To Polish or Not to Polish?

[Imatk]

So I've polished some swirl marks out of my other car with my PC via Optimum Compound and Menzerna FPII.

My question is should I polish my 2006 Mustang? It doesn't have any noticable marring or swirls or anything. The finish looks good but I wondered if I could make it look even better after polishing?

Is this something I should try or not... especially since I've only done one car with my PC so far.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[mtbr64]

im no pro, but from what ive read so far. maybe you could use a non abbrasive polish or a glaze. then top it off with a wax.

[Saumil]

question...aren't all "polishes" technically abrasives?..which is what differentiates it from wax...i didnt know there was a non-abrasive polish?

[Danase]

Originally Posted by Saumil

question...aren't all "polishes" technically abrasives?..which is what differentiates it from wax...i didnt know there was a non-abrasive polish?

There are chemical polishes which basically are made up of chemical cleaners.

[JuneBug]

Wash and clay then decide. Most polishes applied via PC with a polishing pad are very mild, but it's up to you.

[Accumulator]

Imatk- While I hardly ever polish unless there's some marring to remove, I think that you probably oughta give it a gentle polishing. I wouldn't be surprised if you find it makes for a slight overall improvement. Something like the FPII would be a good choice, try doing a single panel and see if it looks any better.

Oh, and the whole "aren't polishes abrasive" thing *can* be confusing. I too agree that "polish" oughta equal "abrasive" but there are "pure polishes", as Meguiar's calls 'em that are not abrasive and some chemical cleaners are called polishes too as Danase pointed out.

[David Fermani]

If you car is dark in color, polishing will only make it look better and won't reduce the thickness of your paint.

[Imatk]

Thanks very much guys

I think I will definately try that Accumulator. I'll do the FPII on the hood and just see if it makes a difference. It's a dark metallic gray and I've never polished it. Hell I never even clayed it.

I bought it new, picked it up from the dealer and washed and applied Zaino and that was it.

[Danforz]

Yea, I've heard it helps. My car is pretty new with no visable marring... I'm going to be using ZPC with a white pad on my car (which is a dark metallic gray). I'm then going to follow with KAIO with white pad too so just to make sure its perfect.

[SVR]

Regardless of whether it has no marring or not, from new a car's finish is basically naked and flat (unless it's a prestige car or ferrari)

A few non abrasive polishes or chemical polishes will give it some more bling
Driven is non abrasive, clearkote doesn't have much, Blackfire gloss enhancing I believe is non abrasive. Prime Acrylic is a chemical polish

Do a couple steps by hand or one by machine and then prepcoat, sealant. Layer the sealant two to six times and then just build up with AJT, Aquawax or similar product

[Imatk]

Ahh that makes sense SVR... yeah

[themightytimmah]

I polished my buddy's new bike with FPII/LC black/1500 and it noticeably improved the gloss. There was no visible marring beforehand.