English Custom Polish (Metal)

Anthony O.

New member
I have tried out these metal polishes.



First off I noticed the packaging. Great packaging, easy to use and easy to open bottles. Instructions are written well and they each come with a polishing cloth, although about the only thing you can polish with it (due to its small size) is a nickel.



They make a variety of polishes but I ws only sent 4, the more popular of the line.



I have their "Custom Blend" - which is designed mainly for finer metal polishing. For aluminum and chrome.



"Showmans" - which is also an ultra fine polish with some protective properties to it.



"Metal Polish/Restorer" - which is for metals that need a little extra cleaning.



"Hot Enviroment" - which is designed for metals that have been turned blue from high temperatures. It also claims to help reduces the bluing effect.



In my testing I have only used the "Showmans" and the "Restore". Don't expect any fancy smell here but rather expect the usual solvent smell.



Here is a picture of the product



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I used the "Showmans" on the engine compartment of a SL600 and really liked the workability of the product. Very low mess and the black residue wiped off easily. It left a nice finish.



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I then turned my attention to the SL's running boards. Here is a BEFORE picture.



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I did not want to begin rubbing on this metal without first washing the metal down. Here is a picture of it washed and ready to be polished, notice the few hard water stains.



328WtrStns-med.jpg




I began with a terry cloth towel, mainly because I prefer its scrubbing properties for 1st step polishing over MF, and the "Restore". I noticed right away it was very smooth in its application. It cut through the oxidation easily but what was really amazing to me was how easily the residue was removed with a few swipes from a MF towel. Nothing I have used has removed so easily, not even my tried and true Rolite.



I applied the "Restore" twice and noticed a HUGE improvement, with very little scratching of the metal. In fact I could of left it at that and most people would of noticed the diference. I decided to go over that with the "Showmans" polish.



Again I used a terry cloth towel and a MF to remove. This "ultra" fine polish was not only a breeze to apply and remove but it really improved and enhanced the shine left behind by the "Restore". I was thoroughly impressed.



How impressed?



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328ECPAftr-med.jpg




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Here are the SL's pedals BEFORE



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AFTER



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Here they are replaced on the pedals. This is NOT an easy dismantle and I hate doing it but the results sure do look great!



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Conclusion



The Rolite may get great results but because the ECP (English Custom Polish) is so easy to work with and clean up it wins my vote. I also like that fact that it cleans well with very low abrasives.



Enjoyed working with them.



Thanks,

Anthony
 
Great results.



2 questions, how long did it take to polish the shown items and is the 'English' a marketing name or does it refer to something else
 
Lowejackson said:
Great results.



2 questions, how long did it take to polish the shown items and is the 'English' a marketing name or does it refer to something else



With the running board the whole ordeal took about 15 to 20 minutes, from wiping the area down to polishing.



The pedals only took a few minutes but removing them from their rubber backings and then re-attaching them took 45 minutes alone, that was a real PIA:angry



These are manufactured in England. They have a large following with the motorcyle folks.



Thanks for the comments,

Anthony
 
Nice review, Anthony! I did an SL yesterday with those same type of pedals but I didn't take them apart, just hit with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and it did a pretty decent job.



I may have to try some of those polishes. I normally do several muscle cars each year and they have a lot of chrome and metal that needs polishing. :)
 
Thanks Scott:)



I am really digging these polishes, they are very flexiable and a breeze to work with.



I bet they would really produce a brilliant shine on those muscle cars:up



Anthony
 
Given the "English" name, sounds like it ought to do wonderfully on metal work and grilles of marques like Jaguar and Rolls Royce
 
Might I also add that the website, mentioned by Lowejackson, also have some great articles.



BillD.....



I agree! I would love to get an older (early model) MB SL, Jag XK and polish up some their mtal work. I believe the early model Jag's had the best chrome work!!



Anthony
 
GSRstilez said:
Very impressive work Anthony and thanks for reviewing.





How do you go about removing the pedal covers?



Freakin brain salad surgery!!!:D



Actually, you have to remove, if I remember correctly, the rubber backing whole, along with the metal covers. The gas pedal is tricky in that you need to disassemble the bottom portion.



After they are removed you can then pop off the covers and begin to polish them. Wear some latex gloves when placing the covers back on as to keep finger prints and smudges down.



Now placing the metal covers back over the rubber doo-hickies is a real PIA!:angry You'll need a small piece of wood to work the rubber nibs back through the holes.....much easier to take apart then to put back together.



But they sure do look good when done......for about the first 20 minutes of driving:D lol



Anthony
 
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