Meguires 3 Step... Modified By Xenon

[Xenon]

I know that I have a reputation for keeping my car clean, but I wanted to fully do the 3-step process to see if there is any difference. For the 4+ years that I have owned my car, the first time I have fully completed the 3 step process was about 2 years ago.

Although Meguires 3-step does come in 3 bottles (One for each step) I decided to modify each step to my own tastes, and adapt them to utilize the cleaning products I already have, since EACH bottle, for each step costs about $13.99 + Tax at Canadian Tire.

PREPARATION:
Washing the car:
-Simoniz High Foam Car Wash with Desolving Carnuba Pebbles
-Simoniz 2-in-1 Cleaning Sponge (one side is microfibre, the other a bug sponge)
-Microfibre Wash Mitt (recently been using this more, found at Canadian Tire, can't remember brand)

1. PAINT PREPARATION:
Instead of using the Step 1 Bottle, replaced it with a much more elaborate paint cleaning process.
-Meguires QuikClay applied to the entire car to remove bonded contaminants
-Meguires ScratchX to remove deeper swirls and minor scratches

2. POLISH:
Used Meguires #2 3-Step Bottle and applied as per instructions. This bottle comes in short supply sometimes, so I occasionally use Mother's Pure Polish, found at Canadian Tire or Part Source for $12.99.

3. WAX:
Instead of using the Step 3 bottle, I used Meguires NXT Tech Wax. I occasionally substitute with Eagle One Nanowax if swirls become abundant.

All the hard work paid off. My car's colour looks richer (you can actually see the difference between the small parts of unpolished paint vs. the polished paint), and the paint has NEVER been this smooth (even from the day I got the car).

The total process, from beginning of Wash to finishing of waxing took approximately 4 1/2 hours.

[SABIO]

And how much?? For all those items listed you used?? $80?? More... plus your time?

I\'d pay someone to do it:)

[Optimzer]

would the difference show in pics? post please! :)

[Xenon]

Sabio:

Please take note that it\'s not $80 spent all at once. The only extra thing that I had to buy was the polish. I already owned the wax, clay bar, soap, terry cloths etc. So in order to complete the 3-step process, all I had to do was spend $13.99 + tax. As for the time, I find detailing my car very relaxing and enjoyable, and it was spent with friends. The 4.5 hours didn\'t seem long at all.


Optimizer:
Pics won\'t do it. One of the main benefits of the 3-step is the feel of the paint after it has been fully treated. I could take tons of pics (which I did anyways) but if compared to my previous pics I posted, you can\'t see a difference. There are some small improvements (from pre-treatment to post-treatment) that you can see when you actually are doing the process. Example: You can see the difference in vibrance around the washer nozzles. I polished as close as I could, but of course there are the tiny spots that you cannot reach. In these spots, you can clearly see the difference between polished and unpolished paint. My blue is more rich and vibrant.

As for the water bead test... all I can say (and I have witnesses!) that water cannot stay on my hood long enough to take pictures. the paint finish is THAT smooth.

[mit-gee-mui]

Here is a small video clip that I took.

Notice how excited and happy Xenon is about his newly washed, waxed and polished car.:p


Edit: video removed. Someone was too shy.;)

[bluntman]

OMG




























It\'s not the beading that freaked me out...it\'s the fact you made a video of it. That\'s almost as strange as majic\'s video of him flicking his CX7 antenna.

Almost.

Majic\'s video still tops the list. :D

I still think you should have let me test it out at the meet. ;)

Bobby Lee style.

[mit-gee-mui]

Originally posted by bluntman
It\'s not the beading that freaked me out...it\'s the fact you made a video of it. That\'s almost as strange as majic\'s video of him flicking his CX7 antenna.



HEY!:sarc :p

I figured a video was easier than taking 50 trillion pictures of the water falling down his hood.

[chinsterr]

no more video :p

lol, xenon how much do you charge ?

[Xenon]

haha Find out how much FX auto does it, and I\'ll give you a TM3 10% discount :P

[SIM SIMMA]

Saw the results in person yesterday at the meet.

