Well, based on a recent posting from David regarding paint sealants, I've tried in on my XK8 and half of my black X350. I used the Meguiar's NXT tech wax 2.0. Traditionally, I've used a three step process - cleaner (or clay), polish, then followed by Zymol. Both cars were recently waxed, so I used a Meguiar's Fine cut cleaner to remove the Zymol.

On my 350 - I tried a few panels using the cleaner/Meguiar's Swirl Remover, then the paint sealant. The "shine" results probably look a little better than the zymol, but I'm expecting to now focus on the durability (on both cars).

On my XK8 (Carnival Red), it is flawless, with perfect paint for an 02. Here too, I used the cleaner, swirl remover, then paint sealer. On this color/finish I cannot really distinguish between the sealer and the zymol.

All in all, the sealant if far easier to use than Zymol, so will probably return to it if the durability is there.

 

By cleaner do you mean something like Meg's Cleaner wax? If so, shouldn't you be fine by just going to the swirl remover?

I just did my car today. I've been fighting some swirls, went from SwrilX to Ultimate Compound and today ScratchX. I think %90 of the swirls are finally gone. After that, I go for Gold Class. I'll use a longer lasting sealant type product when I get the roof resprayed (clear coat failure).

 

Stephen,

I used the Meguiar's fine-cut cleaner (#2) first because I had a pretty heavy and recent coat of Zymol carnuba on the surface. I did try the SwirlX first, but it was quite messy, didn't seem to penetrate the top surface, then became very difficult to remove. I took that to mean I was only somewhat cutting the zymol with the SwirlX, then basically smearing it around and redistributing it.

Along with the fine-cut cleaner on the first round, I used a wet applicator and wiped off the excess with a wet (damp) towel, then I proceeded with SwirlX as the directions specify.

 

Quick question, How do you misspell a person's name when it only shows up spelled one way as opposed to hearing it verbally?

Okay, I've got Meg's Cleaner Wax (in the red bottle), so that's what my mind went to first. For a longer lasting sealant I've used Nu Finish (orange bottle). It says it's a "once a year car polish", using a second application 30 days after the first. I've used it, but haven't had a chance to really test it longer than a month or two because I've been after my white whale (swirl marks). Good news, ScratchX DID get rid of %90 of the left over swirls.

 

Huh, on the name spelling?? Not sure I got the point.

I'm not a fan of the combo products (cleaner waxes), at least not on my 3 Jaguars. I prefer to work each step separately with a dedicated product. I do like Meguiar's products, but lean toward their commercial lines. Meguiar's use a numbering system that essentially measures the grit size in the material. Their fine cut cleaner is very course numbered 2. Their carnuba wax on the other end of the spectrum is #26. Their polish which I've used in between cleaner and wax is #7. The only departure is that I prefer Zymol to the Meguiar's Carnuba #26, so I normally go cleaner - polish - Zymol.

More recently, I've replaced the cleaner with clay bar, so clay bar - polish - Zymol. But for this experiment I've gone - Fine cut cleaner - SwirlX - Paint Sealant.

 

Steve addressed Steven as "Stephen" thus Steve made Steven bristle a bit?

 

To remove wax much easier to use dawn dishwashing liquid. It will strip off all of the wax and it is much less labor intensive.

 

Ooooopppps!! Sorry S T E V E N. I missed what I had done all together. Must have been too early in the morning. I assumed you thought I misspelled Meguiar's. Please accept my apologies.

 

That is a great way to go about it, but it will dehydrate your seals on the car.

To steve11, it's okay about the name thing, just a slight conundrum. Honestly, I'm not a big fan using Meg's Cleaner Wax (red bottle) because I normally like to go full bore with the detailing. As for the professional line, while it is very nice, it is much easier for me to go with the standard line because of availability (I'm not a fan of ordering off line). How often do you go about your detailing process? More so my concern of what clay you're using because some are (for lack of a better word) stronger than others and advised only to be used twice a year, while there are other clays available for a weekly use (if desired).

 

I just started using Liquid Glass. Very expensive (@ $20+ per can) but great results.

 

No worries about the seals. You are simply using it once to remove wax. Apply dressing to seals as you would normally and no issues at all..

 

This is a first update, and I'm going to use this thread as a date stamp. I washed the Black X350 today for the first time since paint sealant application. The sealed panels washed (cold water only, no soap) beaded up very nicely. So far, very impressed with the sealant. Let's see how it lasts compared to the Zymol.