Black Mazda

[highspeeddata]

Been reading a lot of threads as from what I gather the three most popular polishes for removing minor surface defects (light swirls, etc.) are, in order from least to most abrasive are 3M SMR, Medallion Paint Cleaner, and 3M Finese-It II.



There seems to be a consesus that the SMR has oils in it where as the Medallion has very little "polish" and is primarily a cleaner. Would the Medallion not then be a better choice as a prep prior to Klasse AIO?



Does anyone have a feel for the differences in abrasives for these three products, like is Medallion very close to Finese-It moreso than SMR?



Which of these three have people had the best results with removing swirl marks on newer dark colored car using the Porter Cable Detail Machine with the standard white foam polishing pad?



Thanks!

[Buds]

I had really good luck with the 3M SMR on my Audi (dark Blue). I used the PC with a Meguiars polishing pad (equivelent to the white pad) and it got all but the deepest swirls out. I just got some FI II and am going to work on those. I need to get some more pads for the PC. I also remember hearing that the Cutting pad is better for the FI II. I have not used the Medallion, so I can`t tell you anything about it.

[mx5]

I found Medallion does clean the paint very well. Since it does not leave any oils it should help Klasse bond better.

[softoa]

MY friend from Chicago arrived yesterday, and she has pine sap on her nice car.. I recall seeing a thread a while ago, someone answered what to use, but I can`t find the thread.. Anyone know of a product or product(s) that`ll take off that sticky sap? Will warm water and some sort of an all purpose cleaner work? Softoa..

[bmw5541]

I would try a medium to heavy grade clay bar.

[imported_Flash Gordon]

I would first give it a APC/Dawn solution wash, then follow with clay :2 cents:

[imported_Bunky]

If it is very small drops, I would use clay. If larger, I would use Stoners Tarminator.

[imported_Stokdgs]

I use Meguiars body solvent, or go to Home Depot or a hardware store and get that little yellow metal can of Goof Off and get some Q-tips and a soft absorbent cloth. Put a little of the G/Off on the end of the Qtip and just touch and carefully rub the sap off. Blot to dry, and its gone..
I dont do this in the sun or on hot surfaces.

Dan F

[softoa]

Oh thanks for the suggestions, I`ll get some goof-off and use that for her car. softoa.

[BillE]

Being that it is `pine sap`, you can use turpintine. It`s the `same stuff to get same stuff off` thinking. Much more gentle than goof-off.

You`ll have to LSP where ever you do the sappy removal.

Hope this helps.

Bill

[imported_Luster]

If it is very small drops, I would use clay. If larger, I would use Stoners Tarminator.

+1. :iagree::thumbup:

[Tuck91]

All great suggestions.

[Old Pirate]

These are all great suggestions, here`s one more for you to try out, a plastic razor for those very tough ones.