Polish for Rejuvenating Bright Red

T

texas328ci

New member
OK, so I'm very close to purchasing my first orbital buffer (going with the PC and probably Sonus Pads) and I need some good polishes to try out. Here's the first question:



Has anyone found any polish combos that are especially good on a bright red finish? I have a 2000 328ci, and though it turns some heads already, I'd like to renew the depth and brightness of the red as much as possible. Also, I'm trying to remove moderate swirls and light oxidation. If it's helpful, I posted a pic of the swirls on the hood in this thread: http://www.autopia.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=44841



I was thinking of trying Menzerna IP followed FP...OR Einszett UPP followed by PP.



Also, when I made my first purchase from David B, I got a whole bunch of sonus MF towels (WW, Buffing, Polishing, etc) Sonus MF Applicator Pads, sonus clay kit w/ Paintwork Cleanser, Klasse AIO and SG. I also have NXT Wash, NXT Wax & Booster Wax, Megs QD, Megs "hot rims" wheel cleaner, Megs Gold Leather conditioner, and Stoner Invisible glass. Wow, it sounds like a lot when I list it all...and I'm just getting started :D



I was planning on using a polishing combo like Menzerna IP and FP and then following with the Sonus PW Cleanser. However, the general perception I get is that the FP and PW Cleanser are probably about the same in terms of polishing/cut ability. I guess that would be a waste of time.



So I guess the last question is...What works best on bright red? Anything specific I should add to my current collection? Anything I should toss? (I don't think I'm going to use the NXT booster anymore. I've found it to be much harder to buff than the full blown NXT wax.)



"Building my collection to acheive bright red perfection!!" ugh...that's pretty awful. :o Did I actually type that aloud?



Thanks in advance for your insight. I love this forum!!
 
Wow, that's a heck of a transformation! Very nice work. I've used the AIO once now and thought it made a bit of difference, but I didn't take before and after shots :( I definitely will though before I proceed with the PC and Polish (when I choose my combo.)
 
Thank you...one of my neighbors thought it looked like new paint. I was really impressed with the AIO on the oxidation; with a new silver car, you don't get any dramatic transformations. The owner still hasn't put a topper on it because he likes the look so much and it has beaded so nicely with the 3 hurricanes that have blown through Atlanta.
 
you're probably correct about using Menzerna IP & FP and not needing the Sonus Paintcleaner. then again, you could just experiment on a small section and see if it does anything. you just never know.



and what works on red? i think almost anything as long as you properly prep the paint. i guess you'll need to ask yourself what you are looking for, just a nice look and not too worried about durability, both, etc etc. EX w/caranuba x3 + Natty's x3 looks nice and wet. NXT on red is pretty nice too. AIO + SG....i think you get the picture. maybe try searching the 'click & brag' section for 'red', or maybe narrow it down to posts by GSRstillez (he has a Cinabar red Integra) or Scottwax (he does some red cars).



good luck. :)
 
Here what works for me, just omit one or two of the first steps if your paint doesn't need them:



3M PI III RC, 3M PI III MG, GEPC, AIO, S100/P21S



The GEPC and AIO together give a great look on red, although many here think the steps are redundant, I think they work best together. It sounds like you don't need the RC and maybe not the MG, but it wouldn't hurt.



I skip the SG step since I didn't feel like it added anything after about 7-10 days.



FYI, I do an evaluation at three or four times when comparing product/process changes, I disregard looks immediately following application (it's meaningless) but then check at 24 hours, 7 days, 10 days, 14 days, sometimes a month later.
 
My favorite combo is Meguiar's #83 (if you have any swirls) followed by #81 or #7. I also like the look of NXT. I apply 2 coats a day apart.



Here is what it looks like on my 14 year old Red MR2. I also get a lot of people asking if I had it repainted.



My gallery
 
I just did a Guards Red Porsche 968 that had turned orange. I used Einszett UP, followed by PP, followed by MP, followed by Glanz Wax. It worked great, you'll love it.



Important note, while putting on the MP, I saw graphically the difference MP makes after PP. It is dramatic, in my opinion. I thought that PP looked good, but the MP really deepens the color and makes an impact. On a red BMW, you will notice a great difference.



Sorry, no pics.



Sam
 
I just bought Pinacle souveran and it is supposibly formulated for red and black cars. I have a 03 EVO that was neglected and after using 1zpp, mp and gw and then followed up with the souveran, I had a finish that was unbeleivable. Do get the pc because I did it by hand and it took for ever plus the results im sure arnt as good as a pc would have been.

Good Luck
 
I like Meguiars #80 Speed Glaze followed by either Vanilla Moose or PBs Polish w/carnauba and either #16 Pro Paste Wax or Pinnacle Souveran.



