Difference between A30 and A12

[coppie]

Wow there is a thing as having too many products! I am a newbie and have been reading various posts on cleaning and polishing white paint. Just when I thought I new what I was going to buy I see another polish. I own a white truck which is a daily driver which has never been polished. As far as I can tell there aren't any major swirls or defects in the paint but I also haven't gotten down to nose on the paint level.

So which one do you I used A30 or A12?

[Murr1525]

Re: Difference between A30 and A12

A30 is the Deep Crytal Paint Cleaner, which is discontinued. It is a very mild paint cleaner.

The A12 is a Cleaner/Wax, which will have clean / polish/ wax all in one step.

So not really the same product, which steps are you looking to do?

Here is a simple detail I like:

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

[coppie]

Re: Difference between A30 and A12

That is funny since when you go to their site (Meguiars) and click auto paint cleaner, the Deep Crystal Paint cleaner is the only one listed strictly as a paint cleaner.

I am looking to clean the paint and then seal it. A different thread I read stated that ColorX was harsher than A12 so I was going to go with A12 instead of the colorX?

With either Colorx or A12 you still have to wax? I thought the polish sealed the paint kinda like a polymer based wax?

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Difference between A30 and A12

First off, welcome to MOL!

As Murr points out, A30 Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner has been discontinued so you would have to select something like SwirlX or even Ultimate Compound to directly replace it, both of which offer far more cleaning and correcting ability.

But he also points out ColorX, which is a terrific all in one product - sort of like A12 Cleaner Wax that's spent a lot time at the gym. Claying is also likely to come into play for you, and it will make a big difference in how effective any type of paint cleaner will be. These two steps will certainly help to deep clean and brighten up the white paint that you've never polished before (we'll talk later ).



What are you really looking to achieve, though? That's what will ultimately determine which product(s) you should choose.

Lastly, read through our 5 Step Paint Care Cycle for a thorough understanding of what all you might want to consider.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Difference between A30 and A12

With either Colorx or A12 you still have to wax? I thought the polish sealed the paint kinda like a polymer based wax?

No, you do not need to wax after either of these as they are both cleaner waxes.

[Murr1525]

Re: Difference between A30 and A12

You still may be able to find the Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner on some store shelves, but yes, SwirlX is kind of the replacement.

ColorX is stronger than the A30 or A12, but we are comparing very mild and mild. Since we are dealing with a surface that hasn't been worked on before, the little extra strength may be good.

Most of us are a little obsessive here, and like 2 coats of wax, hence the cleaner/wax and wax. But a Cleaner/Wax or ColorX alone is certainly good.

[coppie]

Re: Difference between A30 and A12

I am looking to wax my truck and make the paint shine as much as possible without going through a 12 step process. I would like it protected from the elements for as long as possible but I am also a realist and know that a truck sitting out in Az's deserts will not go years before it needs another wax.

So if I clay the paint and then apply colorx then I should be covered for at least a few months before beading of water ceases correct? If you apply colorx, do you have to remove it when you are ready to repolish the paint after another washing?

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Difference between A30 and A12

I am looking to wax my truck and make the paint shine as much as possible without going through a 12 step process. I would like it protected from the elements for as long as possible but I am also a realist and know that a truck sitting out in Az's deserts will not go years before it needs another wax.

So if I clay the paint and then apply colorx then I should be covered for at least a few months before beading of water ceases correct? If you apply colorx, do you have to remove it when you are ready to repolish the paint after another washing?

Fair enough. Then in that case a good wash, clay and ColorX should be right up your alley. Claying only needs to be done when the paint starts to feel rough to the touch, otherwise when it comes time to wax again you can just go straight to the ColorX.

[coppie]

Re: Difference between A30 and A12

Thanks guys I look forward to trying this out. I will let you know how it comes out....

[Murr1525]

Re: Difference between A30 and A12

We know how it will turn out , you'll be very happy. But we love before and after pics.

[Shawn T.]

Re: Difference between A30 and A12

I know I posted this in another forum and I don't want to threadjack but it seems pertinent.

If I were to use Swirlx and then use a cleaner wax (Colorx, A12) would I be removing the oils that Swirlx has put into the paint and just be replacing them with any oils found in either of the cleaner waxes?

Once again, sorry if I am threadjacking. I don't mean to but I just want to know for my future details.

[Murr1525]

Re: Difference between A30 and A12

Yeah, probably.

So if that is the only wax you have to use, then go for it.