Setec Astronomy
Well-known member
Yeah, c'mon you guys, he's a newb who hasn't even bought his first machine yet. He's not going for a concours finish, and the car is white. Take it easy on the guy's pocketbook and ego.
How do you choose which polish to use?
- Thread starter Bert
- Start date
BlueZero said:
Menzerna and Optimum are the two that have intrigued me the most. The answer to which to use is probably - both are excellent, you can't go wrong with either and both will give you the results you desire. Kinda like comparing Jeff's Werkstatt to Zaino - both are top of the line products and determining which is better is a matter of personal preference. Is that a fair statement?
BlueZero said:
I didn't realize Optimum was easier to use. That may bump it ahead of Menzerna.
jshillin said:
I wouldnt use wool on a DA machine, only a rotary.
If you where a rotary newb then i would still recomend wool over foam.
You asked what i would use, since i only use a rotary and the only time i use the PC is for light holograms here and there and quick micro-marring clean up.
Setec Astronomy said:
Thanks SA. Since I first joined Autopia in mid July I have spent about 5-8 hours a week reading threads and asking questions. Even after all of that, I still feel like I am only brushing the surface of the amount of knowledge out there on detailing. This is a hobby that has a pretty good size learning curve when you are just beginning. Maybe I should have stuck with cycling only - much more expensive but not near as much info to master
. - Nah, as mind boggling as it is, I am really enjoying the learning process and talking with others with similar interests.Coupe said:
You are probably correct in that I am over complicating this. However, my assumption was that a DA in the hands of someone who doesn't know what they are doing could spell trouble. That is why I am being somewhat cautious (OK maybe overly cautious) before venturing into the polishing realm.
My best guess would be that using the UDM, an orange Swirlbuster pad and Optimum Compound would do very well. Should leave a pretty good finish too, maybe follow with Poli-Seal using a light polishing pad.
Meguiars 80 series polishes are pretty good too. Use #83 and #80, using the same pad combinations as above.
Meguiars 80 series polishes are pretty good too. Use #83 and #80, using the same pad combinations as above.
Scottwax said:
Thanks Scottwax. Poli-Seal is an Optimum polish not a sealant correct? I ask because I am pretty sure I am going to use JW Prime (or Prime Strong, haven't decided which) with JW AJ since my car is white. However, if I am incorrect and Poli-Seal is a Sealant (like its name would suggest) and you feel it is a better choice than JW, maybe I should change my assumptions of which sealant to use.
BlueZero
New member
If you stick with the big names you can't really go wrong. Menzerna, Optimum, Meguiar's, etc... One thing I don't like about Menzerna is humidity really seems to affect it. I've only used IP and not SIP yet. I asked a question about the difference awhile ago and got... The SIP is harder to learn to use but cuts better and provides a better finish. I've heard lots about Optimum being user friendly for beginners.
If you still have questions just ask. Hope I've helped.
If you still have questions just ask. Hope I've helped.
BlueZero said:
I was leaning towards Menzerna but I think I may go with Optimum at first and then once I use it up, give Menzerna a try.
BlueZero said:
You have all been incredible, thank you so much. I hope to get the UDM, pads and polish next month. I need to give my credit card a break from the cardiac arrest I caused it over the past month from buying MF towels, applicators, wash, clay, paint cleanser, leather cleaner, leather conditioner, glass cleaner, wheel cleaner, tire dressing, etc. etc. etc. from autopia.:help: :grinno:
bert31 said:
Poli-seal has more cut that a typical AIO. Don't get me wrong, Prime is an excellent AIO but sometimes I need more polishing power to either clean up after compounding, or if I want to correct and lay down a good sealant base (or use as a one step) so I use Poli-Seal in those cases.
Junebug
JAFO
I almost got rid of my Poliseal - I didn't seem to have place for it as I either wanted to do a thorough polish and wax/seal or needed a sealer with no cleaners. Then I started doing cheap beaters for a friend selling used cars - BINGO. At the price he wants to pay and the questionability of the clear coat on these - it was apparent that Poliseal is my new best friend.
Scottwax said:
I see. So using Poli-seal this month when I compound/polish would be preferrable over Prime/Prime Strong due to its ability to clean up after compounding. However, come December/early January when I decide to reclay and rewax in prep for late Jan/Feb snow, assuming the paint does not need correction, using Prime/Prime Strong may be preferred over Poli-seal because I won't need Poli-seals polishing power to clean up since I did not compound. I think I got that right.
Scottwax said:
Scottwax, could I get a little clarification. You said you use Poli-Seal in place of an AIO because after compounding you want some polishing power to do some clean up work. Based upon that comment, I am assuming after using Optimum Compound (or any other light cut polish) instead of going to a finish polish like Optimum Polish or Menzerna 106ff, you just use Poli-Seal as your finish polish and as a psuedo AIO to prepare for the sealant? Or in other words, you are combining the steps of a finish polish and an AIO into one step by using Poli-Seal? Did I get that right? If so, I could certainly see how that would save you time when polishing customers' cars.