I have read a lot of posts and have come to a decision on the majority of products I need to detail my cars. My M3 is new so I don’t have swirl marks, but the Lexus needs a touch up. Do I also need a product to remove any swirl marks if I plan to use a clay bar?

I plan on using the Klasse AIO and SG, topped off by a coat of S100. I have read comments that the Klasse can be hard to remove and a little spray of spray wax can be used to help. If I understand correctly the synthetic stuff such as Klasse needs to bind to the paint and to each other layer. Wouldn’t a spray containing wax, contaminate the process? If there is a product that is best for this purpose or touch ups, please let me know. Should I invest in a PC or is it dangerous in the hands of an amateur?

My final question is regarding touch up paint. I have purchased Autosharp pens for this purpose. How long do I need to let it cure before starting the detail step? Do I need to do an extra step before starting the detail?

Thanks in advance for your help.

wow, that's a loaded question,,, i will only answer partially, and that is to use a swirl remover to greatest effect, a PC is essential,,, although there are rumors of pros that can use a swirl remover by hand. as for a PC being dangerous if used by an amateur,,,, i think a clay bar is even more potent.

Boy, lots of questions....

If you use clay bar, you will leave micromarring after using it, especially if it's your first time using it. SMR is a must to remove those microscratches.

Klasse AIO is easy to buff offf. SG is a PITA. You should use QUICK DETAILER, not spray wax to remove. The QD should be non-carnuba based so as to allow you to layer SG. Sonus I believe is the prefered QD for klasse and other synthetics.

As for a PC, if you have swirls or microscratches, than you'll need to use a PC. You CAN do it by hand, but most people aren't strong enough nor patient enough (last person I know that did their entire car by hand took 6 months to get all the swirls and scratches out....car looked perfect, but I dunno many people that have that patience level).

Autosharp pens are laquer based IIRC. In theory, they should be dry within 24 hrs. I'd wait a week before sealing that surface, just to let the paint harden. Also make sure you clean the area with a paint prep solvent to remove any waxes, sealants, etc...

Also for your lexus, make sure of what kind of paint you have. Rumor has it lexus and toyota black paints are NOT clearcoated.

Thanks a lot for the info. I think I understand a little better now. BTW both cars are silver.

If the Klasse SG is such a PITA, would you guys recommend Zaino or another product?

IF your paint's in perfect condition or you can get it there, Zaino is a great product. If OTOH it's soso, you're better off going carnuba. Z is optically pure, so it magnifies any imperfections that exist in your paint layer. Carnuba has more filling ability and also gives a deeper wetter shine whereas synthetics give a flat mirror like shine.

I personally use S100 (P21S) wax. I've detailed a silver 328 and xterra. I like the look of carnuba better than Klasse, but it's up to you.

If you use the Klasse or Zaino products, then the S100, will you still get that liquid shine? I want the protection for a longer period than the S100 offers since I know I'm not going to be waxing every month. If I get a PC will the Klasse SG be easier to apply? Is the 3M Perfect it-swirl mark remover the prefered product?

After doing some research on this forum, I chose the Klasse AIO and the Detailer's Pride paint sealant for my sapphire black '03 530i. My main considerations were the fact that the paint was in new condition and I was looking for ease of application and the wet look.

The Klasse AIO is the bomb. You barely use any at all on a damp applicator and it really does wipe on and wipe off. Makes the paint very smooth to the touch. Can't say I really saw a difference in the look, because, hey, the paint is new.

The Detailer's Pride paint sealant is supposed to be easier to apply than Klasse SG and is supposed to give really good results for dark paint in excellent condition. I haven't applied it yet, but will post my impressions once I do. It's Labor Day weekend and I really didn't have plans anyway...