I am planning on Swirl(ing) my MC this coming weekend. Can I simply wash with Mystique prior to polishing, or do I have to use Dawn?

 

You can just use Mystique. The polish will remove any wax that might remain on the surface.

 

In general, when abrading you don't have to worry about removing old wax or anything else for that matter. The abrasive (Swirl in this case) will remove everything anyway.

You're on the right track conceptually though... in other words, it can be helpful to start fresh when you're about to use something new, particularly when you use a new wax. It can be helpful before abrading (ie, use Swirl) simply so you don't have to spend as much time (potentially) first abrading through the durable synthetic wax that is already on your paint, if that's the case. If you have a carnauba or a synthetic that's not very durable anyway, then you'll immediately abrade it off anyway.

However, know that even Dawn cannot remove the more durable synthetic waxes (Zaino, Epic, etc) if they are fairly fresh still... in other words, unless there's only a smidge left on your paint anyway, Dawn cannot remove such tough waxes.

Dawn can and will remove any natural waxes (carnauba waxes), even when freshly applied. Again though, this isn't necessary since the abrasive will take it off in a millisecond.

Another comment regarding the "Dawn Wash"...
Although it can be a handy way to start fresh (primarily before using a new wax), it is also quite harsh, especially on your plastic trim parts. I always recommend either 1) Treating/dressing your trim with a protectant after doing a Dawn Wash OR 2) Instead of doing a Dawn Wash, use a paint cleanser. Using a paint cleanser will have the same effect yet isn't harsh on your paint or trim.

Bottom line: Really, you can wash with either Mystique or Dawn. Just treat your trim after Dawn, should you choose that option, and know there isn't any real benefit over Mystique anyway.

-Heather

 

Let me just add that Mystique is an essential part of the maintenance process. You should use it for everytime you just want to wash your car to have a clean car. I don't see much point is using Mystique, then claying and polishing the paint so that nothing remains of Mystique when I finish. Of course, if that's all you have--it doesn't hurt.

Once the car is all polished and beautiful, each time I wash, I want to ensure it's going to look great, so I Mystique it!

Richard

 

Thank you all so much for your input. I actually use Prima products on my MC, and it currently has a 2-month old coat of Epic on it, a beautiful lustre I must say. I have followed that up with coats of Hydro (amazing stuff!), and even used Slick the other day because I wanted to see what it did (again, a fabulous product that left a really "slippery" paint surface). But there are many fine swirl marks in the paint (mostly dealer induced!) and I finally received my PC 7424 and pads (got them here in Canada from a company called eShine), so I want to do things right this weekend.

 

Flick - To remove Epic I would recommend mixing up a 50/50 solution of water and alcohol. I spritz the surface liberally and allow it to set a few minutes. Then I get out the Dawn and wash the MINI. I used to use Dawn to remove any remaining grease and oils from the surface but now I use P21S Paintworks Cleanser. As Heather said be sure to use a trim dressing when your done (but prior to reapplying Epic). Once you get the old Epic stripped and the car washed, it would be an excellent time to clay before starting in with the Swirl.
Mystique actually has some polymers in it (which accounts for the fabulous shine it leaves) so why waste it before polishing?

 

Good points! Even for me, if I'm going to polish next anyway, I'll usually wash with whatever extra soap we have sitting around (usually a test soap reject or one of our comparison test soaps!).

-Heather