Okay, I'm going to ask a real newbie question here, but could someone explain polish cutting values. I understand a polish is designed to take a small amount of the paint finish off the car, and a heavier grit removes more paint. But wouldn't these polishes create more scratches than it eliminates? I'm obviously missing something here.

I just bought an 08 Black G35. In heavy sunlight, the swirls aren't heavy, but they have evident. But I'm afraid of using a polish, even if it is light, for fear of creating even more hairline scratches.

Side note: Assuming I am totally messed up regarding how paint polish works, are the expensive polishes that much better than less expensive polishes? It seems the Menzerna brand of polishes is one of the best available... but also one of the most expensive. I'd rather find a product that works almost as good but doesn't cost so much. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

 

No takers?

Okay, how about this...

Consider I'm an amateur detailer who doesn't mind investing some time and physical labor if it means a swirl-free car, which of these products or combination of products will do the best job at eliminating swirls from the finish of my black G?

Meguiar's M0916 #09 Swirl Remover:
Product Description
A cleaner and a polish in one bottle. If, much to your dismay, you notice swirl marks, tiny scratches or other mild defects, youll appreciate our ultra-safe Swirl Remover. This amazing product will carefully eliminate those annoying problems-whether applied by hand, or using a machine buffer/polisher. While Swirl Remover is gently cleaning, its also polishing, leaving a dramatic, high-gloss shine. Its even formulated to reduce splatter and make application and wipe-down easier. For use by hand, orbital buffer, dual action polisher or rotary buffer.

Meguiar's G17616 SwirlX:
Product Description
Meguiar's SwirlX Swirl Remover effortlessly removes swirl marks while enhancing color and clarity. 16oz. Liquid bottle

Meguiar's M20532 Ultra Finishing Polish:
Product Features
Permanently removes swirls and light defects from all paints
Produces deep reflections and high gloss
Smooth-glide buffing feel and fast wipe-off

Thanks!

 

Pictures would help but SwirlX by hand should work OK if the swirls aren't too deep. SwirlX is a bit more aggressive than M205 because it's meant for manual application. It also has fillers that will hide the defects (not a purists goal but can be helpful for occaisonal detailers) and give good results on dark colors. Use a good microfiber applicator and do small areas with constant pressure and a horizontal / vertical back and forth application. Keep the applicator clean and don't use too much product

If the swirls are heavier than you indicate you may need to go to machine polishing and/or a professional detailer to remove them. It will be worth the extra expense to restore the finish. I like the M105 / 205 product combination but the Menzerna polishes also work very well. Read the DIY on our sponsor's website, and visit Autopoia.org if you want to learn more.

 

Not paint, clear coat. The swirls are in the clear, so if you take a fine layer off, you are left with the smooth clear coat and a shiny, swirl-free car.

FWIW I also use Menz 105 and a Porter Cable polisher.

 

I'm sure I'll get flamed for this but here goes:

I use Meguires Cleaner Wax (liquid) and a 10" orbital polisher with a cheap foam pad (yellow) from Pep Boys to apply it. Then I use 10" terry cloth bonnets on the same polisher to remove the wax.

The results?

My daily driver is an '06 Black MT. On numerous occasions I have had car detailers, mechanics at the dealer, custom car guys at shows and others ask me what I use on my car. Quite simply, it looks amazing... better than it looked on the showroom floor when I bought it. I wax it about once a month. It takes about 1.5 hours. There are no swirl marks, spider patterns, etc and various scuffs and bird crap acid marks have also polished out after usually 2 applications. Aside from a few rock chips, the car looks flawless and the paint looks deep and translucent. A few local G35 guys have asked me where I got it painted, much to their surprise.

I've been restoring old cars and building hot rods since I could drive, roughly 30 years now. I've used everything. I have learned that no matter what you use; rain, road dirt, washing and etc will degrade even the finest wax or sealer, and sooner than you'd think. Nothing replaces frequent polishing/waxing. Nothing. With this in mind I have migrated to Meguires Cleaner Wax because it lasts as long as I need it to, cleans, shines and waxes in one process, and (here is the best part) the more I use it, the better the paint gets. I currently have a '55 Buick that has 17 coats of paint on it. The clear is 11 coats of varying hardness. It gets driven a couple times a week and to shows all over Texas. It gets rained on, splatted with bugs, parked under trees, crapped on, etc. I use MCW on it. It has yet to not win best paint, best classic, best in show, best this or that or whatever, or a collection of these or all of the above.

I've used a couple other cleaner waxes as well; Mothers, Turtle Wax, etc. Meguires has become my favorite. A good tip is to always use it fresh. It seems to get less effective after it sits in the hot garage for a couple months so I just buy a fresh one about every other application.

 

Interesting. Your process certainly flies in the face of those who use four/five products to clean the finish and eliminate surface scratches. Does MCW feel gritty between your fingers? Have you ever tried the Meguires 105-205 process?

 

You have several options. 3M makes a fill N glaze which I've seen amazing results.

I personally only use Mequires show car glaze. It does not build up on paint like a wax. It penetrates the paint to prevent drying and cracking. Only draw back is thiers not a protective layer over paint, you can apply wax over the glaze. I've won best paint and body using this on my old Pro Street Dart.

 

Cleaner wax is sort of like a filler. The only reason why it looks so good is because it's a cleaner wax and it hides minor imperfections. The next time you wash your car or when the wax wears off.. then the imperfections will form again.

If you want something that isn't as expensive, but will still get the job done.. then i'd suggest getting Meguiars M105 and M205. Use that in combination with a decent buffer. Like the Porter Cable with the correct pads. That'll get rid of all or most of your swirls.

 

looking forward to pictures.

also do you plan on using an orbital?