boxlvo

Hello everyone, I'm new and i just got my Black 2000 ES300 Platinum Edition.
I want to polish the paint and i need some advise. Here is what i already bought and prepare for the project:

1)Wash with dawn (to remove previous wax, dirt, and oil to ensure an extremely clean claybar surface)

2)Clay the car with Mother' ClayBar and water as a lubricant (to remove all stuck on dirt and contaminants)

3)Meguiars Scratch X

4)Z6- Quick Detailer spray

5)Apply Z5 Swirl Reducer polish w/ZFX(Apply this by hand with a Zaino polish applicator) (After Z5 has dried for 30m, remove it with a large, white, 100% cotton towel.) then Z6 again

6)Apply Z2 Final polish w/ZFX then Z6 again

7) Turtle Wax(liquid)

*4-5 drop of ZFX per ounce of polish

My problem is that i don't want to waste anymore money on this project. Is the Porter-Cable 7424 necessary? Can i use Scratch X instead of Meguiars #2Fine-cut Cleaner ? I'll post my before and after shot of my lexus soon. Thanks in advance, this is the coolest forum ever!

INHOCJP

It really depends on the condition of your paint, but considering its a '00 model, the paint is probably in need of a good polish.

Best bet would be to get a PC. Good investment, since with a black car, you might have to polish 1-2 times a year. Makes wax application/removal a breeze also. Good luck.

tuan92129

i got the mother's clay bar kit, and it said to never clay with water...

boxlvo

really? i have to look at the instruction for the claybar more closely.
OK, i'll try to order the PC next week if you recommend it.

Nextourer

I believe soapy water is a good substitute to the quick detailer?

jfelbab

Since the kit comes with the recommended lubricant why not use it? Seems the safest course of action.

INHOCJP

Good choice. There are tons of different pad and polish choices, but here is a link that provides some good basic info on how to use the PC.

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...&threadid=7034

EFMJR

iTrader: (4)

With mothers clay, you definately dont want to use water or even soapy water, because it will stick and smear. after about a half hour of trying I switched back to brand P&S that I picked up from a local paint and detail supply store. It works great with soapy water.

Nextourer

of course but in case you run out half way through?