Is Optimum Compound/Polish then Prime: Strong Redundant?

hooked · 07-14-06, 05:59

I just bought and used JW Prime: Strong on my Black Honda Accord via PC and it didn't make any difference in the spider web scratches I have in my paint. It was probably due to a combination of pad selection (Edge 2K blue polishing pad) and PC technique (not enough pressure).

When I try polishing again, do you think the P:S is all I need to reduce/eliminate the fine scratches? I've been reading up on the Optimum Polish/Compound. Do you think one of these would work better? Or is P:S the equivalent of at least the OP, I'm just not applying it right?

Also, I've read that Honda Paint/Clear Coat is soft. Are there any special considerations to take into account when polishing?

lakbum · 07-14-06, 08:00

I'd be interested in the answer to this question cause I just picked up JW Prime Strong and the Optimum line. I was thinking of going with OP then following up with PS. Is that redundant?

hooked · 07-14-06, 08:51

I'll definitely use P:S because it's a good paint cleaner. I was just wondering if it was "strong" enough for swirl/scratch removal or if I should get a dedicated product like OP/OC.

tustah · 07-14-06, 10:06

Prime strong has a bit of abrasives in it so you can use it to remove light swirls. I think regardless if you use OC/OP, you should follow up with your Prime Strong. If you're using the blue edge pad to remove swirls with Prime Strong, that will not do. I would suggest you use the orange pad instead.

I can't really say why it didn't work. Maybe the scratches were deeper.

Z K · 07-14-06, 11:23

Don't forget that Prime leaves a protective layer too so you can use it as a base for other sealants/wax.

hooked · 07-14-06, 01:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by tustah

Prime strong has a bit of abrasives in it so you can use it to remove light swirls. I think regardless if you use OC/OP, you should follow up with your Prime Strong. If you're using the blue edge pad to remove swirls with Prime Strong, that will not do. I would suggest you use the orange pad instead.

I can't really say why it didn't work. Maybe the scratches were deeper.

Thanks for all the responses.

tustah, I also have a Green Edge pad which seems to be more aggressive than the orange. Do you think the green will be ok or is it going to be too much. The marring I have is your run of the mill wash and qd type scratches, so I shouldn't have to take any drastic actions to remove them, right?

tustah · 07-14-06, 04:47

Yes, the green pad is more aggressive than the orange. I haven't tried my PS to remove swirls yet. Regardless, you should always try from the least aggresive pad to the most aggressive. I don't think I would use the orange pad. If the green pad is not doing it for you, then you should use a polish instead.

hooked · 07-14-06, 08:22

I have only used the blue and it didn't remove much, if any at all. I also was not putting any pressure on the pc as I buffed.

I started with the least aggressive pad (blue), so I guess it's time to kick it up a notch (to the green).

I'm a little confused by your last post...why wouldn't you use the orange pad now?

tustah · 07-14-06, 09:41

I would rather use a Polish to do the job than Prime, which is formulated to be a paint cleaner/protectant. With polish, I would expect a better finish followed by prime and an LSP (AJ/AJT).