Hi From Charlotte, NC!! *Jet Black BMW E90 3er*

[We're Here]

I`m harboring the suspicion that the proprietary polishes that we`re told are a necessary part of a "system"(according to those who sell the stuff anyway) aren`t really.



I`d love to streamline my arsenal by just stocking (say) PPCL instead of Blackfire Gloss Enhancing Polish, Zaino Z-1 Polish Lok, etc.



Any thoughts on the subject? BTW, it didn`t go unnoticed by me that DavidB used PPCL prior to laying down Blackfire All Finish Paint Protection on his recent trial of the new sealant. Thanks!



WH

[KR CoolShine]

Well, I don`t know about eliminating the proprietary stuff. Like many members here, however, I think the most important part of a good finish is the prep work (like a lot of other projects, avocations and professions).



So, I am looking for the best possible paint surface before I apply any finishing product.



In my case, I was interested in removing as many surface imperfections before using the Blackfire (or any other) products. If I had major swirls or imperfections, I would have used one of the 3M products. Because I did not, I started with PPCL.



Based solely on the lighting in my garage, I think that I am going to like the results I got with Blackfire. I will let you know when I see the car in the light of day tomorrow.

[imported_Intermezzo]

The Z-1 isn`t a polish in the traditional sense. Although some people report that it has some minor cleaning ability, its main purpose is to allow proper bonding between Z-2/Z-5 and the surface to which it is being applied.



I would probably use BF`s polish....just to see how well it reduces swirls (and maybe clean off whatever residue PPCL left).



My impression, when reading DavidB`s review as well as another thread where David mentioned using PPCL, is that he used PPCL as well as the BF polish before applying BF Protectant. I might be wrong though.



If you are satisfied with how your surface looks after PPCL, then you would probably be fine in forgoing the BF polish. But I`m sure a lot of forum members would disagree with me! :)



Tony

[Andre']

Try it, if you don`t like the end results start over no harm done.

[DETAILKING]

You HAD to use BF polish before the sealant. Is that an optional step?! I wonder if anyone applied the sealant on one panel and the polish + sealant on another......interesting test...both initial gloss and durability.

[Bobby G]

No doubt my phone will ring off the hook on this one... but PPCL is my preference for pre-waxing and pre-sealant cleaning. It just seems to work the best for me. I have used it as the cleaning/polishing step for BF Protectant, KSG, Autoglym, and Z-5 with ZFX... all with great results.



db

[ISLANDSBEST]

The Z1 is not much of a polish, to begin with. So, if you need to do surface prep, I would not rely on the Z1. But, that does not mean you can <em class=`bbc`>skip[/i] the Z1. Sal explicitely states that it has a function much like a "primer." In any event, the Z1 is applied infrequently, so I do not think much is to be gained by skipping it. AND, I find that "more frequent than recommended use" of Z1 really improves the appearance of the car. So, I would recommend <em class=`bbc`>more[/i] frequent use of Z1, not less.

Hope this helps.

[mtechnik]

I wanted to introduce myself. I grew up in the suburbs of Detroit, and moved down to Charlotte about 3 years ago after college. I`ve been detailing my own car at home since I was 16. I`ve also been a long time PAC customer, and continue to refer anyone I can. Now I`m 27 and own a beautiful jet black BMW 3 Series. I`m a big BMW enthusiast, and look forward to chatting with you all about detailing!

Here are some pics of my car.

-Misha


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2730/4244162573_ab119583c3_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/4259141023_6656fec1c1_b.jpg

[imported_Sal329]

Welcome Misha the car looks awesome

[imported_Flash Gordon]

Welcome Misha the car looks awesome

Yea, what he said ^^^ :biggrin:

Hope to see you around :wizard:

[imported_Luster]

Hey Misha... Welcome to TID!!! (Nice Ride!):Dancing Dot:

[imported_firebird]

Wow! Welcome! I am sssooooooo jealous of your ride!:Car smiley:

[bmw5541]

Beautiful car you hve there Misha. Welcome to TID.

[Jack Kruer]

Misha,

Welcome to TID. I hope you enjoy your time here and share some of your detailing experiences. Thank you for your past support of PAC :clap::clap::clap:

jk

[imported_glfahlc]

kewl wheels there misha.... a jet black bimmer is a full time job.... ask me how i know.