I plan to detail my FX35 and I have some questions.

**Redcar GUY** · 01-27-2002, 04:11 PM

anyone tried it by hand, doest it work? I dont have a PC but I do have a 9in craftsman buffer with cottom bonnets. Any info?

**imported_Brad** · 01-27-2002, 08:32 PM

Sure, you can use it by hand. It just takes longer.

**vettefan67** · 01-27-2002, 08:42 PM

I myself and other users have used 3M SMR on black cars and noticed horrible hazing left behind. I worked on my technique a little and got little to no hazing, but it takes a good bit of work to do it correctly. I`ll let someone else give you advice on the orbital, I don`t have any experience there.

Here`s my post on SMR by hand . . .

**Chuckmotor** · 01-27-2002, 10:12 PM

I have no experience with a Craftsman, but I remember reading that someone on Autopia says he uses his 10" Craftsman for everything, and it works fine. I`m sure it would be better to use the Craftsman than it would be by hand, but I recomend getting yourself some foam bonnets because they polish better. I can`t find a single use for my two terry bonnets, but they`re better than doing it by hand.

**KWANG-SEOK** · 01-27-2002, 11:12 PM

I had no luck using 3M SMR by hand...it left a horrible haze. However, it is fantastic when applied using a PC and a white polishing pad. Of course, YMMV -- my car has a notoriously soft clear coat.

**Redcar GUY** · 01-28-2002, 07:45 AM

Thanks guys

**Homer2** · 01-28-2002, 04:18 PM

<blockquote class=`ipsBlockquote` >

Originally posted by Schwa72 [/i]
I had no luck using 3M SMR by hand...it left a horrible haze. However, it is fantastic when applied using a PC and a white polishing pad. Of course, YMMV -- my car has a notoriously soft clear coat. [/b]</blockquote>
Oh man, i feel better now. I thought it was just me. Tried it by hand - hated the results - gave it away.

I just saved a fortune in therapy costs - I knew this place would pay off

**vettefan67** · 01-28-2002, 04:53 PM

<blockquote class=`ipsBlockquote` >

Originally posted by Homer2 [/i]


Oh man, i feel better now. I thought it was just me. Tried it by hand - hated the results - gave it away.

I just saved a fortune in therapy costs - I knew this place would pay off

[/b]</blockquote>Hi Homer2,

What did you use to remove the hazing from 3M SMR?

**imported_doug** · 01-28-2002, 05:56 PM

I agree - can be done by hand - but your arm would fall off after one panel done properly. Hazing means you didn`t work it enough for the diminishing abrasives to break down into finer polishing compound.

HOWEVER - I have used Meguiar`s Swirl Remover 2.0 successfully by hand. I THINK 3M is a bit more abrasive to start, and will go after deeper swirls than the Meguiar`s - but the Meguiar`s has some really good fillers that seem to make it possible to "hide" nicely with slight application, and still get rid of swirls with more work.

**YoSteve** · 01-28-2002, 05:58 PM

<blockquote class=`ipsBlockquote` >

Originally posted by Homer2 [/i]

Tried it by hand - hated the results - gave it away. [/b]</blockquote>
well, what model arm did you use?

**Chuckmotor** · 01-28-2002, 05:59 PM

I give Meguiar`s #9 2.0 two thumbs :up :up . Here, I`ll even give it a third: :xyxthumbs . It is much easier than SMR to use, in my opinion, ESPECIALLY by hand. It`s also available at Pep Boy`s for under $10.

**Homer2** · 01-29-2002, 09:21 AM

<blockquote class=`ipsBlockquote` >

Originally posted by puterbum [/i]

Hi Homer2,

What did you use to remove the hazing from 3M SMR? [/b]</blockquote>
that was way back last winter, but i think i just washed with Blue dawn, . . . . then Zainoed the crap out of it since. I thought if there was still some of the haze (which i think is the oils) then I`d blind anyone looking at the car, and they wouldnt see it.

and as for which model arm . . . . well, without crossing any borders, my love life dropped off for a few days

:sosad

**mhaber** · 01-29-2002, 03:02 PM

I used half a bottle of 3M SMR for dark colors over a several week perioid just on the hood and by hand. No luck at all in removing swirls. I then bought an orbital buffer and with two coats it took off maybe 70% of swirls and helped some deeper scratches. By the way, the SMR is a light abrasive compound (aluminum oxide) compared to other levels of compounds. I then went higher using 3M light cut and the buffer to deal with the deeper scratches. This removed all but a few of the deepest scratches which I left alone because I`m not willing to go to a medium cut compound on my new car.

After the light cut, I then used the SMR again and then the 3M IHG (two coats) with buffer. This left a pristine surface ready for waxing. I`m now convinced a buffer is safe and is the only way to effectively remove swirls. The orbital buffer takes awhile to do its thing, but this provides a safety margin for not overdoing it. Remember to start with the lowest abrasive compound and work up, then work back down with the compounds to take out any residual swirls caused by the move abrasive products.

**imported_Intermezzo** · 01-29-2002, 03:19 PM

MHaber, great post. Thanks for the information.

**MikeLS** · 01-29-2002, 04:05 PM

So, for us folks who like to apply everything by hand, then 3M may not be the best solution? Honestly, I don`t have the time, energy, or money to spend applying 50 coats of 3M for decent results. Maybe Meguiar`s #9 2.0, Medallion Premium Paint Cleaner, or Fine Cut Cleaner is a better alternative for hand use?