I have only ever used wash wax or polish on a car before. But this approach didn't seem to work on our 1997 white polo.

It sits most of the time in the drive, and doesn't get much use. SWMBO got it about 2 years ago, and the paintwork was in ok condition. I have since polished it with Autoglym super resin polish twice. Most recently was during the summer when the car was constantly attacked by bird droppings, which only went away after T-Cut and a polish.

However, even after the polish, the paint still wasn't in great condition, although it was smooth to the touch. There was always a haze (i think it was oxidized) and it never looked just right.

I decided last week to try the full works, and after reading a few reviews, hunted down some Meguiars 3 step.

Unfortunatelty i could only get step 1 Paint cleaner and step 3 Carnuba Wax.

I set about cleaning the polo on saturday morning at 10.30am.

I washed and dried the car and put some masking tape up the bonnet. I started with the paint cleaner then in place of the meguairs polish, i used the Autoglym i had in the house, and then i waxed it. The difference was incredible.

I then set about the rest of the car. When doing the other half of the bonnet i noticed that after the paint cleaner the bonned still looked very dull, and it wasn't until i used the Autoglym that it shone like the first half.

It took 3 hours to complete the car wax included (had to use 2 coats of autoglym on the roof) and it came up brilliantly.

I was going to take some photos, but it was overcast.

Anyway, great job and very happy with all products. Although, wasn't sure about the paint cleaner, as the finish stayed very dull until polished, but i'm assuming this is always the case.

Will have to source out some Meguiars Step 2 polish.

JD

A couple of things...polish....it is an abrasive hence when you use it you will get some of the colour of the paint on the cloth you use...basically it's like a "kinder" version of T-cut...it removes a fine layer of the paint...hence the shine.

Paint Cleaner...if it's anything like the Swissol product... this replaces paint oil to counter act the oxidisation process. I have a 13 year old red Celica....is pink is some places....used the Paint Cleaner and the difference is marked.

Finally wax to protect.

A couple of things...polish....it is an abrasive hence when you use it you will get some of the colour of the paint on the cloth you use...basically it's like a "kinder" version of T-cut...it removes a fine layer of the paint...hence the shine.

Paint Cleaner...if it's anything like the Swissol product... this replaces paint oil to counter act the oxidisation process. I have a 13 year old red Celica....is pink is some places....used the Paint Cleaner and the difference is marked.

Finally wax to protect.

This is a description of the cleaner:

This amazing, nonabrasive cleaner safely removes contaminants, light oxidation, light scratches and swirls to restore damaged and dull finishes. This easy to use formula uses advanced technology to prepare all paint finishes for polishing and waxing.

Sounds like it removes oxidisation (if that's right), but does not replace oils.

Unfortunately the car was white, and so was the cloth (old t-shirt ssshhh) i used.

I want to know if anyone else who has use cleaners have been left with a slightly dull finish until it is polished?

JD