3 Step Polish? 2 questions

Sal

Sal

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First of all, I apologize if I am double posting. But I have been looking everywhere and I have not found the answer I am looking for.

What is 3 step polishing? I have noticed that detailing shops offer 2-3 step polishing and I am curious as to know what that is.

But I also have a second question: What polish or finishing polish is recommended for newer cars/paint? Or better said, what is needed for paints that have little to none imperfections?

Thank you in advanced.
 
Sal said:
What is 3 step polishing? I have noticed that detailing shops offer 2-3 step polishing and I am curious as to know what that is.
Click to expand...

When it comes to the detailing industry there are no standards so a 2-3 step polishing job at one detail shop might be very different from a 2-3 step polishing job at another shop.

The basics include,

Washing and drying
Claying to remove above surface bonded contaminants
Correction work to remove swirls, scratches, etchings and water spots
Polishing to bring the top coat to a clear, high gloss shine
Protection, this is applying either a coat of wax or a paint sealant

The last 3 steps can be performed by hand or machine and there are a variety of different machines used in the industry so there is no standard answers to which machines are used as each shop will vary.

Sal said:
But I also have a second question: What polish or finishing polish is recommended for newer cars/paint? Or better said, what is needed for paints that have little to none imperfections?

Thank you in advanced.
Click to expand...

There are hundreds of light polishes on the market that fit the description for a product you ask about in your question, here at Autogeek we care quite a few light polishes.

Do you have a brand you like to use already?

:)
 
Thanks Mike.

For light polishes I am currently using SSR1 and PO85rd, however, I think the PO85rd leaves me more satisfied.
 
As Mikes already said, a 3-step polish may mean something different depending on who you ask. When I use the term "3-step polish" it means 3 actual steps of correction/polishing.

-Aggressive polish/compound
-Medium polish
-Finishing polish



Rasky
 
So does an aggressive polish/compound always get followed by a medium polish? Or does it depend on the outcome?
 
RaskyR1 said:
As Mikes already said, a 3-step polish may mean something different depending on who you ask. When I use the term "3-step polish" it means 3 actual steps of correction/polishing.

-Aggressive polish/compound
-Medium polish
-Finishing polish



Rasky
Click to expand...
:iagree:A 1 step would usually mean an AIO.
 
Sal said:
So does an aggressive polish/compound always get followed by a medium polish? Or does it depend on the outcome?
Click to expand...
In the case of Meg's 105/205 combo...yes. You could make it a 3 step by final polishing with 85rd.
 
Sal said:
So does an aggressive polish/compound always get followed by a medium polish? Or does it depend on the outcome?
Click to expand...

Hard to give a solid answer to that as it will depend on the paint, what polish you used, pad type, type of tool, technique, and of course your expectations.

IMO though an aggressive polish or compound should always be followed up with a lesser polish.
 
Thanks. I appreciate everyone taking the time to answer my novice questions.
 
Sal said:
So does an aggressive polish/compound always get followed by a medium polish? Or does it depend on the outcome?
Click to expand...

Depends upon the outcome as different paints polish better or worse than others and it also depends upon your expectations and standards.

I've met people that were happy with the look of their car's finish after using a product like Meguiar's Ultimate Compound that went straight to wax.

While most people that come onto a detailing forum are interested in creating the best possible finish no matter how many steps it takes there are some people that view their car as a means of transportation or are merely getting it ready to sale or return on a lease contract and for some of these people, good is good enough.


:)
 
I see your point, Mike. Nice logic.
 
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