[IancoleTX]

Hello detailers and detailing-minded individuals-

Planning in advance to do a new-car prep and need some help filling in this blank when it comes to the exterior:

-Wash
-Clay bar
-Wash
-????
-Blackfire Wet Diamond

I am not planning on anything crazy as it is AW (see ya later, JB) and I am a firm believer in the law of diminishing returns. Basically looking to smooth things out with a one-step polish (e.g. no glazing) before sealing it up with the Blackfire. I have a 6" random orbital with microfiber pads to apply it with.

What is the product that I'm looking for?

Cheers,
Ian

[Envious Eric]

85rd isnt going to touch any paint defects on AW...white bmw are on the harder side from my experience! Heck, 203 with an orange pad wasnt clearing some some 3 week old dealer washed damage. SIP was working but not without having to make another pass...105 knocked it all out with one pass, but obviously it needed a followup step or two (203 fits that bill)

I would say 203 powerfinish

[White_335I]

Originally Posted by Envious Eric

85rd isnt going to touch any paint defects on AW...white bmw are on the harder side from my experience! Heck, 203 with an orange pad wasnt clearing some some 3 week old dealer washed damage. SIP was working but not without having to make another pass...105 knocked it all out with one pass, but obviously it needed a followup step or two (203 fits that bill)

I would say 203 powerfinish

+1, Power finish & 85RD with Orange/white/black/blue pads(3 of each). Also get a paint sealant, Power lock/BFWD. I applied one coat of power lock on a white car this weekend, the shine and depth was incredible.

[IancoleTX]

I am sealing with BFWD after polishing.

As much as I would love to pick up a PC and a ton of pads, I'm not looking to drop $250.. especially being that this is AW.. law of diminishing returns. The 203 looks great, thanks for recommending it. Will I have any issues applying it with 6" RO and microfiber bonnets?

[dday]

Originally Posted by IancoleTX

I am sealing with BFWD after polishing.

As much as I would love to pick up a PC and a ton of pads, I'm not looking to drop $250.. especially being that this is AW.. law of diminishing returns. The 203 looks great, thanks for recommending it. Will I have any issues applying it with 6" RO and microfiber bonnets?

What machine are you using?

[White_335I]

Originally Posted by IancoleTX

I am sealing with BFWD after polishing.

As much as I would love to pick up a PC and a ton of pads, I'm not looking to drop $250.. especially being that this is AW.. law of diminishing returns. The 203 looks great, thanks for recommending it. Will I have any issues applying it with 6" RO and microfiber bonnets?

I don't think you will be able to achieve significant cut using Powerfinish and microfiber bonnets. If the 6.5" pads fit your RO, atleast get some LC green and blue pads. I think, on a AW, you should be OK in applying powerfinish with green pads without noticing any marring. If you are going to use only one sealant, you can just go with one blue pad.

[IancoleTX]

Using a RO sander with hook-and-loop and a foam pad for bonnets. Works terrific for applying and buffing off wax. Not compatible with the foam cutting pads unfortunately. I have an orbital that takes foam but after what it did to my JB last summer (and how long it took to fix), it is out of commission permanently. Anyways, with equipment in mind.. let me know. Appreciate the advice so far btw.

[Envious Eric]

ive heard of some polishing with an air sander (much like using a PC to sand)....why cant you get the proper attachment for the sander and attach foam pads? I think I am missing something here...

[IancoleTX]

You know what, I just went and looked and I had been mixing up my two smaller tools in my head. I have:

-A 5" orbital sander with hook & loop (obv not useful)
-A 6" RO buffer that has a fixed foam pad made for MF bonnets only. No hook & loop.

So then, it's either polish with MF bonnets or invest $250 in a PC and some pads lol. Is it even worth polishing with just the MF, or should I just clay and seal it until I feel like making the jump to PC?

[dday]

Originally Posted by IancoleTX

You know what, I just went and looked and I had been mixing up my two smaller tools in my head. I have:

-A 5" orbital sander with hook & loop (obv not useful)
-A 6" RO buffer that has a fixed foam pad made for MF bonnets only. No hook & loop.

So then, it's either polish with MF bonnets or invest $250 in a PC and some pads lol. Is it even worth polishing with just the MF, or should I just clay and seal it until I feel like making the jump to PC?

Just wait until yo go to PC