Quite impressive... for 4.5 hours it better be! ;)

But yeah.... beautiful results.

[FLIPDADY]

Originally posted by Jobes


Saw the results in person yesterday at the meet.

Quite impressive... for 4.5 hours it better be! ;)

But yeah.... beautiful results.


Damn if I spent 4.5 hours on my car I might as well ask for a divorce! Maybe we can trade cars for a day Lawrence.;)

[iconicrocket]

I too saw it the result firsthand at the June Meet. Wow, for 4.5 hrs work it sure does look AND feel impressive. The paint looked like showroom shine and felt smooth to the touch.

I\'ll wait until you can come up with something that\'s within 2.5hrs max and I\'ll duplicate it on my car.

[Xenon]

Originally posted by iconicrocket


I too saw it the result firsthand at the June Meet. Wow, for 4.5 hrs work it sure does look AND feel impressive. The paint looked like showroom shine and felt smooth to the touch.

I\'ll wait until you can come up with something that\'s within 2.5hrs max and I\'ll duplicate it on my car.

I\'m sure if you clay bar it and wax, you could do that within 2.5 hours. You just won\'t get the oxidation out of the paint (polish does that).

[mit-gee-mui]

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i274/belleTM3s_pics/th_XebaWatermpg.jpg (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i274/belleTM3s_pics/?action=view&current=XebaWatermpg.flv)

Movie has returned.

Xenon changed his mind about it.:p

:sarc


Edit: Forgot how to upload the movie.

[fourtrack78]

X - how did you apply the different steps (what did you use), i think i might do the same as i\'m starting to see \"swirl\" marks

[Xenon]

Originally posted by fourtrack78


X - how did you apply the different steps (what did you use), i think i might do the same as i\'m starting to see \"swirl\" marks

Check out my first post for all the products I used...

As for How i applied everything...
The clay bar is pretty simple. Spray the QuickDetailer as lubricant, and rub the clay bar over the paint.

Everything else was in the form of a liquid, and was applied just like wax. All done by hand. Of course you can use an elecric buffer/polisher too.

[fourtrack78]

Everything else was in the form of a liquid, and was applied just like wax. All done by hand. Of course you can use an elecric buffer/polisher too.

Thanks X,just one more thing what did you use to apply scracthx, polish and wax(pads?) sorry for all the questions just want to know before i start.

[Xenon]

For cleaning cloths/pads:

I used a separate sponge applicator pad (you can find them in 3 packs from Canadian Tire) for EACH product I used (to avaoid cross-contamination of the products).

After I applied the product, I used a dry cotton terry cloth to remove the product, followed by a microfibre cleaning cloth for the final touches. Once again using individual terry clothes and microfibre cloths for each product.

[txyu]

I have pics of two vehicles that I have done using the steps described in the first post.
Except I washed, clayed, used step 1 of Meguires 3 step, then step two, then used the same NXT wax.

They were vehicles that never had a decent wax job and also had a lot of scratches and swirls so you can see how well it actually comes out.

I did them just for fun.

I\'ll post them up later tonite

[txyu]

Here are the pics:

RangeRover Before
http://img56.imageshack.us/img56/3681/dsc00413ng8.th.jpg (http://img56.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00413ng8.jpg)

http://img487.imageshack.us/img487/9845/dsc00417ms1.th.jpg (http://img487.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00417ms1.jpg)

Rangerover After

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/8610/dsc00420rk3.th.jpg (http://img207.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00420rk3.jpg)

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/3761/dsc00423bd3.th.jpg (http://img207.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00423bd3.jpg)

Ford Ranger Before

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/130/dsc00041ev6.th.jpg (http://img207.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00041ev6.jpg)

http://img487.imageshack.us/img487/3226/dsc00043vy8.th.jpg (http://img487.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00043vy8.jpg)

Ford Ranger After

http://img56.imageshack.us/img56/9027/dsc00046ga2.th.jpg (http://img56.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00046ga2.jpg)

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/2479/dsc00047cy5.th.jpg (http://img207.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00047cy5.jpg)

http://img56.imageshack.us/img56/476/dsc00048ey7.th.jpg (http://img56.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00048ey7.jpg)

[3GFX]

Very nice Xenon. It must have been your first two steps that made the differance. I use NXT Gen wax, and it trully does a great job on beading up water, and keeping the car shiney. But the clay and scratch treatment is what makes that extra differance.

