strip wax before using swirl remover

**Fatboy2** · 09-07-2004, 03:50 PM

I`m not sure if this is in the correct forum. I have a black bike that has a few light swirl marks. I wash, polish, and wax once a month. I clean the bike after riding and cooling off or before the next ride depending on the bugs.

The question I have is do I need to remove any (carnuba) wax that is on the paint before using 3M swirl remover?

Any suggestions the pros have for a novice detailer about materials and sequence of steps taken with material (microfiber) and product (polish/wax) would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You:jump

**JaredPointer** · 09-07-2004, 03:56 PM

I think the swirl remover, being a polish, will remove the carnauba wax. It sounds like your process is a good one.

Edited because I can`t type!

**Nickc0844** · 09-07-2004, 04:04 PM

Hey Fatboy, you bring up a good question. The 3M stuff you want/are using will strip the carnauba that is already on there. However, 3M`s swirl remover is notorious for having fillers into them, so next time you wash, they are there again (usually). Whenever I detail client`s bikes, I make sure not to use any polishes with heavy fillers in them.

Having a black bike as well, I polish on an as needed basis. I QD and microfiber the bike before each and every ride. With that, I can get micromarring over time. A light polish can easily remove these effects, then protect what you just corrected. If you enjoy waxing your bike (and you should, it only takes a few minutes), then throw a coat on whenever you deem necessary. Paste waxes are easy to apply and remove, and since paint protection durability isn`t a major concern for me (another discussion) the pastes just work well.

I personally use a variety of products on the bike. For QD`s/waterless washes, I use Adam`s Polishes and Poorboy`s Spray and Wipe because of the cleaners and lubricants they have that others don`t. I do a bucket wash once a month (depends on how many trips I go on too).

Anyhow, good to have another fellow rider here (especially a Harley one), and we`ll talk to you soon.

**Nickc0844** · 09-07-2004, 04:07 PM

Here is another one. I think some of these are featured on the Poorboy`s Website as well.

**Nickc0844** · 09-07-2004, 04:10 PM

100th Anniversary VROD with a Stage 1 Turbo kit and some extra chrome!

**NYV6Coupe** · 09-07-2004, 05:09 PM

nick .......... that is art!!

tastefully done.

**edschwab1** · 09-07-2004, 05:32 PM

Nick,
Nice V-Rod.

Fatboy2,
How do you wash and dry the bike?
What products do you use to wash and dry?

As stated 3m SMR is heavy with fillers and will remove some if not all previously applied wax. If you like 3M I would try 3M part number 39012, which is the consumer size of Perfect-it III Machine glaze.

Eric

**Fatboy2** · 09-07-2004, 05:53 PM

Thanks to all for the information.

Nick what a shine on that bike!

Could you recommend a swirl remover in lieu of 3M?

If I understood correctly you also use a Poorboy`s waterless to clean... then polish with an Adams product? Sounds like the novice is showing in me... I have used Meguires and Pig Glow. I had not heard of either product you mentioned. I will check the net for an outlet.

I had a concern of polishing without doing a "soap/water" wash and just didn`t know if the waterless wash was safe enough? The main concern was causing swirl marks with any particles on the paint. However I am not that enthused about getting the controls wet that often.

You mentioned waxing. Can I wax the black too much?

Again thanks for the information. You won`t be able to send too much my way.

Ride Safe.

**Fatboy2** · 09-07-2004, 06:00 PM

Eric

I use a Meguires soap and clean wash mit for a bucket wash.
I use the leaf blower for the drying. Microfiber to get the last drops/runs.

Any products or procedures in mind?

Thanks,
Jerry

**Nickc0844** · 09-07-2004, 08:11 PM

Thanks Fatboy and edschwab1. 3M has a variety of products, which include a glaze, swirl remover, wax, etc...You did hear me right about the waterless wash. Both Adam`s and Poorboy`s make a waterless wash QD. I spray them on, let sit for about 15 seconds so it can penetrate the light dusting on there, and then making sure to use a microfiber towel to wipe. Anytime you do a regular wash and/or wipe the bike, it is inevitable that swirls are going to come. I was totally skeptical about them too at first, but now can`t live without them. You`ll be amazed at how much better and how much longer your bike will stay looking clean. Mine stays like the pictures above until I do a hose wash and do it again.

You`ve got a good proceedure. I make sure to use 2 seperate wash mitts; one only for paint, and another for everything else. This should reduce swirling. I have either my wet/dry vac that has a blower on it, or my Cycle Dry that I picked up at Daytona Bike Week this past March. Both do a great job at drying the bike in a fast time.

Both Adam`s and Poorboy`s make fine polishes as well, especially if you keep up the paint work.

AND THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS WAXING "TOO" MUCH!

**jaybs02** · 09-07-2004, 08:28 PM

Sweet looking V-Rod Nick...
Does it handle as well as Harley claimed?

**Nickc0844** · 09-07-2004, 08:35 PM

.....better than the articles read out! I love going up the mountains in this thing; you can get this leaning pretty well, since it`s at 600lbs. I`ve cruised at 106mph and still had plenty of throttle left. 0-60 in 4 seconds and 1/4 mile in 10.95 ain`t bad at all. AND THAT`S STOCK!