I gave the X its first "hand job" today

61,000 miles on it and I finally got around to giving it its first hand wash and wax job.

Used the Meguiar's 3 step process, and the X looks great!!! Makes me proud to have a black X again. Definately not something I plan on doing every month, but twice a year should be doable.

The bad thing about this is the wife is going to be driving the X for a while. The air conditioning went out in her car (and it is not worth putting the money into it to fix it) so I am going to drive that until the temps go down, or we decide to bite the bullet and buy a new car.

Two thumbs up for the "3 Step Process".

I recently gave my silver X some nice pinstripes and the Meguire's "3 Step Process" smoothed them out nicely.

I live by the Meguire's wax. Excellent product.

Where can I sign up?

If you like Meguiars, try Griots Best Of Show wax. Lasts longer and looks just as good if not better IMO.

Griot's makes the best stuff! He goes out all over the world and only buys/makes the best. Check the website:
http://www.griotsgarage.com/index.jsp

Unless your X is in very bad condition, a 3 step is usually unecessary. The first step, the cleaner, is only needed for oxidized and deep swirls. For most people, a swirl remover type of polish (polish + mild cleaning chemicals) such as the meguiar's #9 swirl remover is all you need, plus a coat of wax.

I'd recommend Meguiar's Proffessional line of products, the ones with yellow/ivroy colored bottles, as opposed to the reddish colored consumer ones. A rotary buffer is also very useful when trying to get rid of light scratches, just remember to keep the revs low till you get the hang of it.

Two words "Porter Cable". I just got one of their random orbital sander/buffers and my rig looks awesome. Washed, Clayed, Polished, and waxed. Pricy, but well worth it for the DIYer.

Please note, power buffers are usefull tools, but... Some care products are formulated for hand application/removal only. Some work with both methods. Others are formulated primarily for machine use.
So, while we all hate to do it, read the label. If the directions are not clear, contact the manufacturer thru the 800 number or web site. Too much bother, so dive right in. The wrong product, machine application and inexperienced user equals damaged paint.

dave and xtoy - and that will cost you

"Two words "Porter Cable""

Dual Action / Random Orbital buffers like the one you just mentioned are great for applying and removing wax / sealant, but to remove swirl marks they are useless.

With a rotary buffer, you are actually melting and removing a layer of the clearcoat. To do that you'll need friction and heat, neither of which are generated in the PorterCable.

Disagree (partially). They do remove minor swirl marks when polishing. Have you tried it? I have

A rotary buffer is something that should only be used by a trained professional for the reason that you mentioned. I cannot burn the paint on my rig using the Porter Cable. However, you can very easily do this using a rotary buffer.

DaveDatsun you are correct. Always read the label before you begin.

"Have you tried it? I have"

I have too. My Home Depot, Ryobi $29 random orbital actually does quite good for removing hairline scratchs if you use the correct chemicals.

Actually, for most people, the Porter Cable would be much more useful than a rotary. So if you are going to purchase only one machine, go for the Porter Cable!

I'm actually considering one myself, as soon as I find someone on Ebay that ships to Canada.

You'll put on Meguires on 5 times by the time you'll have to reapply Collinite Super Double Coat Wax

But no matter how wonderful it might be, it is still a wax and it cannot replace a 3 step.

what exactly is a 3-step?

It is put out by Meguiar's. It involves using a paint cleaner (#1), polish (#2), and finally the wax (#4). I really brings out the shine and deep color of your car or truck.

I hadn't waxed my truck in @ a year, and it really cleaned it up great.

Put another endorsement up for Meguiar's 3 Step!

I finally did my first wax job on the X since taking it home nearly a year and a half ago... and the results made it look like the day it came home!