AIO or multi-step

[makdaddy626]

Which is better on an almost new vehicle, an AIO product like XMT 360 or PB PwS, or a multistep polishing process?

 

[gary26]

gary26

What kind of car ? What color of car ?

 

[ScottB]

better is step by step .... wash --- clay --- polish -- protect. AIO's are traditionally for those looking for one step (good but not great) cleaning.

 

[makdaddy626]

The vehicle is a black Toyota Tacoma.

Killr, I'm really only talking about the polishing step...

wash--clay--polish (with an AIO like 360 or with a multi-step process such as XMT 2, then XMT 1, then a glaze) -- then project?

 

[ScottB]

I still like a dedicated polish (like Menzerna Nano polish) best.

 

[makdaddy626]

is Nano polish safe for a new Toyota? Applied with PC? What would you suggest I follow it with? A glaze? or straight to a sealer?

 

[ScottB]

You might wanna play with Menzerna FP first versus nano. I would either wax (Souveran, Sig Series, Maxwax) or seal after. I dont find glazes need unless wax or sealant is very sterile looking.

 

[makdaddy626]

Thanks Killr, what do you (and others) think about...

Wash, Megs Gold Class w/Schmitt
Clay, Pinnacle Poly
Polish, Menzerna FP
Seal, WGDGPS
Topped with Souveran

???

I'm not a professional detailer, I'll be using the products on my own vehicles and those of family members (at no charge) so I really am hoping to get as close to "right" as possible the first time because I don't want thousands of dollars of product sitting around that I'll never be able to use in my life time.

 

[D]

Looks good to me. When you're buffing off the Menzerna, have a 32oz spray bottle filled 50/50 with isopropyl alcohol, spray onto paint then remove. Some people complain that Menzerna is hard to remove, this will make that easier and remove any oils left over.

 

[hydro556]

I would like to do an experiment myself and see the difference between going all out and appying a million step process vs just cleaning your vehicle and applying a good quality all in one product like 360 or similar and see if there is a difference. Seems like overkill sometimes.

 

[D]

Of course theres going to be a difference depending on the paints conditions. AIO's cant remove everything and a lot of them have fillers. So the alcohol wipe down will remove those fillers and re expose the imperfections. Even if you dont do an alcohol wipe down the imperfections will show prematurely because regular washes will remove them.

The thing about 360 is it has polymers that help lock the fillers in. But the alcohol wipe down still removes it.

The best thing to do is use a pure polish to remove imperfections. This way you're truly removing them and not just hiding them to be exposed later on.

Its really not a million step process.

Wash
Clay
Wash
Polish (1 or 2 step depending on paint condition, products, and skill. If that doesnt work then you might need to wet sand)
Rewash (optional)
Wax or seal

 

[makdaddy626]

Hmmm, looks like the Menzerna FP is out of stock. Anyone want to make a suggestion for a good replacement?

Other factors to consider:
The paint is in very good condition (less than 5k miles on the truck).
This will be my FIRST ever attempt at polishing with a machine so the easier to use the better.

 

[D]

Well youve got a soft clear. Id say XMT 1, PB SSR1, or Pinnacle swirl remover. If you want AIO then go with XMT 360 Klasse AIO, or PB PwS. Start with a polishing pad, not cutting pad.