Dawning the car question

O

outdoorsr

New member
Greetings,



I am almost finished going over the car with my PC and SMR. I will be applying the new Zanio Z5 after this.



How can I ensure that when I wash and dry the car that I do NOT apply more marks, swirls etc?



Can I just wash the car with water mixed with Dawn without rubbing the Dawn on the paint via the bucket and MF mit method?



When drying it do I use an Absorber or MF waffle? Blot only? There seems to be a lot of minerals in the water around here. I was going to do a final rinse with cheap bottled water. Think that will help?



Thanks all!
 
There really isn't any way to avoid swirls. They will happen. Your paint isn't as fragile as you might think, though.



You cannot properly wash the car without touching it. You have to dip the mitt in the water and wash the car. You can use the double bucket method and rinse the mitt before you go back for more soapy water. That might help.



As far as drying goes, as long as you are using the right towel then you should be able to dry swirl free. Look for the thread about the Perfect Drying Technique and that will help. Dry using the softest towel you can use. Waffle weave microfiber is a good way to go if you have it. Doing a final rinse with bottled water isn't really necessary. It certianly won't hurt anything.



To avoid swirls while washing and drying I think the things to watch out for are simple...



Use a good mitt

Use the double bucket method

Rinse completely

Get as much water off without touching the car as possible (ie the Perfect Drying Technique)

Blot with a CLEAN waffleweave towel or absorber. Blotting will create far fewer swirls than dragging.
 
I agree, and as long as you dry the car off before the water can evaporate, you won't create any water spots. Sometimes when I'm washing in the sun I'll constantly rinse the car down until I can dry it.
 
I use the mitt for washing, but prior I flood the finish with water to try too dislodge any loose stuff.



Wash as normal



Dry with Calf Water Blade



Followed by Waffel MF towel.



This is what I've used and it seems fine. Just don't rub ANY towels hard on the finish or you will start to see the marks from it. I did it to my Armorglove, now I have scratches on a small area do to my mistake while removing a product. Armorglove is SOFT. Your finish is much harder, so as long as all the items touching it are clean you should not add any more scratches.



Only problem is if you used SMR and you Dawn wash, you run the risk of having the filler removed from the swirls. SOmetime it does and sometime it does not. But you are correct in washing it after polish to remove oils/silicons prior to Zaino or any Poly treatment for proper bonding.



Most will remove swirls as opposed to filling with any SMR, but nothing wrong with what you did, just don't be upset if drying you see the swirls come back. Again, it may or may not.



Good luck in your application and hope you gor the newer Zaino, really nice stuff.



Regards,

Deanski
 
Thanks for the advice everyone.



I have been doing spot checking with spray bottle of alcohol and water to look for hidden marks. I have found a few but very little.



Am I correct to assume that the SMR is also an abrasive, and when using it with a yellow CMA pad I should get some actually polishing of the paint and not just filling?



Is there another product that does not fill but just removes the swirls and polishes after the compounding?
 
If you want to stay in the 3M line, look for some 3M PIII-MG, P/N: 05937. And if you are going to a wax and not a Poly, follow with 3M P-III FG, P/N: 05941, as this finish glaze has carnuba in it.



Other items, DACP with #9 or Bodyshop Swirl Reducer, Menzerna IP/FP.



With the right pads and the right product you can remove the swirls as well as bring up a terrific shine. The 3M P-III MG shows it's strickly for removing (non-filling) on the label. The FG has no silicone, but does contain carnuba as well as polishing agents.



The DACP is more aggressive, but followed by BSSR or #9 works well. Most of the time you can get DACP to break down to polishing only with the right pad.



Menzerna IP is also somewhat agressive, but followed with FP and polish and finish pad is very nice as well. A bit different than others as it's not oil based as the others are. Takes some getting used to, but I've seen very good results with it.



*** You do have a PC right? **



Since you ARE going to use Zaino Z5, after polsihing, wash it with the Dawn to remove oils/silicones, dry and then apply your Z5 with ZFX untill satisfied. The new Z5 is very nice!! Don't forget to spray Z6 B4 and after each coat. It helps with the reaction of Z5. Besides, it really brings up the level of reflectivity with each time you use it B4 or after.



I have one area on new Z5 on the Lexus, and it's looking a bit better. Not like hands down obvious, but better. It's all subjective anyway, so don't fret!!



If you want wax, don't bother washing it with Dawn again, I'd wash it with normal car wash or QD it, then apply wax as normal. All depends on who much residue you have left on the finish if you can get away with just a QD.



Regards,



Deanski
 
Super info:bounce



I think I will have to pick up a bottle of the PIII MG. Can you get that at Pep Boys or Autozone like the SMR?
 
Maybe not as it is more geared towards bodyshops. Go to the Yellowpages and look for a automotive paint supply house in your area. Call to see if they have it in stock. SOme websites also sell it. It comes in 32oz containers. The P-III MG has a black label, the FG has a red to distinguish which one while on a cart or shelf.



Nothing wrong with the SMR, in fact works very well in filling and hiding, but again, it does not remove. Removal takes time and right pads/product and time. Don't sweat, it's not that bad.



You may get DACP at those stores though if they carry Meg Pro line.



Regards,

Deanski
 
Right on the SMR - hides. I originally tried the older Z5 on my dealer installed swirls and it did nothing. So when I dawn, like you said, some may reappear. I think I may be better off finding the MG. How does the 3M MG compare to the DACP? Same stuff basically just different brands?
 
