My first time polishing....

never gone said:
Thanks for the compliment. I did hit some spots again and by the time I was done the water spots were completely gone. Here was my thinking and please do tell me where I'm wrong as I'm soaking up as much info as I can. I didn't initially use the Final Polish on the whole car as a first step because Monzerna says to use it more on brand new paint finishes or on vehicles in like-new condition. This was faaaaaar from being in anything close to good condition. I thought the Intense Polish had a little more bite to it? Plus if you work it well enough (I did minimum of 4 minutes each panel) you can finish it off without hazing. My understanding is you use the Final Polish to bring back the gloss and take care of any hazing in the areas where it might have been loss to do the Intense Polish. Or you can start with Final Polish to remove swirls on a car if the paint is in good shape with only very minor swirling. Any and all insight is greatly appreciated!!



You are correct in your thinking. I was referring to your thoughts of only using the final polish in certain areas that looked like they needed it. My point was that it's almost always a good idea to use a final polish on the entire car, not just in spots. The only one you might want to use in spots is the intensive polish(es). Your procedure is correct in that you want to progressively move from most abrasive to less abrasive things to eliminate micro-marring. However, take note that regardless of what the explanations say about certain polishes, you will eventually learn what works for what. Not in this example, but in some, you may just want to use final polish without even trying intensive to see if it works. Then, if it doesn't get what you want, move to a more aggressive routine. However, sometimes you may be surprised with how a mildly abrasive compound may work perfectly well on something you would have guessed otherwise.
 
BuffMe said:
You are correct in your thinking. I was referring to your thoughts of only using the final polish in certain areas that looked like they needed it. My point was that it's almost always a good idea to use a final polish on the entire car, not just in spots. The only one you might want to use in spots is the intensive polish(es). Your procedure is correct in that you want to progressively move from most abrasive to less abrasive things to eliminate micro-marring. However, take note that regardless of what the explanations say about certain polishes, you will eventually learn what works for what. Not in this example, but in some, you may just want to use final polish without even trying intensive to see if it works. Then, if it doesn't get what you want, move to a more aggressive routine. However, sometimes you may be surprised with how a mildly abrasive compound may work perfectly well on something you would have guessed otherwise.



Awesome thanks. I'll be polishing my car in April (or when ever my hands feel back to normal) for a big import show that will be taking place. I have an '04 Infiniti G35 in diamond graphite. I hear Nissan paint is really soft. I have very very minor swirls on my car so I was thinking when it's time to polish it, I'd go with Final Polish (or 106ff if I buy some by then) on a white pad. I know if the paint is in great shape it's better to start with the least aggressive method but if I need a little more bite I'll try Final Polish (or 106ff) on an orange pad. that sound about right?
 
It might take an orange pad, but start with the white and some 106ff or FP. That might do it, depending how light the swirls are.



Also, another tip for that color (assuming it's the car in your avatar), go with a really good sealant rather than a wax if you really want the metallic color to pop. Some good ones that stick out are Klasse Sealant Glaze, OptiSeal, or even Menzerna FMJ.
 
BuffMe said:
It might take an orange pad, but start with the white and some 106ff or FP. That might do it, depending how light the swirls are.



Also, another tip for that color (assuming it's the car in your avatar), go with a really good sealant rather than a wax if you really want the metallic color to pop. Some good ones that stick out are Klasse Sealant Glaze, OptiSeal, or even Menzerna FMJ.





Appreciate the feed back. After polishing I was planning on Z-2x2 (been using zaino for a while now) and then when prepping at the show, topping it with P21s. This has proven to be a killer combo for me.



P1010053-1.jpg
 
That works as well. I personally think Zaino gives too much of a plastic look, but if it works for you, that's great. Car looks great in the pic, there. But, we all know is the direct sun shots that matter at the show :)
 
BuffMe said:
That works as well. I personally think Zaino gives too much of a plastic look, but if it works for you, that's great. Car looks great in the pic, there. But, we all know is the direct sun shots that matter at the show :)



Haha so true. This show is indoors though :cooleek:
 
Ah, even better.



Depending what side of the bed I woke up on, I might or might not go around with a flashlight to all of the people's cars that prepared them for unnatural lighting when the judges happened to be standing nearby... :sign
 
BuffMe said:
Ah, even better.



Depending what side of the bed I woke up on, I might or might not go around with a flashlight to all of the people's cars that prepared them for unnatural lighting when the judges happened to be standing nearby... :sign





HAHAHAHA! Jump the guy with the sun gun!!!
 
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