Hi All,
I am new to the forum and a newbie in regards to car detailing. 6 months ago, I acquired ownership of a 1993 Saab 900 Commemorative Edition (last batch of the classic 900 hatchbacks made before GM's influence) with black, single-stage paint and am wondering how best to care for it. I'll try to post pics soon, but basically, it's in pretty good shape already - no scratches or major swirl issues - (Although I have heard that single stage paints don't reveal swirl marks as much as CC's do?) At any rate, I can't see any... Its previous owner took good care of it.
Unfortunately, when I first got the car, I witnessed it get dinged in a parking lot by a white colored car door that left a white mark, diameter of a quarter, but splatter-shaped, on the passenger door panel, smooth to the touch. I assumed it was transferred paint from the offending car (it was a very elderly lady and couldn't bring myself to give her any heat- she literally must have been 90.) I attempted ScratchX 2.0 on it by hand in the shade and not only did it not remove any of the white mark, it expanded it, as if there was white under the black.. And there was a lot of black paint residue on my applicator pad. I did not rub too vigorously either, and only for a minute before suddenly halting as I realized what was happening. This panel has since been professional restored so its no longer an issue, just wanted to mention how my cars' paint responded so sensitively to ScratchX 2.0.
I want to perform the complete 5-stage paint care cycle regularly on this car. Are single stage paints more "fragile" in regards to clearcoated paint b/c they lack a clearcoat on top of them - at least in regards to using rubbing compound? Is there a basic, gentle paint cleaner to use after claying and before polishing that I ought to use? I already own a bottle of Ultimate Compound but I fear that is too harsh for my single stage black paint that doesn't even have any significant scratches/swirls. Should I skip the Cleaning Stage/Stage 2 altogether? I do own a bottle of Ultimate Polish that should bring out the beauty in this black paint - and it does have a marginal cutting ability, right? I'm just so afraid of doing something wrong to this car and I want to ensure I'm doing the right thing before trying anything... I know the importance of doing a Test Spot before doing the whole car too, I will certainly do that. I'd like to try to get the Test Spot right too though!
Here is a complete list of what I own and please let me know what I'm missing or what to avoid, if you could... FYI all work will be done by hand.
MEG Gold Class Car Shampoo/Conditioner - w/ wash mitts, buckets, drying towels, etc
MEG Clay Bar Kit w/ QD
MEG Ultimate Compound (skip? use something else? just use polish?)
MEG Ultimate Polish
MEG Gold Class Liquid Carnauba Wax (I want to switch to Ultimate Wax b/c I hear it won't stain trim - of which there is a lot on this car)
MEG Ultimate Quick Detailer (daily)
MEG Ultimate Quick Wax (for in-between waxings)
MEG Leather Cleaner/Conditioner Spray
MEG All-Wheel Cleaner Spray - I would like to get metal polish for the wheels and perhaps some tire shine stuff.
I'd also like to get the MEG Ultimate Dash/Trim Protectant for interior dash/etc and exterior trim (is that the best choice?)
Thank you in advance!
JS
I am new to the forum and a newbie in regards to car detailing. 6 months ago, I acquired ownership of a 1993 Saab 900 Commemorative Edition (last batch of the classic 900 hatchbacks made before GM's influence) with black, single-stage paint and am wondering how best to care for it. I'll try to post pics soon, but basically, it's in pretty good shape already - no scratches or major swirl issues - (Although I have heard that single stage paints don't reveal swirl marks as much as CC's do?) At any rate, I can't see any... Its previous owner took good care of it.
Unfortunately, when I first got the car, I witnessed it get dinged in a parking lot by a white colored car door that left a white mark, diameter of a quarter, but splatter-shaped, on the passenger door panel, smooth to the touch. I assumed it was transferred paint from the offending car (it was a very elderly lady and couldn't bring myself to give her any heat- she literally must have been 90.) I attempted ScratchX 2.0 on it by hand in the shade and not only did it not remove any of the white mark, it expanded it, as if there was white under the black.. And there was a lot of black paint residue on my applicator pad. I did not rub too vigorously either, and only for a minute before suddenly halting as I realized what was happening. This panel has since been professional restored so its no longer an issue, just wanted to mention how my cars' paint responded so sensitively to ScratchX 2.0.
I want to perform the complete 5-stage paint care cycle regularly on this car. Are single stage paints more "fragile" in regards to clearcoated paint b/c they lack a clearcoat on top of them - at least in regards to using rubbing compound? Is there a basic, gentle paint cleaner to use after claying and before polishing that I ought to use? I already own a bottle of Ultimate Compound but I fear that is too harsh for my single stage black paint that doesn't even have any significant scratches/swirls. Should I skip the Cleaning Stage/Stage 2 altogether? I do own a bottle of Ultimate Polish that should bring out the beauty in this black paint - and it does have a marginal cutting ability, right? I'm just so afraid of doing something wrong to this car and I want to ensure I'm doing the right thing before trying anything... I know the importance of doing a Test Spot before doing the whole car too, I will certainly do that. I'd like to try to get the Test Spot right too though!
Here is a complete list of what I own and please let me know what I'm missing or what to avoid, if you could... FYI all work will be done by hand.
MEG Gold Class Car Shampoo/Conditioner - w/ wash mitts, buckets, drying towels, etc
MEG Clay Bar Kit w/ QD
MEG Ultimate Compound (skip? use something else? just use polish?)
MEG Ultimate Polish
MEG Gold Class Liquid Carnauba Wax (I want to switch to Ultimate Wax b/c I hear it won't stain trim - of which there is a lot on this car)
MEG Ultimate Quick Detailer (daily)
MEG Ultimate Quick Wax (for in-between waxings)
MEG Leather Cleaner/Conditioner Spray
MEG All-Wheel Cleaner Spray - I would like to get metal polish for the wheels and perhaps some tire shine stuff.
I'd also like to get the MEG Ultimate Dash/Trim Protectant for interior dash/etc and exterior trim (is that the best choice?)
Thank you in advance!
JS
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