hidesertmlb
New member
I have a Black 2004 VW Jetta GLS. The car is not a daily driver, parked in the garage most of the time. Being aware of how sensitive Black cars can be to show imperfections, I have always taken utmost care in washing: use Meguiar's soap, microfiber mitts, use of two buckets with plenty of water, dry with an absorber towel (rinsing frequently).
I bought/applied Zaino two years ago after hearing rave recommendations from a co-worker who used it. Ever since I applied the Zaino, I introduced minor swirls onto the paint, despite using new/washed Fieldcrest cotton towels. With all the rubbing & buffing, it was no wonder how I got swirls into the paint. I wasn't sold on the Zaino product, nor impressed.
Being disappointed with the results, I started all over, using consumer-based Meguiars Deep Crystal 1-2-3 system (cleaner, polish, wax). OK results, but the swirls were still there.
I did some reading reading on this site, and bought a new PC 7424. This was last year. Along with the PC, I bought a Meguiars backing plate, 8006 and 9006 SoftBuff pads. My intent was to use 3MPI 3000 SMR to remove swirls. Or so I thought...
I washed the car and embarked on this task as a total newbie experience. I masked a section of a rear quarter panel to protect from compound and put on 9006 SoftBuff pad. I put an amount of SMR and procedded to work it in. Light to no pressure on the PC, overlapping sections. After working in the product in a 2x2 section with my PC set on 3, I wiped off a portion of the product to see how it was coming along. Well, it actually appeared as if I introduced more swirls, evident by the machine-signature-webbing. I tried a pass with the 8006 (slightly more aggressive pad), wiped, and really no change as compared to the first pad.
:buffing:
Disgusted, I wiped down the quarter panel with a microfiber towel, put on two coats of Meguiars NXT wax, and called it a day. I know the NXT is a band-aid (filling the swirls), but at least I wouldn't have to eye the swirls when I step into the garage.
I know there are numerous posts regarding this. My Jetta has soft paint. Even my fingernail induces scratching on its clearcoat. Any suggestions? I have thought about using other products, but I don't want a garage full of compounds/waxes if there is something I am doing wrong. I am miffed as to why the 3MPI 3000 SMR is not working for me. Is it the pads, is it my technique (or lack thereof), or is the 3M product too aggressive for my needs? Please help me out. A fool-proof recipe would be truly appreciated. I don't want to take to a detailer, as I know that this is something that I should be capable of doing. I know I don't have pics, but my Jetta's swirls are nowhere near as bad as some of the black "miracle cases" I have seen on this site.
I bought/applied Zaino two years ago after hearing rave recommendations from a co-worker who used it. Ever since I applied the Zaino, I introduced minor swirls onto the paint, despite using new/washed Fieldcrest cotton towels. With all the rubbing & buffing, it was no wonder how I got swirls into the paint. I wasn't sold on the Zaino product, nor impressed.
Being disappointed with the results, I started all over, using consumer-based Meguiars Deep Crystal 1-2-3 system (cleaner, polish, wax). OK results, but the swirls were still there.
I did some reading reading on this site, and bought a new PC 7424. This was last year. Along with the PC, I bought a Meguiars backing plate, 8006 and 9006 SoftBuff pads. My intent was to use 3MPI 3000 SMR to remove swirls. Or so I thought...
I washed the car and embarked on this task as a total newbie experience. I masked a section of a rear quarter panel to protect from compound and put on 9006 SoftBuff pad. I put an amount of SMR and procedded to work it in. Light to no pressure on the PC, overlapping sections. After working in the product in a 2x2 section with my PC set on 3, I wiped off a portion of the product to see how it was coming along. Well, it actually appeared as if I introduced more swirls, evident by the machine-signature-webbing. I tried a pass with the 8006 (slightly more aggressive pad), wiped, and really no change as compared to the first pad.
:buffing:
Disgusted, I wiped down the quarter panel with a microfiber towel, put on two coats of Meguiars NXT wax, and called it a day. I know the NXT is a band-aid (filling the swirls), but at least I wouldn't have to eye the swirls when I step into the garage.
I know there are numerous posts regarding this. My Jetta has soft paint. Even my fingernail induces scratching on its clearcoat. Any suggestions? I have thought about using other products, but I don't want a garage full of compounds/waxes if there is something I am doing wrong. I am miffed as to why the 3MPI 3000 SMR is not working for me. Is it the pads, is it my technique (or lack thereof), or is the 3M product too aggressive for my needs? Please help me out. A fool-proof recipe would be truly appreciated. I don't want to take to a detailer, as I know that this is something that I should be capable of doing. I know I don't have pics, but my Jetta's swirls are nowhere near as bad as some of the black "miracle cases" I have seen on this site.