You'll want to inspect the surface both visually, as well as by physically using your sense of touch. Sometimes your sense of touch can reveal defects the eyes cannot see.

First, wash and dry your vehicle. Then look along your paint surface at an angle while noting the depth and richness of the color.

Search for:

• Swirl marks
• Scratches
• Etched areas
• Fading
• Dulling
• Oxidation
• Overspray

A photographer's loupe or magnifying glass will make it even easier to identify any problem areas. Ideally, do this in bright sunlight as well as under strong indoor lights because some defects show up best under specific types of lighting conditions.

To find bonded contaminants that your eyes may have missed, slowly slide the face of your clean, dry hand along the surface of your car's finish after washing and drying your car. The surface should feel as smooth as glass.

Any surface irregularities you do feel are bonded contaminants that must be removed before polishing or waxing. The best way to remove above surface bonded contaminants is to use Meguiar's Smooth Surface ^TM Clay Kit. The advanced polyclay technology used to make our clay bar together with the high lubrication characteristics of our Quik Detailer enables you to easily and safely remove even the most tenacious contaminants while gently protecting your paint from harm.