Matching DA compounds & pads to the task?

[e30]

Hi,

I've an '89 325i BMW with "Bronzit Beige" single-stage paint.

It's been mildly neglected -- regular wash/wax, but at a touchless drive thru (yes, i know -- gasp!) -- in Northern California weather as a daily driver.

It's got light scratches, heavy swirl, and some light oxidation. Past time for some TLC.

I've read through Megs' forums, as well as others, and have arrived at a SMAT-based / synthetic restoration procedure that I think/hope should do the trick, consisting of:

Meguiar's C-2000 Professional Detailing Clay, Mild
Meguiar's Ultimate Compound
Meguiar's Ultra Finishing Polish #205
Meguiar's Synthetic Sealant 2.0 #21 (waffling on durability; Blackfire Wet Diamond instead? comments?)
Meguiar's Ultimate Liquid Wax

I've got a 6" DA orbital buffer.

Are these the 'right' (or at least right-enough) compunds for the job?

In particular, I've read (e.g. at Griot's Garage ...)

Griot's machine polishes are different from most swirl removers. They are created specifically for a random orbital polisher (unlike other polishes that are created for rotary buffers) where the friction and temperature on the paint is almost non-existent. Griot's polishing granules are engineered to break down under light pressure, getting smaller and smaller as you use the polish.

Griot's unique chemistry also does away with 50% of the old solvents, allowing you to clean up with water! No other polish does that.

Are the Megs compounds, in fact, good for use with orbitals? What about the solvents bit -- do I (need to) care?

Re: pads, I'm leaning towards using LakeCountry CCS pads,

Compound -> Orange
Finishing Polish -> White
Sealant -> Black
Gold -> Wax

Are these the right pads for the jobs/steps and compounds above ?

Thanks!

-e30

[Murr1525]

Re: Matching DA compounds & pads to the task?

Meguiar's Synthetic Sealant 2.0 #21 (waffling on durability; Blackfire Wet Diamond instead? comments?)
Meguiar's Ultimate Liquid Wax

Are these the 'right' (or at least right-enough) compunds for the job?

If going to use the Ult. Wax, I wouldnt worry about the #21. Ult. Wax is basically the upgraded version of #21.

Are the Megs compounds, in fact, good for use with orbitals? What about the solvents bit -- do I (need to) care?

Yeah, the Meguiars products are good for an orbital (at least the ones you are looking at). As far as the solvents... You would probably want to wash the pads with Dawn or something after Meguiars products.. so maybe a little different there. But not a huge deal.

Re: pads, I'm leaning towards using LakeCountry CCS pads,

Compound -> Orange
Finishing Polish -> White
Sealant -> Black
Gold -> Wax

Are these the right pads for the jobs/steps and compounds above ?

I might try to use the UC with the white pad first, then move to Orange if needed....

[e30]

Re: Matching DA compounds & pads to the task?

If going to use the Ult. Wax, I wouldnt worry about the #21. Ult. Wax is basically the upgraded version of #21.

Hm. Guess I'd misunderstood. I thought Sealant & Wax are two different products.

Yeah, the Meguiars products are good for an orbital (at least the ones you are looking at). As far as the solvents... You would probably want to wash the pads with Dawn or something after Meguiars products.. so maybe a little different there. But not a huge deal.

got it

I might try to use the UC with the white pad first, then move to Orange if needed....

ah, so start with the less aggressive pad ... only using the more aggressive if needed.

i've now managed to get conflicting advice on yes/no re: CCS pads with an orbital. some say CCS only for rotary, and use flat with DA ... more reading

[Murr1525]

Re: Matching DA compounds & pads to the task?

Yeah, just a test spot with White+ UC, no need to do the entire car to see.

I havent used the CCS pads, but dont think there would be an issue... Plenty of folks here use them, so should get another answer easily enough.

Sometimes wax and sealant is different, sometimes the same, sometimes whatever.