DACP is more aggressive, but it's a two-stage product: Cleans then polishes. The 3M will remove and polish, but it's not as aggressive. I'd try the 3M with polish pad first as it's close to a 3M foam waffel pad. If it's still not doing the job, go up to a cut pad, then polish pad again. I've always gone to less aggressive products first, then step up the pads and if it's still NG, then I go to a more aggressive product. No sense in removing more than you have to on your clearcoat.



Here's a list on what's what:



COMPOUNDS, POLISHES AND GLAZES SORTED BY CUTTING ABILITY



10 – MOST AGGRESSIVE - COMPOUNDS

3M SUPER DUTY RUBBING COMPOND HEAVY CUT 39004

MEGUIAR’S BODY SHOP PROFESSIONAL DIAMOND CUT COMPOUND 2.0 VERY HEAVY CUT #85



8

MEGUIAR’S BODY SHOP PROFESSIONAL COMPUND POWER CLEANER HEAVY CUT #84

3M PERFECT-IT III EXTRA CUT RUBBING COMPOUND 05936

MEGUAIR’S MIRROR GLAZE HEAVY CUT CLEANER #4



7

3M IMPERIAL MICRO FINISHING COMPOUND MEDIUM CUT 39001

MEGUIAR’S MIRROR GLAZE MEDIUM-CUT CLEANER #1

3M PERFECT-IT III RUBBING COMPOUND 05933



6

MEGUIAR’S BODY SHOP PROFESSIONAL DUAL ACTION CLEANER POLISH MEDIUM CUT #83



5

3M PERFECT-IT II RUBBING COMPOUND FINE CUT 39002

MEGUIAR’S MIRROR GLAZE FINE-CUT CLEANER #2

3M ONE STEP CLEANER WAX, MEDIUM OXIDATION REMOVER 39066

MENZERNA INTENSIVE POLISH

3M PERFECT-IT SWIRL MARK REMOVER DARK CARS 39009

3M PERFECT-IT SWIRL MARK REMOVER LIGHT CARS 39109

MEGUIAR’S MEDALLION PAINT CLEANER #97

MEGUIAR’S SCRATCH-X #108



4 - POLISHES

MEGUIAR’S BODY SCRUB A10

MEGUIAR’S DEEP CRYSTAL PAINT CLEANER #30

MEGUIER’S QUICK DETAILER #66

MEGUIER’S SPEED GLAZE #80

BLACK FIRE DEEP GLOSS POLISH



3

MEGUIAR’S BODY SHOP PROFESSIONAL SWIRL FREE POLISH LIGHT CUT #82

MEGUIAR’S MIRROR GLAZE SWIRL REMOVER #9

3M FINESSE-IT II MACHINE POLISH 39003

3M FINESSE-IT II FINISHING MATERIAL 05928

MENZERNA FINAL POLISH



2 - GLAZES

MEGUIAR’S BODY SHOP PROFESSIONAL HAND POLISH VERY LIGHT CUT #81

MEGUIAR’S MIRROR GLAZE MACHINE GLAZE #3

3M PERFECT-IT III TRIZACT MACHINE GLAZE 05930

3M PERFECT-IT III MACHINE GLAZE 05937

3M IMPERIAL MACHINE GLAZE 05991

3M ONE STEP CLEANER WAX, LIGHT OXIDATION REMOVER 39006



1

MEGUIAR’S MIRROR GLAZE SHOW CAR GLAZE #7

3M PERFECT-IT III FINISHING GLAZE 05941

3M IMPERIAL HAND GLAZE 39007

BLACKFIRE ALL FINISH PAINT PROTECTION





Regards,

Deanski
 
I just talked to a local store. They have Meguiar's Machine Glaze. Can that be used in place of 3M PIII MG? Does it fill or remove swirls?
 
Minerals in the water: I've been working on this "gizmo", but I havent finished it yet. Make an out-door water purifier system-just for washing the car. I got two "whole house" water filter canisters(the kind with replaceable cartridges), ganged together,(in a series). In one, I have a "rust and sediment filter", in the other I have a "taste an odor filter". All I have to do next is put garden hose fittings on both ends,(in and out), and hook it to the outside water. Then, I'll have filtered water to do the car with. Over-kill, maybe, but the average Joe-once a year cleaner/wax, type, would think most of the "detailing methods" at this site are overkill. Attention to detail is the difference between superiority and mediocrity, and that is that...
 
Iv'e thought about a "marketable product"--A Detailers Hose Cart/Supply Holder/Water purifier all in one. First, I thought I'd give the above mentioned system a trial, and see how it panned out. If it flies alright, next would be a couple of drawings, then some quotes. I could go with either powder coated tubing, or injected plastic(think RubberMaid garden storage products). New tooling coasts a BUNCH, so after the quote process, I'll be closer to knowing if it would be feasible. I know a couple of guys that are set up to do either(tubing or plactic injection). I have done both, (tool and die,mold maker), so off the bat, the tubing would be cheaper, but I think the plastic would be better. It could be a combination of both.
 
outdoorsr said:
I just talked to a local store. They have Meguiar's Machine Glaze. Can that be used in place of 3M PIII MG? Does it fill or remove swirls?
Click to expand...



No, those are two completely different products. 3M MG contains abrasives and the Meguiar's MG is virtually abrasive-free.
 
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