Help picking out a polishes/compound

Hello,

I've been trying to read the past two days on what chemicals I needed to buy. But there are so many other there its hard for me (a beginner) to pick the right stuff.

First of all, whats the difference between a polish and a compound?

Here some info to help you guys know what I need:
-basic medium swirl remover
-I would like to get the least chemicals, since I've read that I can use different types of pads to increase/decrease cutting abilities
-Honda paint
-Porter Cable 7424
-also, I need a chemical to help get rid of 2000 grit wet sanding

Thanks!

 

For more information see article “Polishing – Menzerna ” DetailingWiki a series of informative, knowledge based and unbiased articles dedicated to automotive detailing

 

You will need at least one compound(very aggressive- used for removing heavy oxidation and deeper wet sanding marks) like Menz Power Gloss, a cut polish ( for everyday jobs and capable of removing 2000 and finer wetsanding marks) like Menz SIP and a finishing polish (very little cuting action. mainly for jeweling the paint to a high luster.) like Menz PO85RD. I am only quoting the Menz products because it is what I use. If you polish the SIP out properly, you can produce a finish that is more than good enough to go straight to your LSP. Use wool or orange pads for the Power Gloss, orange, green or white for the SIP and black or blue for the PO85RD. With the Porter Cable I would stick with 4" or 5.5" pads. Hope this helps.

 

911 couldn't have said it any better, hehe.

 

Yeah, 911's post is very helpful for me.

When applying the a compound and LSP, on average how many steps should I be taking with pads?

For example, after applying SIP with a orange pad, should I apply another coat of SIP with a black before I start with the P085RD?


Also, is PO85Rd enough to finish? I have Megs NXT would I want to top it off with that or not?

 

It all depends on what type of finish you are going for... and how hard the clear coat is on the car.

If you compound with wool, then you need to do SIP with an orange or white pad, and you can decide which finish you like better.

After that if you are happy with the results the move on to your LSP, if not and you want more shine... then 85rd with a black/blue pad


Make sure btwn polishes that you do an IPA wipe down to ensure lubes in polishes are filling any scratches or swirls that you may of missed!

As for your LSP... Meg's NXT is trash... go to your local harbor freight and pick up some Collinite wax... doesn't matter which one, they're all better than NXT!

 

I would ante up and get the Flex over the PC.

 

Generally speaking, its 1 step with each pad/polish. So, in most cases, I would not apply another coat of SIP with a black pad. Remember, keep it simple with your routine when you first start.

 

Specific Paint types / Polish and Foam Pad Combinations:

a) Dark or Soft Paint Finishes - PO 85 RD 3.01 Super Intensive Polish (F) black or dark coloured paint surfaces, and 'soft' paint - 1200 RPM -White primary (softer less dense foam (70 PPI) with a light abrasive cutting action ) LC CCS foam pad followed by a secondary Blue finishing (very soft 100 PPI) LC CCS foam pad - 1100 RPM

b) Light / Medium Paint Correction - Power Finish (PO203S) and PO 85 D3.01 polishes (LC White / LC Blue foam pads 1000 RPM) should be all you need.

c) Paint Renovation - PO S34A Power Gloss (LC Purple wool pad 1500 – 1800 RPM) it has a short work time slow cut but tends to ‘dust’

 

Thanks for the help guys.

I ordered my products and it should go something like this (please correct if you see anything incorrect):

-Menz IP w/ orange CCS pad.
(if it doesn't do the job should I try the yellow pad or another pass with orange?)

-Menz SIP PO106FA w/ white pad

-Megs NXT by hand?
(i know, i know... after I use it up, i'll be sure to pick up something better)

 

Well, IP is actually between SIP (most aggressive) and PO106FA (least aggressive). If your paint is in pretty bad condition, you'll probably end up using the orange CCS pad with SIP. However, you still want to start with the least aggressive polish/pad combination.

Meg's NXT isn't all that bad but there's definitely better out there. It really depends on whether you prefer the look of a wax or sealant.

 

My mistake, I don't kwno why I added SIP. It's just po106fa. =)

So you're saying DO NOt start out with Menz IP?

 

Well, you might be able to remove your defects with PO106FA and a white pad in itself. If not, then you can step up to IP and the white pad. Now if that doesn't work out, then you can try IP and the orange pad.

 

Oh ok.. got it. Thanks for the help. I can't wait to get started. Now, all I need is a warm day here in Ohio!