Two step hand polishing

[SaiyanZ]

Hi, I want to polish my car soon to give it a mirror-like shine. It's a silver 2005 350Z so scratches/swirls generally don't show much unless you look at the car at an angle under bright lights. But they are there. I want to brighten up and smooth the paint and I dont think this car was ever polished. What polish is recommended for hand use? I will do a two step process with something more aggressive and then round up with a finishing polish. So as far as I see it is either:

M105/M205
Ultimate Compound/SwirlX

Not sure which route to go. I saw another member on the forum get great results with M105/M205 on his black Z so I'm leaning more towards this as our clear coat/paint would be similar.

[greg0303]

Re: Two step hand polishing

You can never tell that your car paint will react exactly the same way like somebody else's even if it's the same make, same year and same color.
Otherwise we would just create a worldwide database with all paint recommendations. Therefore it's important to do a test spot.

Both combos are paint cleaner, cleaner/polish variations. M105/ M205 is the more aggressive duo. Ultimate Compound stays wet for a pretty long time which gives longer working period and in many cases it finishes without any side effects (swirls, haze, micro-marring).

Either way if you plan to do the correction by hand work on small area, like 16"x16" or even smaller, and apply some pressure to your applicator. You need to remove small top part of your car's clear coat.
Both polishes (M205 and SwirlX) are pretty easy to apply and wipe off.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Two step hand polishing

This is definitely a case for the test spot. Start off with the 205. If you get the desired results proceed. If not try the 105. You may have to follow the 105 with the 205 for best results.

[SaiyanZ]

Re: Two step hand polishing

Yep that is what I'm planning on doing. Hit it with the 105 and then use the 205 after. The paint was never polished so I want to do it one time properly with the 105. Probably wont have to use the 105 again on the car. Will just save whatever's left for isolated scratches.

[Murr1525]

Re: Two step hand polishing

You can always apply #105/UC more gently for general cleaning, removing heavy dirt, and then working it in with more passion for swirl removal as well.

[kristina27]

Re: Two step hand polishing

I was alway taught that when it comes to cleaning and preping the surface for polishing, always use the less aggressive compound first. I do my cleaning and polishing by hand as I see you are too I recommend using swirl x first and if that does not cut it move up to the next aggressive level wich would be UC. Now if you have some isolated scratches as well some scratch x 2.0 can be used in conjunction with either of the cleaning compound that is working for you. If you really get in to exterior paint care keep an eye out for the new Ultimate Polish that is suppose to come out in 2011. Then you can do a proper 5 step paint care cycle. Wash, Clean (Claying, Swirl X, UC, Scratch X 2.0) Polish, Protect, Maintain (for more info http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...7320):detailer

[Murr1525]

Re: Two step hand polishing

Kristina, are you doing the whole car with SwirlX, then the whole car with UC, then waxing?

The new UP will also be a mild cleaner, not a pure polish like DC Polish or #7.