From what I understand, the Menzerna polishes are excellent and UPP is a very wet looking sealant. You can't go wrong with that route either.
 
1Z ultra is probably more abrasive than you'll need for the swirling at hand. Menzerna IP / FP combo should do wonders on the minor swirling that you have...at least it did on my Fiance's 325.



Here are pictures from the first day of winter prep on my fiance's steel gray 325. The IP/FP combo took out all minor swirling that was present then I added Zaino for winter protection. I wish I would have taken more pictures when I finished the other 3 layers of Zaino and topped with S100...but the car got dirty again before i could snap any more photos.



http://www.autopia.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=43682&highlight=winter



I find that the poorboys SSR's do a great job as well but havn't used them on the Bimmer yet.



Andy
 
Deanski had posted pictures of his red SC 430 with Natty's on it. Looked great but I do not know what prep he did.



I also suggest AIO. Great product!
 
AudiOn19s said:
Here are pictures from the first day of winter prep on my fiance's steel gray 325. The IP/FP combo took out all minor swirling that was present then I added Zaino for winter protection. I wish I would have taken more pictures when I finished the other 3 layers of Zaino and topped with S100...but the car got dirty again before i could snap any more photos.



http://www.autopia.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=43682&highlight=winter



I find that the poorboys SSR's do a great job as well but havn't used them on the Bimmer yet.



Andy
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Very nice Bimmer Andy! I like the front spoiler and rims...good stuff :) I still have the original 16s that came with my 328ci from Factory. Though I do have a pretty mean looking front spoiler and decent side spoilers (I think it was the "sport package.") I can't get enough of the Bimmers...well until I can afford my Carrera that is :D
 
A big :up to everyone on this forum. I guess a large part of the fun of detailing is experimenting with different things. I'm sure we'll all notice differences, but I wonder if "normal" people would ;)



I think I'm going to go with the Menzerna combo for the first go around.



So it will be:

Wash (should I dawn?)

Clay (or perhaps clay while washing...that sounds like a plan)

IP

FP

AIO

NXT or SG (leaning toward the SG)

(Still thinking about the topper)



So, I've read that I should probably buy some extra pads for the PC. How many do you think a first time user will need?



Again, great forum! I can't wait to post the results!!!
 
texas328ci said:
.......So, I've read that I should probably buy some extra pads for the PC. How many do you think a first time user will need?.......
Click to expand...

Do you have any pads now? If so what kind and how many of each?
 
Eliot Ness said:
Do you have any pads now? If so what kind and how many of each?
Click to expand...



I have none as of yet. I don't have my PC yet. I'm preparing to make a large purchase, and I want to make sure I have everything I'm going to need. I plan on doing my wife's car, my brother's, a friend's and Mine :D



Wife's first: 97 Mazda 626 - Metallic Silver

Mine 2nd: 2000 BMW 328ci - Bright Red

Brother's 3rd: 2001 Mustang GT - Dark Green (he's neglected it for about 2 years. Should be an awesome transformation.)

Friend: 2001 VW Jetta - Red (Also should be a decent change.)



So I guess I might need a whole bunch of pads :) and some heavy cutting polish for the oxidation on the Stang and the Jetta.



Do you think I can complete a car in 1 day (excluding any multiple coats of wax/topper etc?):nixweiss
 
texas328ci said:
I have none as of yet. ..........Do you think I can complete a car in 1 day (excluding any multiple coats of wax/topper etc?):nixweiss
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The first few times may take longer because you're getting used to setting stuff up, experimenting with products, etc. but you should be able to complete a car in a day unless you get stuck on some particularly bad paint defects. If not don’t worry about it, with experience comes better and faster results.



On your pads, you should figure at least one pad for each product you’re going to use. So looking at your product list you’ll need:



IP: polish pad

FP: polish pad

AIO: polish pad

NXT: polish or finish pad

SG: usually applied by hand

Still thinking about the topper: if the topper is applied with the PC then another finish pad.



Add in a cutting pad if needed for more severe defects.



If using AIO, I would go right to SG, I wouldn’t put NXT on between AIO and SG (or put NXT over SG as a topper.... it has cleaners that may remove some of the SG).



Once you figure how many pads you may need it wouldn’t hurt to order an extra polish and finish pad, you’ll eventually use them!
 
Scottwax said:
I like Meguiars #80 Speed Glaze followed by either Vanilla Moose or PBs Polish w/carnauba and either #16 Pro Paste Wax or Pinnacle Souveran.



From what I understand, the Menzerna polishes are excellent and UPP is a very wet looking sealant. You can't go wrong with that route either.
Click to expand...
Bingo, couldnt agree more ! Although i cant speek for Menz., 80 is awesome followed by VM or Plat.....
 
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