[GOTMH8N]

I've been curious about a good cleaner and finishing compound to use this spring to clean up the car and rid the light scratches and swirl marks.

I've been on Chemical Guys' website but their selection is so vast I don't know what to pick!

Any advice?

[Otruba_843]

Chemical guys takes away their negative reviews... so be wary. The wolfgang twins are great!

[5soko]

Meguiars m205 finishing polish seems to be highly liked in this process

[pander5]

I will second Megs M205 but am curious as to what you have and specifically want to correct. Having said that, M205 is pretty universal in its application and just might be exactly what satisfies you for results but again detailers like specifics for the best approach.

And, sorry, just reread your initial post and description but what color, year, mileage etc in addition to machine or by hand (hopefully not the latter).

Not being picky and just trying to help with a more refined suggestion for you. I would love to have you get the best results in the least amount of time. We'd all rather be drivin than buffin!

[Neothin87]

Menzerna's finishing polishes are petty awesome. I top with collinite for longevity with decent looks

[BMW335icoupe]

Try menzerna or sonax nano polish. Both can be found from detailers domain.

[GOTMH8N]

I will check out those sonax. Thanks all!

Originally Posted by pander5

I will second Megs M205 but am curious as to what you have and specifically want to correct. Having said that, M205 is pretty universal in its application and just might be exactly what satisfies you for results but again detailers like specifics for the best approach.

And, sorry, just reread your initial post and description but what color, year, mileage etc in addition to machine or by hand (hopefully not the latter).

Not being picky and just trying to help with a more refined suggestion for you. I would love to have you get the best results in the least amount of time. We'd all rather be drivin than buffin!

I'm looking to dimish the small swirl marks mainly. The car is a 2007 Space Grey with 76k. Paint still looks great and I wax every 3 months but usually by hand so it's obviously kind of difficult to get rid of light swirl marks.

My friend just picked up a random orbital buffer though and I was hoping to use that to help clear off the swirl marks.

[pander5]

Gotcha, perfect info. I absolutley love Meg's M205 for exactly that type of job and usually on a white pad. m205 is a non diminishing abrasive but is a finer abrasive than 105 and for me finishes down flawlessly on light swirls. Because it doesn't "break down" like a diminishing abrasive, the work time is less. Another great polish and as mentioned earlier is Menzerna. I am still going through some older products and use both Super Intensive Polish and PO85RD...not sure what they are called now. The Menzerna products are also phenomenal however have a longer working time. I use a white pad for SIP and a black pad for PO85 on my 07 black sapphire coupe.

If the white pad doesn't give you enough cut you could always bump it up to an orange pad. If you do, i would suggest finishing it down with either a white or black finishing step.

Good luck and enjoy the results. And as always...don't forget to lay on some wax when your done.

[GOTMH8N]

Originally Posted by pander5

Gotcha, perfect info. I absolutley love Meg's M205 for exactly that type of job and usually on a white pad. m205 is a non diminishing abrasive but is a finer abrasive than 105 and for me finishes down flawlessly on light swirls. Because it doesn't "break down" like a diminishing abrasive, the work time is less. Another great polish and as mentioned earlier is Menzerna. I am still going through some older products and use both Super Intensive Polish and PO85RD...not sure what they are called now. The Menzerna products are also phenomenal however have a longer working time. I use a white pad for SIP and a black pad for PO85 on my 07 black sapphire coupe.

If the white pad doesn't give you enough cut you could always bump it up to an orange pad. If you do, i would suggest finishing it down with either a white or black finishing step.

Good luck and enjoy the results. And as always...don't forget to lay on some wax when your done.

Good stuff! Thanks for the advice!

[pander5]

No problem, glad to help. If you are using a PC ROB i will say that, for me, there is no speed less than 6! Well, i do apply my sealant via ROB and use speed 4 for that but for correction it's cranked all the way! Don't be afraid of that and get used to even exerting some pressure...enough to not inhibit the pad spin. I will "crush the pad" to about 1/2 or 1/3 its thickness to really allow it to work.

And if you go the M205 route, make a few passes with the machine, stop and spritz some distilled water on the work are and have at it again without adding more 205. Amazing gloss and clarity will result.

[GOTMH8N]

Originally Posted by pander5

No problem, glad to help. If you are using a PC ROB i will say that, for me, there is no speed less than 6! Well, i do apply my sealant via ROB and use speed 4 for that but for correction it's cranked all the way! Don't be afraid of that and get used to even exerting some pressure...enough to not inhibit the pad spin. I will "crush the pad" to about 1/2 or 1/3 its thickness to really allow it to work.

And if you go the M205 route, make a few passes with the machine, stop and spritz some distilled water on the work are and have at it again without adding more 205. Amazing gloss and clarity will result.

Awesome! Thanks for the info. How much or how heavy should I apply the wax? I think I will be picking up some of the M205

[pander5]

My approach has always been very thin layers of wax but i will say that is because i primarily use polymer sealants and they have to be applied extremely thin.

I still use that approach with carnaubas if i occassionally use them and simply do 2 or 3 layers to even out any thin areas i might have left. I like thin also for the ease of removal with my buffing towels. If time is a constraint simply add more thin wax after your first and second wash.

[GOTMH8N]

Originally Posted by pander5

My approach has always been very thin layers of wax but i will say that is because i primarily use polymer sealants and they have to be applied extremely thin.

I still use that approach with carnaubas if i occassionally use them and simply do 2 or 3 layers to even out any thin areas i might have left. I like thin also for the ease of removal with my buffing towels. If time is a constraint simply add more thin wax after your first and second wash.

Ok good to know, thanks!

Lastly, do you tape off the felt weather stripping for the sunroof? I've gotten wax on it previously and am not sure how to remove the residue.

[pander5]

Absolutely, i tape the heck out of the vehicle whenever using carnaubas. Makes it so much easier to simply remove thin tape versus having to remove the dried in wax from rubber, felt etc.

[GOTMH8N]

Originally Posted by pander5

Absolutely, i tape the heck out of the vehicle whenever using carnaubas. Makes it so much easier to simply remove thin tape versus having to remove the dried in wax from rubber, felt etc.

Ok haha I'll have to start doing that. How do you remove residue from the sunroof weather stripping?

[5soko]

Good info from pander.

And as mentioned apply the wax thin, and if needed add a second coat.

[RD335]

Just my preference, I don't use wax based products. IMHO, there are better products developed today that are longer lasting and to an extent, easier to apply than wax. Wax can trap dirt and doesn't dry hard like the more modern chemical polymer sealants.

To each their own, I use clay bars and top with ZAINO products.

http://www.zainostore.com

Good luck, you'll find your own preferences to keep your car looking great.

[Wingman335]

Originally Posted by GOTMH8N

Ok haha I'll have to start doing that. How do you remove residue from the sunroof weather stripping?

Use Isopropyl Alcohol. You can use a diluted IPA to get rid of the polishing oils too after you are done polishing.