[Xenon]

Originally posted by 3GFX


Very nice Xenon. It must have been your first two steps that made the differance. I use NXT Gen wax, and it trully does a great job on beading up water, and keeping the car shiney. But the clay and scratch treatment is what makes that extra differance.

I regularily waxed my car even prior to the 3 step, so my swirls were kept to a minimum. For me, it was the polish that I was impressed with. It removed the oxidation (remember my car is 2+ years old!), and my blue never looked better.

I plan on 3-steping it in preparation for the ottawa trip.

[3GFX]

Originally posted by Xenon



Originally posted by 3GFX


Very nice Xenon. It must have been your first two steps that made the differance. I use NXT Gen wax, and it trully does a great job on beading up water, and keeping the car shiney. But the clay and scratch treatment is what makes that extra differance.

I regularily waxed my car even prior to the 3 step, so my swirls were kept to a minimum. For me, it was the polish that I was impressed with. It removed the oxidation (remember my car is 2+ years old!), and my blue never looked better.

I plan on 3-steping it in preparation for the ottawa trip.

My car is also 2 years old and I\'ve waxed it 4 times since I got it (2 months ago) with the NXT gen, and I use wax as you dry almost every wash. It shines and beads, but of course there are those small scratches. I\'ll have to try your way sometime before winter hits for some extra protection and shine.

[Kevin@nextmod]

I think the meguiars gold class is enough. That thing will keep on your car for about 2-3 weeks. Jobes used it and he loved it.

[SIM SIMMA]

Yes I loved it.

But my car is also less than a year old so... we\'ll see what my opinions are in the future. But I think the Gold class is the bomb.

I have some swirl marks I want to get rid of. I will need to clay and then try some different waxes to get rid of them.

Next up... Meguiar\'s NXT courtesy of PEarl_Hatch...

:)

[Dave_Mazda3]

hey Lawrence where did you get the clay bar from?

[Xenon]

you can get it from Walmart or Canadian Tire... shouldn\'t be hard to find.

[xg3]

Yah.. it took me like 4.5 hours too to do it..
i had to do step 1 and step 2... rest.. do step 3.. rest, and wax later on haha

[iconicrocket]

I tried out the Meguire\'s 3-step last week, and got good results. Not very impressed with the caruaba wax that came with the kit. That wax is only good enough, but doesn\'t really bring out the shine in the car, sorta like the Nufinish I used last year.

The biggest thing about doing the 3 step process is that your arm just feels like its going to fall right off afterwards. Damn, is it tiring, my shirt was soaked and I looked like I just ran a marathon.

Today, I when back to the car wash and try to get some more of the contaminates off my paint and bring out more of the shine using whats left of the 3-step kit. Big difference, the second time around, paint feels smoother and just a tad shinier. I roll down the windows now so I can feel the smoother paint finish. :D

Next time, I\'m just going to buy the regular QuickClay 2-step, that comes with just the lubricant and claybar. And substitute a really awesome wax for the final stage.

Anyone know if they make attachments for cordless drills so I can turn it into a buffer? I\'m trying to cut down on the manual buffing time.

[Xenon]

I tried out the Meguire\'s 3-step last week, and got good results. Not very impressed with the caruaba wax that came with the kit. That wax is only good enough, but doesn\'t really bring out the shine in the car, sorta like the Nufinish I used last year.


I had a feeling that the wax in the 3-step bottles weren't as good as the gold class or NXT.

And I wasn't too sure how well the "Paint Cleanser" (step 1) would work, which is why I went with the tried and proven Clay Bar.

[Wild Weasel]

Most times, I'd only use steps 2 and 3 and got very good results. If you clar bar then you're right, you don't need step 1. Even if you don't clar bar, you probably only need to use step 1 once a year or so for a deep cleaning.

