Need some advice on whether or not I will need to polish and then apply wax to a new 2011 mini cooper or just apply wax? I purchased the XMT PC 7424XP light swirl remover kit with XMT #1, #2 and Finishing glaze. I also plan to use these products on my 2008 Saturn Aura, suggested pads to use would be helpful also, thanks.
Polish and Wax or just Wax?
- Thread starter frank213
- Start date
ScubaCougr
New member
- Oct 19, 2010
- 558
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Alternate view, possible heresy: Need or want?
If you check the paint and don't see cobwebs, fine scratches or other defects, polishing may not be needed. Save your clear for later. Although you may want to polish for practice, or to get that additional tiny bump in shine.
If paint is in good condition you can wash, clay and apply your glaze with the PC and a white pad which does light polishing. Brand new finish may not need more than clay and a light chemical all-in-one wax/sealant.
Try a test spot or panel, then decide.
If you check the paint and don't see cobwebs, fine scratches or other defects, polishing may not be needed. Save your clear for later. Although you may want to polish for practice, or to get that additional tiny bump in shine.
If paint is in good condition you can wash, clay and apply your glaze with the PC and a white pad which does light polishing. Brand new finish may not need more than clay and a light chemical all-in-one wax/sealant.
Try a test spot or panel, then decide.
fancyfootwork
New member
- Feb 19, 2010
- 817
- 0
Depends on the condition of the paint. Most likely polish though. Least aggressive method first to complete the job. Then SEAL and top with a wax (if needed).
shoeless89
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- Jul 18, 2010
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My pretty much agreeing with everyone else:
Wash
Clay
LC white pad and a probably only need a pretty light polish if its a 2011 but depends on paint.
I would use a glaze if your using wax but not if your using a sealant
Wash
Clay
LC white pad and a probably only need a pretty light polish if its a 2011 but depends on paint.
I would use a glaze if your using wax but not if your using a sealant
Mike Phillips
Active member
- Dec 5, 2022
- 51,004
- 8
And your car care goals...
What is your car care goal? Or more specifically... how do you want the paint to look?
Pretty good? Or show car quality?
The condition of your finish and your goal will determine what you do and which products to use.
This is something we teach in our Detailing 101 Class. Last weekend the demo car had swirls and water spots and our goal was a show car finish, so we
- Washed
- Clayed
- Corrected the paint - removed swirls and scratches
- Polished - Maximized the gloss and clarity building off the results from the correction step
- Sealed the paint
Here's how the 1962 Cadillac looked when it arrived... completely swirled-out and full of water spots...
Here's how it looks after our students took what they learned in our Detailing 101 Class and put it into practice...
Creating a show car finish is just a matter of diagnosing the paint to determine what the problems are. Start by washing and drying the paint then feel it using the the baggie test and then inspect it visually for swirls and scratches. Then decide upon your goal and this will determine which products you'll use and then get busy...
BobbyG
New member
- Dec 29, 2009
- 13,211
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Hi Frank,
Performing a process in the correct order will not only improve the finish, it will also bring allot of satisfaction to the owner.
Many folks have the greatest intentions in mind yet they overlook some of the basics because they simply weren't educated or aware of them and that includes ME!
Wash
We all naturally wash our cars but this only removes contaminates that sit on the paints surface simply by dissolving them and floating them away. What most don't realize is that particles of debris, better known as DIRT become embedded in the finish only to be dislodged and wiped across the surface by a wax pad or towel. Tiny particles also leave trails or scratches in the finish and then we scratch our head wondering how they got there.
Claying
This is a Huge step in maintaining a cars finish. The photo below is from claying 1/2 the hood on a 2011 Hyundai Elantra only 3 to 4 months old at the time...Pretty darn durty if you ask me!
Next in the order of operation
Paint Correction
Polish
Sealant
Wax
Your cars more than likely need some paint correction and once done you won't believe the difference in the finish!
Performing a process in the correct order will not only improve the finish, it will also bring allot of satisfaction to the owner.
Many folks have the greatest intentions in mind yet they overlook some of the basics because they simply weren't educated or aware of them and that includes ME!
Wash
We all naturally wash our cars but this only removes contaminates that sit on the paints surface simply by dissolving them and floating them away. What most don't realize is that particles of debris, better known as DIRT become embedded in the finish only to be dislodged and wiped across the surface by a wax pad or towel. Tiny particles also leave trails or scratches in the finish and then we scratch our head wondering how they got there.
Claying
This is a Huge step in maintaining a cars finish. The photo below is from claying 1/2 the hood on a 2011 Hyundai Elantra only 3 to 4 months old at the time...Pretty darn durty if you ask me!
Next in the order of operation
Paint Correction
Polish
Sealant
Wax
Your cars more than likely need some paint correction and once done you won't believe the difference in the finish!