first polish job - some questions

[fmcarvBMW5]

Hi guys, just joined the forum as I'm about to polish my car for the first time using proper methods.

I'm thinking of buy the Flex 3401 but not sure what products to buy. very confusing with so many different brands and types.

My main aim is to remove swirl marks and car-wash scratches on my 2008 BMW 520d. it's jet black colour.

Also want to apply a paint sealant.

what do you guys recommend for polish and sealant products?

thanks in advance!

 

[BobbyG]

:welcome: To Autogeek Online!! rops:

Basic steps in order are:

• Wash
• Clay
• Paint Correction & Polish
• Seal
• Wax

I prefer to put my own package together. The links below will take you to the Flex 3401 and a few paint correction products I like to use.

Flex 3401 Dual Action Polisher

• Flex 3401

Polishes

• Menzerna Bundle
• BlackFire SRC Compound
• BlackFire Polish

Foam Pads

To simplify pad usage, I've given a generic usage of pads and products.

Compounding

Compounds or aggressive products are generally used on firmer pads, Yellow, Orange, and Green.

Polishing

The White and Gray pads are generally used with polishes.

Sealants & Waxes

Blue and Red foam pads work nicely for applying sealants and waxes.
These are a very good choice of pads for the Porter Cable stye dual action polisher..

Here's some great information that will help you if you need it.

• Sectional Pass With a DA Polisher
• Removing Swirls
• DA Trouble Shooting Guide
• Waxing With a DA Polisher

Sealants

• Menzerna Power Lock
• Prima Hydro Sealant
• Four Star Sealant
• Blackfire Wet Diamond Sealant
• Klasse High Gloss Sealant
• Ultima Paint Guard Plus

Wax

• Wax
• Wolfgang Fuzion
• Dodo Juice Supernatural
• Pinnacle Souveran
• Blackfire Midnight Sun

Windows

I've settled on Meguiar's Glass Cleaner. It's a great product and because it's recommended dilution is 10:1 it is very economical.

Always clean the glass using two waffle glass towels. Towel 1 is used to clean the glass and towel 2 wipes it down leaving the glass streak free.

 

[MSC6]

Outstanding answer Bobby.. Exactly why I love this forum, everyone is here to help.

Nice C5Z by the way.. :xyxthumbs: I've been a Vette guy since I was 12.

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Welcome to Autogeek Online! :welcome:

My main aim is to remove swirl marks and car-wash scratches on my 2008 BMW 520d. it's jet black colour.

Maybe take a read-through this thread...

Lessons I learned from a Black 2009 BMW 550i


With the new 4" backing plate now available for the Flex it's a very versatile took with the ability to switch between small and large pads.

 

[fmcarvBMW5]

thanks BobbyG that was really good help!

 

[keywestwillie]

BobbyG That was a real informative review of the processes and
products. Super helpful. This place ROCKS!:xyxthumbs: