Polish, Glaze, Sealants, not sure where to start

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Grifftech

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I am trying to find a good combination for my car. I have a few light swirls left on the car and some random fine scratches I am trying to work out.

Once I get done with that I am not sure on the proper polish then glaze to use to give me that perfect bed to apply my wax to get the best wet and glossy shine.

Any tips would be appreciated,

Thanks,
Chris
 
From what I understand about the whole process, the polish or polishes you choose to use will remove the swirls. Some scratches may have to stay, it depends on how deep they are. Mike Phillips has said that removing some scratches may actually do more damage because they're so deep.
It depends on how you use the term, "glaze". In this forum somewhere are a few threads which talk about the term, glaze- depending on the manufacturer. I go straight to sealant or wax after polishing.
 
Without seeing your paint...I would suggest a really good AIO or Cleaner-wax that has some abrasives in it to take care of the light swirls, cleans the paint, and if you want...can lay down some protection. I would seriously (after you clay) to consider Blackfire Total polish & Seal (white pad) topped with Blackfire Wet Diamond Sealant (blue or red pad or by hand).

I like glazes..in fact I don't feel that I have totally finished a multi-step process unless I put down a nice glaze after polishing and before sealing...but in your case, its sounds like it would be be best to keep it simple and get fantastic results with just 2 easy steps...and not get bogged down in a long process...especially for a daily driver.

I don't think you are looking for a 90%+ correction. If you are, then a multi-step process is in order assuming you have lots of time to do it.
 
Hi Chris,

Finish preparation is unfortunately underestimated. This is "the" basis for every show car shine. Car polishing before waxing is the trick behind attaining and maintaining that sought after showroom finish on your car. The preparation prior to applying a sealant and wax is paramount to success.....

For me there are a few polishes that stand out in the crowd producing simply stunning results..



Here's a few 1-Step products that shouldn't be overlooked. Mike Phillips was kind enough to put this list together and I keep it tucked away for reference....:props:

Cleaner/Waxes


Cleaner/Sealants


Hybrid Cleaner Waxes/Sealants

 
Last edited by a moderator:
BobbyG said:
Hi Chris,

Finish preparation is unfortunately underestimated. This is "the" basis for every show car shine. Car polishing before waxing is the trick behind attaining and maintaining that sought after showroom finish on your car. The preparation prior to applying a sealant and wax is paramount to success.....

For me there are a few polishes that stand out in the crowd producing simply stunning results..


Here's a few 1-Step products that shouldn't be overlooked. Mike Phillips was kind enough to put this list together and I keep it tucked away for reference....:props:

Cleaner/Waxes

Cleaner/Sealants

Hybrid Cleaner Waxes/Sealants

Click to expand...


OMG thank you for the AMAZING information!!
 
BobbyG said:
Hi Chris,

Finish preparation is unfortunately underestimated. This is "the" basis for every show car shine. Car polishing before waxing is the trick behind attaining and maintaining that sought after showroom finish on your car. The preparation prior to applying a sealant and wax is paramount to success.....

For me there are a few polishes that stand out in the crowd producing simply stunning results..


Here's a few 1-Step products that shouldn't be overlooked. Mike Phillips was kind enough to put this list together and I keep it tucked away for reference....:props:

Cleaner/Waxes

Cleaner/Sealants

Hybrid Cleaner Waxes/Sealants

Click to expand...


With the above three polishes you mentioned would it be good to follow them up with something like Meguiar's Ultra Polish #205?
 
2011Mustang5.0 said:
I am trying to find a good combination for my car. I have a few light swirls left on the car and some random fine scratches I am trying to work out.

Once I get done with that I am not sure on the proper polish then glaze to use to give me that perfect bed to apply my wax to get the best wet and glossy shine.

Any tips would be appreciated,

Thanks,
Chris
Click to expand...


See this article...


Words mean things... just ask any Lawyer...

Word Definitions - Compounds, Polishes, Glazes, Paint Cleaners and Waxes



:)
 
2011Mustang5.0 said:
I am trying to find a good combination for my car. I have a few light swirls left on the car and some random fine scratches I am trying to work out.

Once I get done with that I am not sure on the proper polish then glaze to use to give me that perfect bed to apply my wax to get the best wet and glossy shine.

Any tips would be appreciated,

Thanks,
Chris
Click to expand...


Correction and Polishing
You need/want the below for the correction steps and the polishing steps...

A good compound
A good medium cut polish
A good fine cut polish
A good ultra fine cut polish (optional)

For the above, you can pick a single brand or mix and match. I tend to like to use products from a single line because then there's a synergistic chemical compatibility, by this I mean, the chemist that makes the compound knows best how to make the follow-up polish because he knows what he put inside the compound. Same goes for the waxes and/or sealants and/or coatings.

Some people like to free wheel, that is mix and match... some don't. Any of the popular brands talked about here if used correctly will create stunning results safely.


Sealing the paint
Then, after the correction and polishing steps you need either a car wax, synthetic paint sealant or a coating. You don't need all three, just one. Some people like to do something called topping, and if you want you can do that but you don't have to...


Check out these article in the below order...

3-Categories: Waxes, Paint Sealants and Coatings

Topping - Definition - How to Top also called Topping

A tip for working with waxes, paint sealants or coatings that are new to you



:xyxthumbs:
 
2011Mustang5.0 said:
What about the SF 4500?
Click to expand...

Bobby listed PO106FA and then you referenced it in your post so my follow-up related to it.

The SF 4500 is an ultra fine polish, if you have any level of below surface defects yet to remove then you'll need something more aggressive than the SF 4500


SF 4500 is considered one of the best ultra fine cut finishing polishes available and I think it should be in every paint polisher's arsenal of tools.



:xyxthumbs:
 
Oh man, now I am interested in the CQuartz... wow so much to think about and absorb! I think if I spent a weekend properly prepping the paint and then do the CQuartz I may be set. A lot to think about
 
Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
Bobby listed PO106FA and then you referenced it in your post so my follow-up related to it.

The SF 4500 is an ultra fine polish, if you have any level of below surface defects yet to remove then you'll need something more aggressive than the SF 4500


SF 4500 is considered one of the best ultra fine cut finishing polishes available and I think it should be in every paint polisher's arsenal of tools.



:xyxthumbs:
Click to expand...

What two Menzerna polishes would you recommend for me? I have the usual halo and swirls and some fine random scratches.

I like the SF4500, but seems to be out of stock. Would the SF 400 be a good substitute. Which polish should I use before I go with the SF 4000 or SF 4500?

I plan on going with the Blackfire Wet Diamond Sealant after polish then the Blackfire Midnight Sun, and maybe down the orad give the CQuartz a try.

Thanks for all your help
 
BobbyG said:
Hi Chris,

Finish preparation is unfortunately underestimated. This is "the" basis for every show car shine. Car polishing before waxing is the trick behind attaining and maintaining that sought after showroom finish on your car. The preparation prior to applying a sealant and wax is paramount to success.....

For me there are a few polishes that stand out in the crowd producing simply stunning results..
Click to expand...

As a general note:

In creating the Meguiar's #205 Ultra Finishing Polish link I've inadvertently typed in the wrong description. The link is correct and if clicked on will take you to the intended product. I've asked for the description for the Meguiar's M105 be changed to reflect the correct test thus matching the link....Meguiar's #205 Ultra Finishing Polish.

Sorry for the confusion and my fingers apologize too....:doh: :dunno:
 
I don't want to steal 2011Mustang5.0's thunder here, but my car sounds like it's in almost the same condition. Lots of minor swirls and some random fine scratches. It also has some touchup paint areas. I'm thinking of going with the BF Duo Kit. Would the BFSRC be overkill for minor swirls and scratches? I'd be following up with BFWD and probably some Midnight Sun.

I would be using it with an 5.5 inch LC Orange Pad and LC White Pad with a Griot's DA.
 
What's the difference between Megs #105 & 205?

BobbyG said:
As a general note:

In creating the Meguiar's #205 Ultra Finishing Polish link I've inadvertently typed in the wrong description. The link is correct and if clicked on will take you to the intended product. I've asked for the description for the Meguiar's M105 be changed to reflect the correct test thus matching the link....Meguiar's #205 Ultra Finishing Polish.

Sorry for the confusion and my fingers apologize too....:doh: :dunno:
Click to expand...
 
yoyo1111 said:
What's the difference between Megs #105 & 205?
Click to expand...

Meguiar's M105 - Compound
Meguiar's M205 - Finishing Polish

Meguiar's M105 is an aggressive, fast cutting compound that makes short work of swirls and other defects in the 1200 grit range. Even though Meguiar's M105 is a compound, it does a spectacular job at leveling the finish without imparting additional defects.

Meguiar's M205 is a fine finishing polishing capable of removing sanding grit in the 2500 range leaving a superior gloss. Meguiar's M205 was specifically developed to be used following Meguiar's M105.
 
What two Menzerna polishes would you recommend for me? I have the usual halo and swirls and some fine random scratches.

I like the SF4500, but seems to be out of stock. Would the SF 400 be a good substitute. Which polish should I use before I go with the SF 4000 or SF 4500?

I plan on going with the Blackfire Wet Diamond Sealant after polish then the Blackfire Midnight Sun, and maybe down the orad give the CQuartz a try.

Thanks for all your help
 
Menzerna SF4500 is one of the finest finishing polishes I've used to date. Menzerna SF4500 barely cuts at all and has a cut designation of 1 and a gloss designation of 5. This should give you a good idea of it's capability and order of usage.

While you can certainly throw Menzerna Power Gloss POS34A (PG-1000) into the mix, and I have, the following three products can handle just about anything thrown at them. If you need to limit yourself to only two at this time then I suggest #2 & #3 below.


  1. Menzerna Power Gloss POS34A (PG-1000)
  2. Menzerna Super Intensive Polish PO83Q (IS1500)
  3. Menzerna Super Finish PO106FA (SF4000)

Menzerna PO85RD (SF4500)


If you look at the top level Menzerna page there is a handy reference chart touching on some of the detail and product usage. I've inserted it below for your convenience.

MenzernaChart.jpg


If you like to detail and maintain your finish then the BlackFire combo you mention are quite nice. If you're thinking of adding one of the new hard coatings then use Optimum Opti-Coat 2.0, CarPro CQuartz, or Element 119...
 
BobbyG said:
Menzerna SF4500 is one of the finest finishing polishes I've used to date. Menzerna SF4500 barely cuts at all and has a cut designation of 1 and a gloss designation of 5. This should give you a good idea of it's capability and order of usage.

While you can certainly throw Menzerna Power Gloss POS34A (PG-1000) into the mix, and I have, the following three products can handle just about anything thrown at them. If you need to limit yourself to only two at this time then I suggest #2 & #3 below.


  1. Menzerna Power Gloss POS34A (PG-1000)
  2. Menzerna Super Intensive Polish PO83Q (IS1500)
  3. Menzerna Super Finish PO106FA (SF4000)
Menzerna PO85RD (SF4500)


If you look at the top level Menzerna page there is a handy reference chart touching on some of the detail and product usage. I've inserted it below for your convenience.

MenzernaChart.jpg


If you like to detail and maintain your finish then the BlackFire combo you mention are quite nice. If you're thinking of adding one of the new hard coatings then use Optimum Opti-Coat 2.0, CarPro CQuartz, or Element 119...
Click to expand...


Thanks Bobby!!
 
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