Machine Polishing Silicone Layer on Paint

**danponjican** · 09-25-2008, 08:03 AM

I was reading on The Detailing Wiki the article on Paint Surface Preparation and came across this statement that Jon Miller (TOGWT) wrote:

" We should differentiate between swirl marks in the silicon layer and swirl marks in the paint surface underneath. Some polishes may appear to remove the swirl marks in the paint but are really only working on the layer of silicon, so the swirl marks in the paint surface remain unaffected by polishing".

(I obtained this info from a Menz ChemE rep, not sure that I agree with it, but I thought I should include it for comment, if nothing else)

I wanted to see what some you all thought of this.

Here is the link to the article.

The Detailing Wiki - Paint Surface Preparation (for Polishing)

**imported_rydawg** · 09-26-2008, 01:06 AM

This is absolutely true.

**Junebug** · 09-26-2008, 05:21 AM

Been there - done that, Menzerna then Zaino is a no no unless you add a cleaner step between.

**imported_weekendwarrior** · 09-26-2008, 05:24 AM

It definitely reinforces the need of a Prep Sol wipe down before polishing...which is a good idea anyways, as it leeps a lot of polishes from acting up on you with the rotary.

**danponjican** · 09-26-2008, 08:03 AM

From what I understand though, there isn`t much (including Prepsol) or any solvent that can really strip off all silicone. Once it is there, it`s stuck there for months.

**imported_Picus** · 09-26-2008, 08:31 AM

Originally Posted by danponjican

From what I understand though, there isn`t much (including Prepsol) or any solvent that can really strip off all silicone. Once it is there, it`s stuck there for months.

Or forever... Luckily you can get rid of enough of it to polish the car without the compounds gumming up on you due to silicone on the surface, or in the case of this thread, working defects in that layer.