View Full Version : Detaling Question
I've had my car (Brilliant Black S5) for about 6 months now. I've been using Turtle Wax Polishing Compound ( http://images.solidcactus.com/autobarn/turtle-wax-premium-polishing-compound.jpg ) to polish my car. I've polished the car about two times during ownership. Recently I was reading some reviews about the Turtle Wax polish and realized that many people have had problems with it. Apparently it's too abrasive and damages the clearcoat. I have not seen much damage on the paint besides normal wear, but I am afraid that I may have damaged my paint already. Has anyone else used this polish? Should I stop using it?
Also went out today and bought so Meguiars NXT Gen Wax and SwirlX. Just wondering if anyone else has used these products and can attest to their effectiveness. Thanks in advance.
hoppy6698
06-19-2010, 07:49 AM
First, I would say that most OTS (off the shelf) products are not the greatest, you really have to know what to look for. In general, Armor All is horrible and Turtle wax is just flat out cheap junk.
The Audi clearcoats are very durable and hardest in the biz, I doubt you have done any serious damage. SwirlX should remove any minor scratches. Most likely, your application pads or towels did the damage more than Turtle wax though.
If you really want to get into taking care of your car and maintain that concours perfection, be prepared to spend some $$ and time.
kickr
06-19-2010, 07:53 AM
I've had my car (Brilliant Black S5) for about 6 months now. I've been using Turtle Wax Polishing Compound ( http://images.solidcactus.com/autobarn/turtle-wax-premium-polishing-compound.jpg ) to polish my car. I've polished the car about two times during ownership. Recently I was reading some reviews about the Turtle Wax polish and realized that many people have had problems with it. Apparently it's too abrasive and damages the clearcoat. I have not seen much damage on the paint besides normal wear, but I am afraid that I may have damaged my paint already. Has anyone else used this polish? Should I stop using it?
Also went out today and bought so Meguiars NXT Gen Wax and SwirlX. Just wondering if anyone else has used these products and can attest to their effectiveness. Thanks in advance.
I would not say that it damages the clearcoat, but I can very much imagine that Turtle Wax polish takes more clearcoat off in the process than a Meguiar's product. What you have to understand is that every polishing step takes off a bit of your clearcoat, which is by no means bad if you have a healthy and strong clearcoat. So yes, I would use any Meguiar's product over a Turtle or Eagle1 product.
Also, you must be doing something wrong if you have to polish your car every 6 month. Your ideal goal is to get a clean sheet of paint (clearcoat) to start with and then do everything to protect it. By that I mean hand washes with ph balanced soap, MF mitts and towels, 2 bucket method, and enough protection through wax. You really should only have to claybar and wax (maybe also seal) every 6 month.
Thanks a lot for the quick replies. Clearly it's in my best interest to stop using the Turtle Wax polish. I've been hand washing my car ever since I've gotten it using the two-bucket method, yet still I have swirl marks. I've only waxed it once (with Turtle Wax [>_>] ). I just polish the without feeling any particular need to; I thought it just made the car shinier and had no idea it took off clearcoat in the process. Hopefully the Meguiars products I got (used correctly), will improve the condition of my paint.
readimag
06-19-2010, 09:23 AM
I would not say that it damages the clearcoat, but I can very much imagine that Turtle Wax polish takes more clearcoat off in the process than a Meguiar's product. What you have to understand is that every polishing step takes off a bit of your clearcoat, which is by no means bad if you have a healthy and strong clearcoat. So yes, I would use any Meguiar's product over a Turtle or Eagle1 product.
Also, you must be doing something wrong if you have to polish your car every 6 month. Your ideal goal is to get a clean sheet of paint (clearcoat) to start with and then do everything to protect it. By that I mean hand washes with ph balanced soap, MF mitts and towels, 2 bucket method, and enough protection through wax. You really should only have to claybar and wax (maybe also seal) every 6 month.
Yea listen to everything he pointed out to help with washing. You may need to polish your car every six months if it is a daily driver, and with a black car it is crazy how much everything shows. Now I am not saying that you need to go M105(OTS ultimate compound) on the car all the time but a m205 (OTS swirlX) will help a lot with the everyday grind. Also I would look at getting some clay like was pointed out. Now if you want to go the easy route get a glaze that will fill everything in and a sealant will keep it all in, then add a wax for lasting protection. Now dont get me started on waxes but liquid is easy and stay on longer then paste, but paste has that wet shine just comes off a lot quicker.
Great starting kits
Detailers Domain (http://www.detailersdomain.com/streetdreamsdetailswashkit.aspx)
Adam's Kit (http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-99-adams-original-essentials-detail-kit-w-free-gallon-of-detail-spray.aspx)