my car has light swirls. i wanna polish them but i'm not sure if i need to use the cut compound first. would i get good results just polishing alone?

 

It really depends on your expectations and the condition of the paint. Most likely a more aggressive polish or compound can be helpful if you want perfection. However it's very challenging to use a compound effectively by hand, because polishes/compounds need a lot more pressure and passes to be effective. A buffer like the Porter Cable 7424XP would be a huge help, which is very safe and easy to use.

I would suggest checking out these kits if you want a two step process:

DI Packages Porter Cable 7424XP & Meguiar's DA Microfiber Correction Starter Kit 5" Free Bonus
OR
DI Packages Porter Cable 7424 XP, Meguiar's Polish and Hydro Pads

If you don't want to use a buffer I would generally recommend just a one step process with a polish like the Meguiar's Ultra Finishing Polish M205. Then use your sealant or wax to protect the paint. Let me know if you have any questions.

Greg @ DI

 

hey greg,
i actually bought my porter cable from you guys a while back. i also picked up the m105 and m205 and compounded and polished a little less then a year ago. but since then the swirls are coming back. i want to just get rid of the swirls and wasnt sure if i needed to use just the m205 with a white pad or did i have to go m105 w/ the orange pad and then back over with m205

 

Dang.. you gotta make sure that you take care of your paint if you want it to stay swirl free .. Less than a year is too soon..

You can always test it out first. Try the M205 with a whitepad and see if it'll get the paint to the condition that you want it to be in a certain spot.. and if it doesn't.. then go with the M105.

 

What I would actually suggest is trying 205 on a white pad like was mentioned, but if that isn't enough, instead of going for the 105, try 205 on an orange pad. I just did this combo on my G and it worked great.

 

One trip thur a car wash will destroy the best detail jobs or doing it wrong yourself!
Gary

 

I agree with some of the previous posts. You can always start with the M205 and a white pad and if it's not enough move up to the M105 and an orange pad. However many brand new vehicles can benefit from both steps so using both steps is a relatively safe choice either way. So if you want to save money and some time stick with the M205 and a white pad. If you prefer to be ready to do everything all at once and you need perfection I'd get both polishes.

Greg @ DI