Anyone has experience with Meguiar's 3-step?

[streaker666]

Step 1: Paint cleaner
Step 2: Polish
Step 3: Wax

I understand that the wax you apply and let dry before buffing off...what about the paint cleaner and the polish? Do I let that dry on the paint before buffing off? Or do I just apply the paint cleaner (polish) and wipe it off while it's still wet/moist?

Any help would be appreciated.

[esmith13]

If it works like the Mother's 3 step I use, which has the same three components, you treat each of the three steps the same...

Apply to small area with circular motion...
Let dry to a white-milky haze...
Wipe off with clean cotton terrycloth towel, rotating to a clean section of towel frequently...

Finish whole car, on to next bottle/step.

However, I hear with the final step (the carnuba wax) that you actually get better results the longer you leave it dry on the car.

I would not recommend doing that with the first two steps, however....

Hope this helps,

Eric.

[greenguy]

I love meguires! I use all gold class products. when the car has been freshly waxed, then gets dusty, just use a california car duster then use meguires quick detal and looks like you just waxed your car!
I also recomend california dash duster! works great!

[esmith13]

I have the california dash duster.... fastest cleaning of my dash ever!!!

especially when you treat your dash with the right chemicals, and it's not really dirty again, just has a dust, hair, lint buildup..... 30 seconds and it's clean!!!!!


Eric

[siver-SI]

I have used it on many cars. The cleaner works great but I would say get the clay bar too because I did not buy one and I have seen people who have and it does make for a better look. As for all 3 let it dry do a haze and it will come off with ease. For the wax I did 2 coats one by hand and one with my buffer and it looked great. I did not use the gold class though so if you get than one you might only need to do one coat.

[i-WERKS]

I use the three step all the time.
I apply steps 1 and 2 with a orbital buffer and remove it by hand. I do it sections at a time as per the directions on the bottle.
For step 3. I cover the whole car and wait for the haze before removing.
I recently purchased scratch x and gold class wax.
I find that the deep crystal step 3 works much better than the gold class. It leaves a much smoother feel on the paint.
Scratch x removes swirls much better than step 1 for dark cars but i found that it must be applied by hand to get the full effect.

[streaker666]

Originally posted by i-WERKS
I use the three step all the time.
I apply steps 1 and 2 with a orbital buffer and remove it by hand. I do it sections at a time as per the directions on the bottle.
For step 3. I cover the whole car and wait for the haze before removing.
I recently purchased scratch x and gold class wax.
I find that the deep crystal step 3 works much better than the gold class. It leaves a much smoother feel on the paint.
Scratch x removes swirls much better than step 1 for dark cars but i found that it must be applied by hand to get the full effect.

Man, speaking of ScratchX, I'm still crossing my fingers 'cuz I just bought a tube of it hoping that it can help get a rid of the fingernail scratches I have on my car... btw, how come you don't use your orbital buffer to buff off for Step 1 and 2? I just got a 6" o-buffer but haven't used it yet (too damn cold..or when it's warmer the forecast tells me that it'll rain that night!).

[oogy-boogy]

Clay bar first and then do your 3 step process. You'll be amazed at how much the clay bar picks up.

Also, if at all available use the higher end Meguiars line. They come in tan bottles and are all numbered. Ive been using it for years.......can't find anything that comes close (for the price).

Take your time and enjoy....

[siver-SI]

I called Miguiars monday and ordered their Concours Collection, a clay bar, and the Ultimate Organizer. My old car wash bag is falling apart so this one looked good. I have bought the metal polish #28 and that works see well on my tail pipes. Then I use the #36 wheel cleaner and that works wonders. This is my first time getting all the number bottle products and I can not wait to see how my car will look when done. I am betting it is going to be at least a full day project.

[i-WERKS]

Originally posted by streaker666


Man, speaking of ScratchX, I'm still crossing my fingers 'cuz I just bought a tube of it hoping that it can help get a rid of the fingernail scratches I have on my car... btw, how come you don't use your orbital buffer to buff off for Step 1 and 2? I just got a 6" o-buffer but haven't used it yet (too damn cold..or when it's warmer the forecast tells me that it'll rain that night!).

I didn't buy enough bonnets to remove each step. I find that when removing steps 1,2, or the wax causes the bonnets to get dirty very quickly. Once I'm finished with the hood, I already have to change the bonnet so i don't bother and just remove it by hand.
I have a 6" buffer as well.

[SiR_d1]

you really go through that many bonnets? I personally haven't used my buffer yet, i plan to tommorrow, which will be the first time i totally detail my car! I plan on taking at least 6 hours to do the job, inside out. Also, in regards to meguires scratchx, it doesn't work! I bought it 2 days ago and I used it for 10 minutes than I returned it back to walmart. what a waste! My scratches werent even that deep, they were light scratches on the clearcoat and it couldn't even get it out! So word of warning, DONT BUY SCRATCH-X FROM MEGUIRES!

[SiR_d1]

I was just curious as to how long it takes otehr people to use the 3 steop system on their car?

[siver-SI]

When I do a full cleaning on my car it take me about 6-8 hours inside and out.

[SiR_d1]

man, I'm totally not looking forward to tommorrow. I'm probably gonna wake up around 10am to start

[siver-SI]

Number one thing that I can tell you is keep it inside or in the shade. If not that stuff dries and no time and it is a big pain in the butt to get off. Just though I would warn you.