[FirstBMWLA]

I've searched around but haven't been able to find an exact answer to my question. My car is about 6months old and I've tried to take fairly good care when washing. From what I can tell I've been able to avoid swirl marks pretty well. Is there any extremely light polish or other product I could use to restore the deep shine my car had new. It still looks great after a wash and wax, but I just think it could look a little better after seeing some other people's pictures. Currently I just use a sealant after washing. I have clayed my car too. Thanks in advance for the help.

[phantom330]

Clay is a good start, but just removes contamination instead of polishing. I'm sure all the fanboys will tell you CG or Zaino polishes (not that I don't think they make good products) by my favorite polish type product is either Zymol HD Cleanse (which I usually don't care much for Zymol but this stuff is great) or Meguiar's Showcar Glaze, it really brings back the shine and makes a perfect surface prep for waxing.

[BK]

Menzerna 106FF with a white pad.

[haper]

Originally Posted by FirstBMWLA

Is there any extremely light polish or other product I could use to restore the deep shine my car had new.

if you are using a machine i also suggest 106FF w/ a white pad. will give you decent correction and give you that 'pop' you are looking for. if you want to go a step further, use 106FF w/ white for correction then follow w/ FPII on a gray or blue finishing pad to really jewel the paint.

[tintivilus]

Originally Posted by haper

if you want to go a step further, use 106FF w/ white for correction then follow w/ FPII on a gray or blue finishing pad to really jewel the paint.

Really? The Menzerna chart shows 106FF finishes to the same gloss as FPII (Micro Polish). Does changing to a lighter pad make that much difference?

http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-of-germany.html

I've found 106FF on a white pad to be the super jack-of-all-trades finishing step. Switching from IP + FPII to 106FF cut my polishing time way down.

[haper]

Originally Posted by tintivilus

Really? The Menzerna chart shows 106FF finishes to the same gloss as FPII (Micro Polish). Does changing to a lighter pad make that much difference?

I got caught up trying to interpret the the menzera chart too until i stubbled across a few posts on autopia.com. The guys there are very experienced and provided this summary of the menzerna line:

PO106ff Nano Polish

Nice cut and amazingly glossy/sharp finish. Will act up on soft or"sticky" paints randomly and can mask or fill defects. Works very well as a finishing polish on harder paints and can double as a corrective polish as well.

PO85u Final Polish

Very wet polish that will provide very nice finishing on all paints. 106 has more "bite" on extermely hard clear coats but PO85u will provide more cut on medium to softer paints. Amazing on single stage paints as well.

PO85rd Final Finish

Works very similar to PO85u in terms of spreading and slickness. Doesn't have the bite to do any correction IMO, but is a beautiful jeweling polish that will sharpen reflections, increase gloss, and make sure holograms are removed. While some might consider it an extra (and not necessary) step after 106ff, I have found that PO85rd seems to sharpen the already amazing finish left by 106ff, and wards off any unwanted pad abrasions that many have experienced returning (with 106ff)

PO87mc MicroPolish (Final Polish II)

Another amazing finishing polish from Menzerna. Perfect on softer paints or when jeweling the paint for amazing gloss. Slightly less cut then PO85rd, PO87mc makes a perfect finisher on soft and finicky (or "sticky") paint.

Originally Posted by tintivilus

I've found 106FF on a white pad to be the super jack-of-all-trades finishing step. Switching from IP + FPII to 106FF cut my polishing time way down.

i agree, 106FF is a very good one step polish. i'm only suggesting to follow it w/ FPII w/ a finishing pad if you really looking for that extra shine.

[FirstBMWLA]

Since I haven't yet joined the ranks of the machine buffer are any of the
products that have been recommended that can be hand buffed? Thanks

[TRICKE90]

Do you mean apply by machine & remove (buff) by hand? Or apply by hand?
I would not apply any polish by hand it's kind of a wate of time compared to machine polishing. IF you do a machine polish go with p0106ff for a relatively new paint in good condition.

[tintivilus]

Originally Posted by haper

i'm only suggesting to follow it w/ FPII w/ a finishing pad if you really looking for that extra shine.

Huh. I've got a bottle of FPII and some grey pads; I'll give it a try next time I polish my car. Thanks for the tip