So, for many years, I've used the Meguiars deep crystal 3 step system. It consists of a paint cleaner, a polish and a wax, and I've had great results.

I'm in need of a clay bar and I need to re-buy all my wax products and would just assume go with what I've always used, including the Meguiars clay bar.

Does anybody suggest I step away from this for a similar priced, BETTER option?

I know threads like these are all over the place, but I figured I'd ask anyway before I drop $30-40 again.

 

Pinnacle makes the best clay bar IMO.

 

You can do that. Or you can do Meg's Clay, Ultimate Compound followed by SwirlX and then sealant.

Thats what I did month ago to fix the body shops pig tails and horrible swirl marks they embedded in to my ride.

 

Was the swirl-x good? I have swirls that come back after about a month f/ the 3 step

 

you need to get some polishes/swirl remover from detailersdomain. that over the counter meg's stuff is only gonna do so much. and get a portercable while your at it. tackling that by hand isnt going to produce that great of a result. also, how and what do you wash your car with?

 

Yes but if light swirls better of with the 205. Great stuff

 

Just in case you have not yet heard, but Meguiar's has discontinued their Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner. Substitute SwirlX for DC1. By all means continue to use Deep Crystal Polish if you like the results.

I'm absolutely sure you can get a better wax than Deep Crystal Wax. Meguiar's has just released Gold Class Carnauba Plus (paste or liquid). It's more expensive than DC3, but I think you'll be pleased. But there are lots of good waxes and sealants out there, and Detailer's Domain carries a number of them. The world is your oyster. It's all very personal.

In your price range, you might also consider a synthetic sealant like Duragloss 105 or Mother's Reflections or a carnauba/synthetic hybrid like Collinite 845. Unfortunately, these products are not often found at local auto stores. Collinite 845 can be ordered from Detailer's Domain. Reflections can be order from Amazon.com at a great price. Duragloss can be ordered through several different online vendors.

 

Hmm, that could explain why i didn't see it at first look. Thanks for all the info....I'll post back with before / afters....probably hit the local stores up this weekend

 

Is a buffer necessary? I've always polished by hand.

 

If you are happy polishing by hand, then by all means continue to do so. If you want to remove swirls and refine the paint finish, then you'll need to invest in a dual action polisher (not a $20 circular polisher that you can buy at the local store), pads, polishes, etc. It's a nice hunk of change.