New to detailing...questions

[stealth]

Hello to all,

I'm new to this world of serious detailing, and would love some feedback. I have an eight month old Mazda 3 black mica color, and have some paint issues I need help with. I will soon be buying the Porter Cable 7424 & Pad Kit from AG. My paint has moderate swirls from a car wash... I will never do that again. Also some bird/bug etching. If anyone can give some feedback on my soon to be detail, it would be great. (if its important, my hood has recently been repainted, about a month ago) Detailing process...

Wash:
Using two bucket method (with 2 grit guards)
Wolfgang Auto Bathe w/ Sheepskin Wash Mitt.

Dry:
Cobra Guzzler

Clay:
Meg Quick Clay and Meg Quick Detailer

Polish:
XMT 360 w/ LC white pad (not sure if this is right?)

Paint Seal:
Wolfgang DGPS w/ LC grey pad
Wait overnight...(I've read 12 hours)

Wax:
DP Max Wax (x2) w/ LC grey pad

If this is a good/bad line up, please let me know. Thanks

[Whitethunder46]

Hello to all,

I'm new to this world of serious detailing, and would love some feedback. I have an eight month old Mazda 3 black mica color, and have some paint issues I need help with. I will soon be buying the Porter Cable 7424 & Pad Kit from AG. My paint has moderate swirls from a car wash... I will never do that again. Also some bird/bug etching. If anyone can give some feedback on my soon to be detail, it would be great. (if its important, my hood has recently been repainted, about a month ago) Detailing process...

Wash:
Using two bucket method (with 2 grit guards)
Wolfgang Auto Bathe w/ Sheepskin Wash Mitt.

Dry:
Cobra Guzzler

Clay:
Meg Quick Clay and Meg Quick Detailer

Polish:
XMT 360 w/ LC white pad (not sure if this is right?)

Paint Seal:
Wolfgang DGPS w/ LC grey pad
Wait overnight...(I've read 12 hours)

Wax:
DP Max Wax (x2) w/ LC grey pad

If this is a good/bad line up, please let me know. Thanks

IMO that's a great line up. The only thing I would suggest (if you want to save a couple bux), is try Duragloss #901 for car wash soap. I've never used Pinnacle, WG, DP's, etc., but DG is AMAZING, and cheaper on the wallet. You'll go through soap fast, so get a good amount.

You might want to try Pinnacle Ultra Poli Clay since it sounds like your vehicle is relatively new and you may not need such a harsh clay.

Good choice on sealant and wax, the MaxWax will bring out some of that metalic flake/pearl that Black Mica has (gorgeous color)

[D]

"Seals. Besides correcting and cleaning the paint, XMT 360™ deposits a glossy, slick layer of durable polymer protection. This is not a one step product that has to be followed up with another sealant for real protection. XMT 360™ is a premium paint sealant that will provide months of paint protection against salt, water, industrial pollution, UV rays, insects, and road grime. XMT 360™ is so effective as a sealant, you’d have a tough time distinguishing its mirror-like finish from other premium non-cleaning paint sealants."

XMT 360 corrects, cleans, and seals auto paint! XMT 360 is more than a cleaner wax, its a swirl remover, polish, and paint sealant in one.

Maybe skip on the 360 and go from polish to sealant, then wax.