Suggestions for cleaning/polishing BLACK

[FRAZY_z28]

First, I have been doing some homework and SEARCHING so apologies because I know this has been covered before. It might be slightly redundant to another thread I started but this one is more specific. It will help me learn and i will also continue to search and read!

I need some more input on the best way to achieve the perfect mirror-glass like finish on my black camaro. Its in excellent shape but does have some mild to moderate swirls on the hood at least. Noticeable in bright sunlight but more-so under artificial light (street lamp). Nothing severe, the paint appears to be very well maintained and looks great. I do not have any pics at this time for an example of the swirls tho, sorry.

I have never used a buffer or polishing compound, but plan on purchasing something like the Porter Cable 7424. Which types of pads will I need?

I'm a n00b at hardcore detailing but I vow to change that now and maintain my results. Having done some research already I think this is what I should do in order to maximize my results. Remember I'm going for absolute perfection here. I would like to correct the swirls, and not just fill them in.

Here's my plan, its a little rough at this point

-Wash/dry
-Clay
-Apply light abrasive cleaner/polish w/ DA buffer(maybe Swirl X or M83?)
-Possibly follow with one of these: M80, M82?
-Follow with pure polish for perfection, M07, M81, or Deep Crystal Polish
-Apply sealant/wax
-Maintain of course, with QD spray

Questions:

Between which steps should i re-wash/dry and wipe down with 50/50 isopropyl alcohol?

Will the cleaner/polish type products such as M83 and SwirlX CORRECT the swirls by removing a slight layer of paint material or will they mostly "fill in" the marks in the paint? Or a combination of both?
I want to CORRECT the swirls mainly, not just fill them in, hiding them so to speak. I will apply an optional pure polish step at the end to fill in and hide any remaining blemishes.

Also a question about QD sprays... do you have to use synthetic QD spray on synthetic wax and non-synth QD on Carnauba wax coatings or can you mix it up?

I'm not certain about any of this. Am I on the right track of way off?
I would like any and all suggestions and success stories! That's why I'm here!

THANKS

[Murr1525]

Re: Suggestions for cleaning/polishing BLACK

I take it your list is meant for use by machine...

1. Wash - Gold Class, 2 bucekts, Grit Gaurds, quality towels, sponges

2. Clay - Smooth Surface Clay kit, extra bottle of QD

3. Clean - You would want to use either #80 (this is the old workhorse product) or #205/SwirlX (this is the new technology product), and apply them with a polishing pad. You would do a test spot first, and make sure your results and technique are good before doing the whole car. It is posisble you may need a stronger product, maybe not.

4. Polish - #7 would be a fine product to use, either applied by hand or with a polishing pad.

5. Wax - Nxt 2.0 is a good choice, applied with a finishing pad.

6. Wax - 2 thin coats are best.

Q:

1. Only after your test spot should you need 50:50, if even then, if you just want to make sure your product/technique is working. You would only need to re-wash if the project is taking a few days, driving around in between.

2. The cleaning products will remove swirls if used properly.

3. You want to use the regular QD spray for claying. As far as maintaining after washes/bird poo removal, you can use anything you like. UQD would be good after a wash, though the Ultimate Quick Wax would be even better.

4. I guess you were close enough....

[FRAZY_z28]

Re: Suggestions for cleaning/polishing BLACK

I think I might be in danger of learning something here...

[Murr1525]

Re: Suggestions for cleaning/polishing BLACK

Don't strain yourself....

[FRAZY_z28]

Re: Suggestions for cleaning/polishing BLACK

Uh o, I think I broke a brain cell. Which product abrasiveness will I need to fix that?