Have you guys ever noticed the sticker under the hood near the windshield that warns that the car has super hard clearcoat, and only "approved" materials should be used? Maybe this is only on '07 and newer?

Well, I don't know how Infiniti managed this technological miracle of super hard clearcoat that chips and scratches or swirls like crazy, but is sure is a PITA to buff out, but kudos to them for their cleverness! ;-)

What do you guys use to polish this stuff with? I spent all day yesterday at a buddy's house and we detailed his Supra and my G35x. We used the Porter Cable and Menzernas products, polish 1 and 2, and started with the yellow lake country pad. It removed all the scratches and swirls from his car, but was barely touching mine. I made some improvement, but I think I would have been there forever if I wanted to really get everything out. I really didn't want to switch to a wool pad or anything that aggressive.

Is this that ceramic clearcoat or something? Do I have to use something special?

I have to say, after full wash, clay, a couple rounds of polish, glaze, sealant, and wax, it looks pretty sweet. Unfortunatley, it started pouring rain on my way home! Man, I just can't win.

Anyways, I can still see some fine scratches though, although with all of the products on they are greatly diminished. But, I still see them, so next time I'd like to try some different products or techniques. Any recs?

Thanks!

 

You going to have to use a stronger compound. Its not ceramic clear. Just really hard. Its going to take more time with a PC and Yellow pad.

 

Such as....??? Any suggestions as to a polish that works well, or a pad polish combo for the porter cable?

 

That sticker is a running joke over at Autopia. Infiniti paint is some of softest, if not THE softest, paint on the market.

Which compounds were you using exactly?

 

I found that the PC just didn't break down Menzerna IP enough. You may need to use a rotary with it.

I've had great luck with Poorboy's SSR 2.5 with yellow & orange Lake Country pads.

 

LOL, I can see how that sticker would be a joke!

I used the Menzerna Intensive Polish with the 7.5" yellow pad, followed by final polish II (switched to white pad), then blackfire glaze/polish, some acrylic sealant that I can't remember now, and finally wax.

This is the first time I've used any of those, I've always just polished and waxed by hand using Meguiers stuff. But my friend was rather surprised that my paint didn't respond as well as other cars he was used to working on.

Maybe it just needed more time than he was used to, or a second round of the intensive polish? Or maybe the Menzerna + porter cable + yellow pad is not the best combo for our cars?