Looking for advice...

[Marksman]

Well, I just washed my car for the third time since I've owned it and I've got some questions. (Bought the car in Dec.) It has swirls really bad(I think) so after I soaped it up and dried it off, I applied a coat of Meguiars Scratch X. It helped a little bit but it didn't get all the swirls off. After I applied that, and wiped off the excess, I rewetted the car and dried it again using some Eagle One 'Wax as you Wipe' that I got free at a car show. Right now the GA's finish is smooth and glassy, but not deep. It looks as if it wont last more than a day. Here's where the questions come:

1)Can the swirls be repaired/filled in or am I kinda screwed in this area? Would it help to apply another coat of Scratch X?

2)I really want a glassy finish and I KNOW it has to have real wax. What is the difference between the Meguiars Gold Class wax that comes in the box and the three step line(cleaner, polish, wax)? Which would provide the better finish?

3)Would a clay bar help me at all?

4)Pics are atMy Sounddomain page (http://members.sounddomain.com/marksman762) Although they dont show the finish quality at all, they give you an idea of what I've got. What do you recommend?
Many thanks from a young enthusiast!
-Marksman

[SC/T02]

If you don't have experience with a clay bar then don't use it. My advice to you is to get the 3 step process. It works great. to finish it use the "4th" step of Gold Class. ths will cost you like $30.00 for all of it but you can wax your car like 7 times so its not so bad. Hope this helps.

Wal-Mart sells the "cheap" Zymol that will give a deep rich look. GO with Gold Class/Zymol. Cost is the same both work well. It is harder to get the Zymol to wipe off. But they use Bee's wax and what not which helps with the shine.

[Gator]

I think you are going to get a ton of responses that mirror what I am about to say....

ZAINO!!

This is truly the most incredible product I have ever seen. You will spend a bit to get started, but the shine is unmatched in depth!

I have to find my pics, I am sure someone else will post theirs as well.

Richard
"Gator"

[oldsskool]

i use turtle wax colour cure.. i have a black alero so i use the black wax... after about 2 applications (i do it every saturday now) my finish is getting VERY deep!.. i love it.. imma apply 2 or 3 coats this sat see how deep i can get the paint to look

[Marksman]

Well thanks for the help so far! I did some research and it looks like Zaino is the way to go! Spendy, but it seems to be the only way to get the finish quality I want. Please post some pics if you have them and what you used to get your finish.
Quick wash question: Do you guys use mitts or do you use a sponge? Just wondering...
Thanks!
-Marksman

[Mike Jung]

Originally posted by Marksman
...Quick wash question: Do you guys use mitts or do you use a sponge?
Sponge :nono:

Only real wool/lamb skin mitts for my GA :thumbs:

[I use a different mitt for the wheels (my old one).]

[Mechtech]

I only use a wash mitt, also for drying I've been big on the California Water Blade, it's kind of expensive but it cuts drying time and as long as you did a good job cleaning it also wont scratch the paint.

As for your waxing question here's what I do:
BTW all the products I use are from Auto Magic

For light scratches caused by snow brushes or the like.
1) Thoroughly wash and dry the car

2) Apply GS-1 Gloss Restorer with a power buffer using a light cut foam pad or by hand (buffer recommended if you can use one, power buffer not an orbital one)

3) Rinse and chamios the car to remove the excess wax, do not wash it or you'll just pull the gloss restorer off

4) Using a clean low pile finishing cloth remove any haze and also clean in the crevices

5) Now that the car has been cleaned of any excess gloss restorer you can now apply a carnuba wax by hand as per can instrcutions

Note: I also like to mask the rubber trip pieces and cover over the wipers, as the rubber can sometimes get burnt and it saves me clean up time later.

This is the Auto Magic website: http://www.automagic.com/default.htm

It seems like a lot of work but it usually lasts for about 3-4 months, depnding on your weather conditions.