Testing XMT 360

[slo-ryd]

I originally got the 360 to use on my wifes Silver '05 Sport Trac because her paint is in good shape.

My father recently bought a low mile 2004 custom van. The paint is in fair condition, but has no doubt seen it's share of automatic car washes. So, I thought his hood would be a good test bed.

The 360 made the paint look much better, but I ended up using the XMT intermediate swirl kit to achieve better results.

BEFORE

Tape line showing the XMT360 results on the right

AFTER Step 3, Step 1, Glaze and 360

The difference is dramatic in the sunlight!

Conclusion: For not being very aggressive, the XMT360 does a nice job of cleaning up neglected finishes. IMO this particular vehicle will need a good once over with the rotary to correct the paint.

 

[richy]

I particularly like it on metallics. If the paint is ok to begin with, it's a simple process.

 

[conan777]

So even after the XMT intermediate you still think it needs rotary correction? What pad did you use? WHat if you tried the XMT compounding polish, do you think that would correct the paint enough?? Just curious as I am looking into the XMT line myself

 

[slo-ryd]

If your paints been neglected, the XMT intermediate won't be enough to correct it. (I was using an orange pad.) This van had been subjected to bristle auto car washes by the original owner. My Expedition was worse. I used a 3m medium cut and wool pad on my rotary to get the Expy presentable.
The XMT line will make the paint glow and seems to be great to finish with. I will say that I haven't tried the heavy cut XMT, but I can't imagine it would be aggressive enough to achieve what I needed with an orbital.

 

[richy]

So even after the XMT intermediate you still think it needs rotary correction? What pad did you use? WHat if you tried the XMT compounding polish, do you think that would correct the paint enough?? Just curious as I am looking into the XMT line myself

It sounds like you haven't made a purchase yet..may I suggest Menz SIP and 106. The SIP will correct most flaws and will finish up nicely on its own. Adding 106 to the mix takes it to an entirely new level altogether. The SIP can be used with yellow, orange and even white depending on the situation. The 360 is nice as a final step before sealant. It can be used over Sip too..here's a car where I used it with a 2 step correction:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-n-shine/9331-new-udm-great-results.html

 

[style]

hmmm,maybe try wet sanding it with 2000grit then porter cable orbital with micro finishing compound then the usual pinnacle liq. souveran to finish it off...

 

[supercharged]

XMT 360 is an excellent one step product!

 

[DantheMan]

You can drop by here for a sample of the XMT 4 if you want to try it..

I agree with the 360 though.. Not much correction, so if you're wanting perfection, don't even pick it up... But for a quick cleanup its great.. And easy..