips for removing swirls by hand with SMA Technology

Ehh... maybe. I'd tend to want to have UC on my shelf as well....

[C8N]

Re: Tips for removing swirls by hand with SMA Technology

I am a bit of hesitant... or afraid of aggressive compounds.
I have a can of Turtle Wax compound in my garage that I used on my old car to remove some tar stains and ended up marring the paint.
In addition, since I do not own a DA, I don't think I cant correct any mistakes I might make.

I have at my disposal, ColorX and SwirlX... and that Turtle Wax compound for paint correction.
Was my mistake using Turtle Wax compound? Would Ultimate Compound be safer?

[Marc08EX]

Re: Tips for removing swirls by hand with SMA Technology

Ultimate Compound is totally different than the Turtle Wax Compound or also known as rocks in a bottle/tub LOL! Throw that away. You are less likely to marr your paint with Ultimate Compound (still possible if you have soft paint). If you do marr your paint, you can always use Ultimate Polish to refine your finish, remove the micro-marring and leave a show car glossy finish.

Do not be afraid of using Meguiar's Ultimate Compound. It's totally safe.

SwirlX is milder than Ultimate Compound and I'm not really sure if it's going to take out the scratches created by the rocks in the bottle.

[Murr1525]

Re: Tips for removing swirls by hand with SMA Technology

Well, this is quite different from old Turtle Wax compounds. I have not used their newer products, so probably not fair to compare.

You also didnt mention what applicator, towels, etc you may have used. Working a terry cloth into the paint can also scratch the paint... tend to just want a smooth foam applicator and good MF towels, and using even pressure, not fingertips.

The nice thing with the products like UC and SwirlX is that you can apply them with more or less energy/passion. If you just wipe UC over the paint a little like you were waxing, it will be milder than working in SwirlX. If you work UC in with more passion, or with a DA, or drill attachment, you may get into removing mild sanding marks and whatnot.

So whichever you choose, or first one then the other, you can start off mild and then use a little more passion.

[C8N]

Re: Tips for removing swirls by hand with SMA Technology

Thank you both for your comments.
Will throw out the Turtle Wax and start with SwirlX first since I already have this and I will be using the Meguiar's foam applicator pads to apply and use a MF towel to wipe off.
I was told that Acura's have pretty soft paint so will start with light pressure and work up if necessary.

I can't wait until the weather gets a bit more warmer so that I can start this project!

I plan on..
Wash
Clay
ColorX and SwirlX where needed
Ultimate Polish
NXT
Gold Class Wax

[Marc08EX]

Re: Tips for removing swirls by hand with SMA Technology

Sounds great! Let us know how it works out. Like what Murr mentioned, you need to apply passion for these products to work.

I would take out ColorX in your process. Also, using the Gold Class is a little redundant when you're using it after NXT. Both are LSPs. The GC is made out of carnauba while the NXT is a sealant. Both serve the same purpose. There's really no reason in doing both. But this shouldn't stop you.

I would do:
1. Wash
2. Clay
3. SwirlX where needed
4. Ultimate Polish
5. Wax - either NXT or GC

[Murr1525]

Re: Tips for removing swirls by hand with SMA Technology

ColorX is just a cleaner/wax. Wont do much for swirls by hand, and no point in using it if going to polish and wax again after.

[Murr1525]

Re: Tips for removing swirls by hand with SMA Technology

Killin me this morning Marc....

[Marc08EX]

Re: Tips for removing swirls by hand with SMA Technology

Killin me this morning Marc....

LOL Mat hehehe! No worries it's probably just today ROFL!!!

I still lack the knowledge you have in all your posts though.

[C8N]

Re: Tips for removing swirls by hand with SMA Technology

So when is it appropriate to use ColorX?

First time using Meguiar's products and I was extremely pleased with the 1 layer of Gold Class Wax and read somewhere on this forum that adding a layer of Gold Glass over NXT will really bring out that deep gloss and wet look.

Thank you very much in advance to Murr1525 and Marc08EX!

[Murr1525]

Re: Tips for removing swirls by hand with SMA Technology

I still lack the knowledge you have in all your posts though.

I doubt it.

[Marc08EX]

Re: Tips for removing swirls by hand with SMA Technology

So when is it appropriate to use ColorX?

First time using Meguiar's products and I was extremely pleased with the 1 layer of Gold Class Wax and read somewhere on this forum that adding a layer of Gold Glass over NXT will really bring out that deep gloss and wet look.

Thank you very much in advance to Murr1525 and Marc08EX!

ColorX is appropriate for maintenance details.. It's a mild 1 step cleaner wax as Mat mentioned. If you really don't have swirls to remove but you just want to clean the paint up.

[Murr1525]

Re: Tips for removing swirls by hand with SMA Technology

I like ColorX for a quick detail.

Say

1. Wash
2. Clay if needed
3. ColorX
4. Wax

Layering different waxes is up to you. Just give it a shot, or do different panels different ways and see if you tell any difference.