Hard paint or sort paint??

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LRC3

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I always hear guys refer to paint as "soft", "hard", "etc" and I was wondering about were Toyota falls in line here??

I have a black Sequoia and just purchased a GG6 and Megs microfiber cut and finish pads. I plan on using 205/21.

Just looking for alill feedback.

Thanks!!
 
It is almost impossible to list all the factors that contribute to a paint being "hard" or "soft." The mixture of paint applied at the factory, the environment and care routine the paint has been subjected to, UV degradation, etc.

With that being said Toyota/Lexus paint is typically some of the softest paint I've worked on. Meaning it is very easy to correct but sort more difficult to finish without micro-marring.
 
That will be tough to tell IMO. What hard paint/soft paint to me is that there is still a primer/base/clear-coat so that is with most modern day cars or at least since 1975 (I believe do not quote me).

IMO, the soft clear-coat can be corrected with a less aggressive compound and polishing is easier.

I just worked on (11/29/14) a 2005 Honda Accord Coupe (considered soft paint) and to me the paint was easy to work on. I could correct quite easy. I also worked on a 2014 MB 350 Coupe on 10/14 (and that is considered hard paint) and I really did not notice a difference.

Now I would definitely do a test spot, however, IMO the MF Pad might be something that I would re-consider. I have never used Micro-fiber Pads and IMO your GG 6" would be better off with foam pads.

IMO, and Orange Foam Pad (Lake Country or equivalent) with Megs 105 and then a White Pad with 205. Again, that would be me. The speed setting for both compound/polish would be at Speed setting 5 with your GG.

I hope this helps. Here is a recent pick of the Honda I worked on before and after compounding (not polished yet)
 
In my experience Toyota is on the softer side but not real soft. What you want to use really depends on the condition of the paint. I would do a test spot with the 205 and a finishing pad, if that doesn't do it try another spot with the cutting pad and 205. If that isn't giving you the cut you need you might want to pick up a compound. I've never used 205 so not sure how much cut it has...
 
I have a 13 avalon in sizzling Chrystal mica my paint is soft but I did have my best results with d 300 and the new 302 with micro fiber pads
I found the 302 and micro fiber pads to leave the best finish I have seen on my car and I have tried a lot of polishes from ag.
I know every one talks about foam pads leaving the best finish so
I tried black lk pad and reflect didn't see any improvement. lk is lake country.
 
mbkite said:
I have a 13 avalon in sizzling Chrystal mica my paint is soft but I did have my best results with d 300 and the new 302 with micro fiber pads
I found the 302 and micro fiber pads to leave the best finish I have seen on my car and I have tried a lot of polishes from ag.
I know every one talks about foam pads leaving the best finish so
I tried black lk pad and reflect didn't see any improvement. lk is lake country.
Click to expand...

The new Meg's Microfiber Polish is no joke! The finish it leaves with a microfiber finishing pad is excellent.
 
I was just curious.

I've come across several threads referencing how hard Audi and GM paint is and how soft Nissan is so I was just asking.
 
Make sure you clean your pads well enough. I honestly think everyone should start with foam first because microfiber pads need to be cleaned well enough and if your not used to the polishing process you may not do a good job of cleaning them.
 
Not trying to make this sound like I'm talking down to ya...

But, ALWAYS start with the LEAST aggressive method first and do a test area.

Bill
 
I always assume a certain expectation of a paint's relative "hard vs. soft" depending on the vehicle manufacturer. HOWEVER, i have been surprised enough over the years with wild variations in those expectations. The importance of that small test spot cannot ever be understated. My preconceived expectation of Toyota paint has always been and still is relatively soft and easily workable with milder abrasives however the least aggressive test spot first gives you the best indication to zero in on the most effective cut approach.

I love finishing down Toyota and Honda paint. It's usually the closest i get to actually "jewelling" for gloss!
 
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