Need advice on level polish to use

[modernFD]

I recently picked up this car, being that the car is 11 yrs old I`d say the paint is decent but obviously it needs a lot of work. I`ve been looking around for what kind of polish to use, I`ve tried meguiars swirl remover on another black car which had paint in a lot better condition and wasn`t too impressed.. I need an opinion from a professional, what steps and products would you use to get the swirls/light scratches and restore gloss. Here`s some pictures so you can kind of get an idea of its condition, the swirls/scratches are a lot more noticeable from direct sunlight, these pics might make the paint look a lil cleaner then it really is.



http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/1447/rx70060cx.jpg



http://img77.imageshack.us/img77/6781/rx70015re.jpg

[Lowejackson]

Welcome to Autopia :xyxthumbs



Will you be using the polish by hand or machine

[imported_themightytimmah]

Ok, I`m gonna presume you use a PC. Black SS paint is pretty soft, so this is what I`d use:



Optimum Car Polish via orange pad @6

Optimum Car Polish via green pad @6

OCP via black pad @5



Or



SSR2.5 via orange @5

SSR2.5 via white @6

Blue PwC via white @6



Or



Menzerna IP via orange @6

IP via white @6

FPII via white @6



I`d suggest following any of these with one of the following:



Max durability:

FK1 2180

Collinite #915



Cheap Thrills

Poorboy`s EX

Poorboy`s Blue Natty`s x2



Max look

Clearkote VM

Clearkote RMG

Pinnacle Souveran x3



Any combo of the above will work, personally I like the Menzerna polish set via pc, Optimum if using a rotary.

[imported_series1]

Go with anything ^ he said. BTW nice car!

[modernFD]

Thanks for your suggestions everyone. However I do not own or have ever used any sort of buffing tool, only been using my hands. Would a buffing tool be absolutely necessary or would it be possible to still get a great result by hand only?

[imported_themightytimmah]

Its possible to do that car by hand, but it will take some SERIOUS work. I`d highly suggest purchasing at least a Porter Cable 7424, I don`t know of anyone who regrets doing so. I`d figure 15+ hours to do that by hand, 5 by PC, 1.5 by rotary. If your time is worth even 10-15 bucks an hour, the PC is a good call.



If you must do it by hand, PM ScottWax. He worked by hand for something like 10 years, and had great results.