[Xenon]

Your paint will be a lot rougher without the clay bar tho... especially if you are treating a car that has never been clayed before. The difference in smoothness on my paint after the first time I 3-stepped was jaw dropping. It was smoother than a new car.

[smokeeater]

Sorry to bring this one back guys, but my question kind of fits with this....

People are recommending a special car wash soap (Simoniz Foaming or McGuire's etc.) due to the fact that it is easier on your wax and finish than even dish soap. So my question is if everyone recommends using these special soaps why is everyone still going through car washes. Are their soaps just as good, or still better than common dish soap??

Smokeeater

[Xenon]

The reason why so many of the members of the club highly recommend these specialty soaps is because they are specifically designed for cars. Unlike on alot of other soaps, they DO NOT harm you paint.

Most other soaps or generic soaps are not formulated for car paint and will eat away at the clearcoat and the paint finish.

[3GFX]

Xenon pretty much summed er up there. Dish soap ain't so good for the car, leaves residue if you don't wash it good enough, and its not as gental on the car. I use regular Simoniz car wash soap. Foams better with less soap. I find it cleans better to.

[Wild Weasel]

You should never use dish soap for a general car wash. They're made to remove grease from pots and stuff. Many will dissolve and strip away any wax you might have on the and some can be mildly abrasive.

[smokeeater]

I understand the no dish soap part, but what do they use at the car washes...anyone know?

[Xenon]

Then clean it well with some dawn dish soap and water.


You should never use dish soap for a general car wash. They're made to remove grease from pots and stuff. Many will dissolve and strip away any wax you might have on the and some can be mildly abrasive.


Kinda contradicting yourself there, aren't you?



I understand the no dish soap part, but what do they use at the car washes...anyone know?

If you are talking about a carwash at a gas station, They probably will use some sort of car was shampoo. May not be a name brand, but some kind of soap, designed for cars, bought in huge bulk. As for what brand specifically, I'm not sure.

[majic]

Then clean it well with some dawn dish soap and water.


You should never use dish soap for a general car wash. They're made to remove grease from pots and stuff. Many will dissolve and strip away any wax you might have on the and some can be mildly abrasive.


Kinda contradicting yourself there, aren't you?

Kinda taking his words out of context, aren't you?

the first quote was when WW was advising a fellow member on "How to clean area before using touch up paint?" there you WANT TO remove any residue wax before touching up the area.. :loco so before you jump down on someone make sure it makes sense..

as for your answer to the other quote


"If you are talking about a carwash at a gas station, I'm sure they will use some sort of car was shampoo. May not be a name brand, but some kind of soap, designed for cars, bought in huge bulk. As for what brand specifically, I'm not sure."

well, i am sure that you're not sure what they use at a car wash.. is it car soap? most likely.. what brand? meh.. maybe they buy it in small bulk? :whoa

if you don't know exactly the brand they use, you cannot make any of these statements unless you assume a lot.. and you know what happens when people ASSuME? for all you know it COULD be dish soap.. all that is certain is it bubbles and it smells nice and it cleans the car.. :pop

[SIM SIMMA]

My car is dirty.

[3GFX]

The rain will clean it Jobes!!!

[Wild Weasel]

Kinda taking his words out of context, aren't you?


heh. Seriously!!

Thanks for the backup bro.

Come on Xenon... you should know better! :chuckle

[Flagrum_3]

I understand the no dish soap part, but what do they use at the car washes...anyone know?

Well I asked a couple of car wash places around my area and this is what they said "Car Soap" haha, I don't think they even knew for sure.But one guy at the Esso touchless assured me theirs was definitely vehicle specific, but he couldn't comment further.
As for using dish soap just to clarify..."Use only when you want to strip your wax" (period).It is assumed you know only a mild dish soap will do, mild as in Non Abrasive, all other times a car specific cleanser is a must and there is a gazillion different brands to choose from and they all say the same thing.


_3


.

[Xenon]

Update original post with additional info.